Scientists discovered a new type of beneficial bacteria called Pediococcus acidilactici P10 from Iranian chickens that could help keep animals healthy. Using lab tests and genetic analysis, researchers found this bacteria can survive stomach acid, fight harmful germs, and stick to the intestines where it can do the most good. The bacteria also has a special defense system against viruses built into its DNA. These findings suggest P10 could become a natural way to improve chicken health and potentially be used in functional foods for humans.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Whether a newly discovered bacteria from chickens has the right properties to be a good probiotic (a helpful bacteria that improves health)
  • Who participated: Laboratory studies using bacteria samples and intestinal cells; no human or animal subjects were directly involved in testing
  • Key finding: The P10 bacteria survived 95-99% intact in acidic stomach conditions and showed strong ability to fight disease-causing germs, plus it has a unique genetic defense system against viruses
  • What it means for you: This bacteria may eventually be used to keep chickens healthier without antibiotics, and possibly in probiotic foods for people, though human testing hasn’t happened yet

The Research Details

Researchers took bacteria samples from healthy Iranian chickens and isolated a strain called P10. They then ran multiple lab tests to see if it had probiotic qualities: testing if it could survive in acidic conditions like the stomach, if it could resist bile (digestive fluid), if it could fight bad bacteria, and if it could attach to intestinal cells. They also sequenced the bacteria’s complete genetic code (DNA) to understand what genes gave it these abilities. This combination of lab testing and genetic analysis allowed them to confirm both what the bacteria could do and why it could do it.

By combining practical lab tests with genetic information, scientists can be more confident that a probiotic will actually work and understand exactly how it works. This approach is more thorough than just testing what the bacteria does, because it shows the genetic basis for those abilities.

The study used established scientific methods for testing probiotics and published in a reputable journal (Scientific Reports). However, this is laboratory research only—the bacteria hasn’t been tested in living animals or humans yet, so real-world effectiveness remains unknown. The study is thorough in its genetic analysis but limited because it doesn’t show whether the bacteria actually improves health in practice.

What the Results Show

The P10 bacteria showed excellent survival in simulated stomach acid, with 95-99% of bacteria surviving—this is important because probiotics need to reach the intestines alive to be helpful. The bacteria also survived in bile salts at a 55% rate, which is reasonable for a probiotic. When tested against harmful bacteria, P10 showed strong antimicrobial activity, meaning it could fight off disease-causing germs. The genetic analysis revealed that P10 carries genes for producing bacteriocins, which are natural antibiotic-like substances that help kill bad bacteria. Additionally, P10 showed strong ability to stick to intestinal cells, which is crucial because probiotics need to attach to the intestinal wall to be effective.

The most notable discovery was that P10 has a complete CRISPR-Cas system—essentially a built-in immune system that bacteria use to fight viruses. This system had 17 different viral defense mechanisms already loaded into it. The genetic analysis also found 59 genes in P10 that aren’t found in other related bacteria strains, suggesting this particular bacteria has unique abilities we don’t fully understand yet. These unique genes might give P10 special advantages for survival or health benefits.

This research adds to growing evidence that probiotics from traditional sources (like chickens raised naturally) can have beneficial properties. The discovery of the CRISPR-Cas system in P10 is particularly notable because this defense mechanism is not commonly highlighted in probiotic research, making P10 potentially more unique than previously studied probiotics. The broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity matches what’s been seen in other promising probiotics, but the combination of features in P10 appears stronger than many alternatives.

This study only tested the bacteria in laboratory conditions, not in living animals or people. Lab results don’t always translate to real-world benefits. The study doesn’t show whether P10 actually improves chicken health or human health when consumed. The sample size and specific testing conditions aren’t fully detailed. Additionally, while the genetic analysis is thorough, some of the 59 unique genes haven’t been studied yet, so we don’t know what they do. More research in animals and eventually humans would be needed before P10 could be used as a commercial probiotic.

The Bottom Line

Based on this research, P10 is a promising candidate for further development as a probiotic for chickens and potentially for human use. However, confidence in real-world benefits is moderate because this is early-stage laboratory research. The next steps should be testing in actual chickens to see if it improves their health, and eventually human safety and effectiveness studies. Don’t expect P10 products on store shelves immediately—more research is needed first.

Poultry farmers and the animal agriculture industry should care about this research as a potential alternative to antibiotics in chickens. Probiotic manufacturers might be interested in developing P10 for functional foods. The general public should be aware this is promising early research but not yet proven in real-world use. People with compromised immune systems should wait for human safety data before considering any P10 products.

If P10 moves forward to animal testing, it could take 2-3 years to show whether it actually improves chicken health. Human clinical trials, if they happen, would take several more years. Realistic timeline for commercial availability: 5-10 years at minimum, assuming positive results in animal studies.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • If P10 becomes available as a probiotic supplement, users could track digestive health markers weekly: bowel regularity (1-7 scale), bloating or discomfort (1-10 scale), and energy levels (1-10 scale) to monitor personal response
  • Once P10 products are available, users could set a daily reminder to take the supplement at the same time each day, ideally with food, and log compliance in the app to maintain consistent use for at least 4 weeks to assess benefits
  • Create a 12-week tracking protocol measuring baseline digestive symptoms, weekly symptom logs, and monthly photos/notes on overall wellness. Compare results month-to-month to identify patterns and determine if the probiotic is providing personal benefits

This research describes laboratory findings only and has not been tested in living animals or humans. P10 is not currently available as a commercial product. Anyone considering probiotic supplements should consult with their healthcare provider, especially those with compromised immune systems, serious illnesses, or those taking medications. This article is for educational purposes and should not be considered medical advice. Always speak with a doctor before starting any new supplement regimen.