Open AccessFactors involved in the colonization and survival of bifidobacteria in the gastrointestinal tract
Author(s) -
GonzálezRodríguez Irene,
Ruiz Lorena,
Gueimonde Miguel,
Margolles Abelardo,
Sánchez Borja
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
fems microbiology letters
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.899
H-Index - 151
eISSN - 1574-6968
pISSN - 0378-1097
DOI - 10.1111/1574-6968.12056
Subject(s) - colonization , bifidobacterium , biology , human gastrointestinal tract , gastrointestinal tract , microbiology and biotechnology , population , host (biology) , lactobacillus , colonisation resistance , bacteria , gut flora , immunology , ecology , medicine , genetics , environmental health , biochemistry
Probiotics are live microorganisms that when administered in adequate amounts confer a health benefit on the host. They are mainly bacteria from the genera L actobacillus and B ifidobacterium . Traditionally, functional properties of lactobacilli have been studied in more detail than those of bifidobacteria. However, many recent studies have clearly revealed that the bifidobacterial population in the human gut is far more abundant than the population of lactobacilli. Although the ‘beneficial gut microbiota’ still remains to be elucidated, it is generally believed that the presence of bifidobacteria is associated with a healthy status of the host, and scientific evidence supports the benefits attributed to specific B ifidobacterium strains. To carry out their functional activities, bifidobacteria must be able to survive the gastrointestinal tract transit and persist, at least transiently, in the host. This is achieved using stress response mechanisms and adhesion and colonization factors, as well as by taking advantage of specific energy recruitment pathways. This review summarizes the current knowledge of the mechanisms involved in facilitating the establishment, colonization, and survival of bifidobacteria in the human gut.