PONE-D-25-35195Integrative genomic characterization of Pediococcus acidilactici strains reveals differing probiotic safety profilesPLOS ONE

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Reviewer #1: Yes

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Reviewer #1: N/A

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Reviewer #1: Yes

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Reviewer #1: Yes

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Reviewer #1: Overall comment:

1. The manuscript is well-organized and written.

2. The discussion is well-reasoned and integrates genetic discoveries with regulatory concerns, including the EFSA recommendations.

Recommendations

1. Abstract: "novel composite alignment" of tet(M); this terminology could be explained more precisely to aid the general readership.

2. Discussion: The observed susceptibility to tetracycline in the presence of tet(M) and resistance to clindamycin in the absence of comparable ARGs warrants further mechanistic discussion. Could gene silence, promoter inactivity, or undiscovered resistance factors be involved? Please discuss more about it.

3. Discussion: The discovery of katA and cfa, which are rarely seen in P. acidilactici, is interesting. These findings indicate potential innovative adaptations. Please find literature or brief contextualization to discuss.

4. S1 Fig. Hemolytic Activity Test of five Thai P. acidilactici strains: If you have a clearer image, please replace it for plate marked no. 5 and 6

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Reviewer #1: No

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Integrative genomic characterization of five Pediococcus acidilactici strains reveals differing probiotic safety profiles

PONE-D-25-35195R1

Dear Dr. Prapasarakul,

We’re pleased to inform you that your manuscript has been judged scientifically suitable for publication and will be formally accepted for publication once it meets all outstanding technical requirements.

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Kind regards,

Míriam R. García

Academic Editor

PLOS ONE