Open AccessGenomic and phenotypic evidence for probiotic influences of L actobacillus gasseri on human health
Author(s) -
Selle Kurt,
Klaenhammer Todd R.
Publication year - 2013
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 - 10.1111/1574-6976.12021
Subject(s) - lactobacillus gasseri , probiotic , biology , microbiology and biotechnology , lactobacillus acidophilus , bacteriocin , biofilm , antimicrobial , lactobacillus , diarrhea , bacteria , genetics , medicine
Certain lactic acid bacteria ( LAB ) have the capacity to occupy mucosal niches of humans, including the oral cavity, gastrointestinal tract, and vagina. Among commensal, LAB are species of the acidophilus complex, which have proven to be a substantial reservoir for microorganisms with probiotic attributes. Specifically, L actobacillus gasseri is an autochthonous microorganism which has been evaluated for probiotic activity based on the availability of genome sequence and species‐specific adaptation to the human mucosa. Niche‐related characteristics of L. gasseri contributing to indigenous colonization include tolerance of low pH environments, resistance to bile salts, and adhesion to the host epithelium. In humans, L . gasseri elicits various health benefits through its antimicrobial activity, bacteriocin production, and immunomodulation of the innate and adaptive systems. The genomic and empirical evidence supporting use of L . gasseri in probiotic applications is substantiated by clinical trial data displaying maintenance of vaginal homeostasis, mitigation of H elicobacter pylori infection, and amelioration of diarrhea.