Chapter 1 - Probiotic Microorganisms and Their Benefit to Human Health

Abstract

In this chapter a comprehensive overview of the most common microorganisms with probiotic properties is given. Basic methods for studying the characteristics of probiotic bacteria and fungi are noted as well as some mechanisms and health claims, based on clinical evidence of recent reviews. The most common probiotic microbes that belong to the formerly very diverse genus Lactobacillus, which has just been reclassified into 25 genera, are discussed in this chapter. Some of the species have remained in the genus Lactobacillus, including Lactobacillus acidophilus and Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus. However, other species have been reassigned to novel genera, whereas the species names themselves have remained unchanged. Other common probiotic microorganisms belonging to the genera and species of Bifidobacterium (e.g., Bifidobacterium infantis, Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis, Bifidobacterium longum), Pediococcus acidilactici, Lactococcus lactis, Leuconostoc mesenteroides, Propionibacterium acidipropionici, Enterococcus faecium, Streptococcus thermophilus, Bacillus subtilis, Clostridium butyricum, Escherichia coli, and yeasts (e.g., Saccharomyces boulardii) are likewise reviewed. In addition, information on next-generation probiotics, including Bacteroides xylanisolvens, Bacteroides fragilis, Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron, Akkermansia muciniphila, Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, Prevotella copri, Christensenella minuta, and Parabacteroides goldsteinii, is also provided.