Open AccessThe interaction between bacteria and bile
Author(s) -
Begley Máire,
Gahan Cormac G.M.,
Hill Colin
Publication year - 2005
Publication title -
fems microbiology reviews
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 5.91
H-Index - 212
eISSN - 1574-6976
pISSN - 0168-6445
DOI - 10.1016/j.femsre.2004.09.003
Subject(s) - biology , bacteria , microbiology and biotechnology , gastrointestinal tract , virulence , antimicrobial , microorganism , bile acid , biochemistry , genetics , gene
Commensal and pathogenic microorganisms must resist the deleterious actions of bile in order to survive in the human gastrointestinal tract. Herein we review the current knowledge on the mechanisms by which Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative bacteria contend with bile stress. We describe the antimicrobial actions of bile, assess the variations in bile tolerance between bacterial genera and examine the interplay between bile stress and other stresses. The molecular mechanisms underlying bile tolerance are investigated and the relationship between bile and virulence is examined. Finally, the potential benefits of bile research are briefly discussed.