Detection and identification of oxalate-degrading bacteria from high oxalate containing vegetables

Abstract

Degradation of calcium oxalate (CaOx) by bacterial strains is a new and promising therapeutic approach for the treatment and management of disorders related to urinary stone formation. The present study focuses on the isolation and characterization of oxalate degrading bacteria from naturally spoiled samples of spinach, brinjal, cluster bean, and tomatoes. A total of five bacterial strains were isolated and morphologically characterized using Bergey’s manual of determinative bacteriology and molecular techniques. Among all five bacterial strains S1 showed morphological characteristics that resemble B. sphaericus, S2 was like Bacillus spp., S3 was like E. coli, S4 was like B. cereus whereas S5 was a B. subtilis. Oxalate degrading ability was assessed by agar well diffusion method on calcium oxalate containing ATCC 1352 media and nucleation assay, the results show that all bacterial strains can degrade CaOx crystal significantly higher than that of standard drug, cystone. Further detailed investigation of these bacterial strains that grow on oxalate-enriched vegetables is necessary to establish the therapeutic potential for the management of kidney stone disease.