Review article
Probiotic effect of Bifidobacteria species
Mira Malija
; Mljekara "Dukat" d.d., M. Čavića 9, 10000 Zagreb
Ljerka Kršev
Abstract
Bifidobacteria are Gram-positive, strictly anaerobic rods, motionless and nonspore-forming microorganisms of different forms. At least 24 distinct Bifidobacteria species are known, and can be distinguished from each other by DNA - hybridization techniques and by the immunochemical properties of their transketolase isoenzymes. Bifidobacteria have a very beneficial effect on the health of man. They can exist and develop in human digestive system and they can produce important factors which prevent the growth of pathogenic microorganisms. They can also rehabilitate intestinal gut flora in patients on antibiotic therapy, or in patients whose intestinal flora has been disturbed for some other reason. Bifidobacteria dissolve carcinogenic N-nitrosamins. They reduce quantity of ammonia, free phenols and free a-amino nitrogen in the blood of patients with chronic liver disease. Among 24 species, known by now. Bifidobacterium bifidum is used in therapy of necrotic tumors, portal systemic encephalopathy as it reduces quantity of ammonia in the gastrointestinal tract. Bifidobacterium infantis reduces the number of malignant cells. Bifidobacteria play an important role in strengthening of the immune system of man. This finding can be used in medical treatment of people infected by AIDS. It is necessary to continue investigations of Bifidobacteria in the future, to confirm present results.
Keywords
Bifidobacterium species; characteristics; growth conditions; presence in children; application in clinical medicine; use in dairy industry
Hrčak ID:
95376
URI
Publication date:
10.4.1993.
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