Open AccessSelecting, testing and understanding probiotic microorganisms
Author(s) -
Reid Gregor,
Kim Sung O.,
Köhler Gerwald A.
Publication year - 2006
Publication title -
fems immunology & medical microbiology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1574-695X
pISSN - 0928-8244
DOI - 10.1111/j.1574-695x.2005.00026.x
Subject(s) - probiotic , biology , human health , antibiotics , microbiology and biotechnology , bacteria , environmental health , medicine , genetics
The interest in probiotics and the modulation of microbiota for restoring and maintaining health continues to gain momentum. Research is fueled by a need to develop alternatives to antibiotics and drugs that have severe side effects. It is recognised that bacteria play a major role in human and animal health, and how scientific advances help to explain how and when probiotics work. This minireview provides an update on critical studies, particularly since 2002, that are helping to explain the mechanisms of action of probiotic organisms.