Biological properties of lactobacillus

Abstract

Lactobacillus are an important component of the human and animal resident microflora. Lactobacillus possess a pronounced antagonist activity with respect to pathogens and conditionally pathogens as well as to other kinds and even to lactobacillus strains. Lactobacillus have immunomodulatory and antineoplastic effects, decrease cholesterol content and synthesize vitamins and other bioactive substances. Along with the positive effect on the human health lactobacillus may be a reason of diseases of people with secondary immunodeficiency. L. casei sp. rhamnosus, L. plantarum, L. brevis, L. lactis, L. fermentum, L. acidophilus and L. salivarius have been registered as causative agents. Hyperlactacidemia syndrome of children during bowels colonization by L. fermentum and L. buchneri has been described. Some L. buchneri strains are able to synthesize histamine that may be a reason of food toxicosis. Lactobacillus strains used as probiotics for correction of resident microflora imbalance as well as in production of functional foods, should not possess the properties, negatively affecting a human organism.