Lactobacillus Bacteria in Breast Milk

Abstract

Breast milk is an optimal food for infants and toddlers. The composition of breast milk changes over time and adapts to the needs of the developing organism, satisfying nutritional needs at an early stage of growth and development. An important component of breast milk is the probiotic microflora. These microorganisms have multidirectional pro-health effects. The number of lactic acid bacteria, including Lactobacillus, colonizing the breast milk environment and their species diversity varies and depends on many factors, both maternal and environmental. The aim of our study is to assess the presence of Lactobacillus bacteria in breast milk samples and present the current understanding of probiotic bacteria of the genus Lactobacillus in breast milk. Research hypothesis: Bacteria of the genus Lactobacillus are present in the composition of breast milk. Our research are conducted on the group of breastfeeding women on various stages of lactation. We use techniques of bacterial cultivation on microbiological media and identification of microorganisms using the MALDI Biotyper IVD mass spectrometry. Up to date our research indicates the presence of Lactobacillus bacteria in approx. 30% of breast milk samples. Among the bacteria of the genus Lactobacillus, the most common are: L. gasseri and L.paracasei. Only some of the breastfeeding women contain Lactobacillus bacteria in breast milk.