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PubMedDate not supplied

Chemical, microbial and sensory changes during the anaerobic cold storage of beef inoculated with a homofermentative Lactobacillus sp. or a Leuconostoc sp.

Slices of beef were inoculated with about 3.5 log cfu/cm2 of Lactobacillus sp. 93 SMRICC 235 (homofermentative) or Leuconostoc sp. 89 SMRICC 189 and stored in 5% CO2 + 95% N2 at 4 degrees C. The microbial, chemical (glucose, L-lactate, D-lactate, acetate, formate, ethanol, H2S) and sensory changes of the beef slices were studied. For beef inoculated with Lactobacillus sp. 93 the flavour score started to decrease when the maximum bacterial count was reached. Leuconostoc sp. 89 caused a rapid decrease in the flavour score before reaching the maximum bacterial count. Concentrations of acetate and D-lactate increased while glucose and L-lactate decreased in beef slices inoculated with Lactobacillus sp. 93. In the presence of Leuconostoc sp. 89 ethanol and D-lactate increased while glucose decreased. Lactobacillus sp. 93 formed the highest level of H2S, and a sulphurous off-odour was noted only in the presence of this strain. D-Lactate and acetate indicated high numbers of Lactobacillus sp. 93 on the meat surface, while D-lactate and ethanol indicated high numbers of Leuconostoc sp. 89. More studies are needed in order to correlate levels of D-lactate, acetate and ethanol with sensory changes.

Acetates↗
PubMed2005

Antibiotic susceptibility profiles of new probiotic Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium strains.

The antimicrobial susceptibilities and presence of plasmids in four new probiotic lactic acid bacteria (LAB) strains, Lactobacillus rhamnosus HN001 (DR20) HN067, Lactobacillus acidophilus HN017 and Bifidobacterium lactis HN019 (DR10), were determined. Resistance to 18 commonly used antibiotics was assessed by disk diffusion. The three Lactobacillus strains had similar antibiotic susceptibility profiles to those of Lactobacillus plantarum strain HN045 and two commercial probiotic Lactobacillus strains, GG and LA-1. The B. lactis strain HN019 had a similar profile to three commercial probiotic B. lactis strains (Bb12, HN049 and HN098). All 10 strains were sensitive to the Gram-positive spectrum antibiotics erythromycin and novobiocin, the broad-spectrum antibiotics rifampicin, spectinomycin, tetracycline and chloramphenicol and the beta-lactam antibiotics penicillin, ampicillin and cephalothin. By contrast, most strains were resistant to the Gram-negative spectrum antibiotics fusidic acid, nalidixic acid and polymyxin B and the aminoglycosides neomycin, gentamicin, kanamycin and streptomycin. All three L. rhamnosus strains (HN001, HN067 and GG) were resistant to vancomycin and several strains were also resistant to cloxacillin. Of the four new probiotic strains, only L. rhamnosus HN001 contained plasmids; however, a plasmid-free derivative of HN001 had the same antibiotic susceptibility profile as the parent strain.

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗
PubMed2006

Lactobacillus paracasei A survives gastrointestinal passage and affects the fecal microbiota of healthy infants.

This study focuses on the potentiality of a putative probiotic strain, Lactobacillus paracasei A, to survive gastrointestinal (GI) passage and modulate the resident microbiota of healthy infants. In a placebo-controlled study, 26 children aged 12-24 months received 100 g/day of either fermented milk containing strain A or pasteurized yogurt for four weeks. Fecal samples were analyzed before starting the administration, after 1, 3 and 4 weeks of consumption and after washout. The fate of strain A was followed by means of a newly developed PCR targeting a strain-specific genomic marker. The composition and dynamics of fecal microbial communities during the study were analyzed by culturing on selective media and by the PCR-denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) technique using universal and group-specific (Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium) primers. The variation in enzymatic activities in infant feces during probiotic consumption was also analyzed. Strain A survived in fecal samples in most (92%) of the infants examined after 1 week of consumption, and temporarily dominated the intestinal Lactobacillus community. The administration of L. paracasei A led to a significant increment in the Lactobacillus population, while a moderate effect upon the main bacterial groups in the GI ecosystem was observed. Strain A also affected the diversity of the Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium populations. The fecal bacterial structure of 1 - 2-year-old infants seems to combine neonate and adult-like features. The microbiota of these subjects promptly responded to probiotic consumption, later restoring the endogenous equilibrium.

Cultured Milk Products↗
PubMed2004

In vitro inhibition of Eimeria tenella invasion by indigenous chicken Lactobacillus species.

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of indigenous chicken Lactobacillus species isolates from different parts of the gastrointestinal tract on Eimeria tenella invasion in vitro and to characterise the nature of inhibition, if any. The effects of competitive exclusion, steric interference and bacterial extracellular factors on E. tenella invasion were examined in an MDBK cell model. Several Lactobacillus species were initially isolated from chickens and identified by biochemical characteristics and 16S-rRNA. All Lactobacillus species isolates tested, significantly inhibited E. tenella invasion. Steric interference did not affect parasite invasion. Extracellular metabolic factors secreted by Lactobacillus species isolates into the surrounding media were shown to inhibit parasite invasion and these factors appeared to be heat stable. These results show that the natural microflora of poultry can provide a source of E. tenella-inhibiting Lactobacillus species in vitro, and thus may contribute to the control of Eimeria infection.

Animals↗
PubMed2003

Effect of spermicides on Lactobacillus acidophilus in vitro-nonoxynol-9 vs. Sapindus saponins.

Saponins extracted from the fruit pericarp of Sapindus mukorosii were tested for their bactericidal/bacteriostatic property against Lactobacillus acidophilus. Nonoxynol-9 was used as a reference compound for the comparison of activity. Lactobacillus colonies were grown on specific medium (Rogosa SL agar) containing different concentrations of saponins and nonoxynol-9 in an atmosphere of 5% CO2/95% air at 37 degrees C for 72 h. The number and size of colonies were recorded at the end of the experiment and compared with controls. Results indicated that nearly 90% of Lactobacillus colonies with minor reduction in size thrived at 0.05% concentration of saponins whereas only 18% of colonies with approximately 75% reduction in size grew in dishes containing 0.05% nonoxynol-9. At higher concentrations of saponins, there was a gradual, dose-dependent reduction in the number and size of colonies and at 2.5% concentration there was an approximately 55% reduction in the number and 60% reduction in the size of surviving colonies. No lactobacillus colonies, however, grew in dishes containing 0.1% and higher concentrations of nonoxynol-9. The studies indicate that Sapindus saponins as compared to nonoxynol-9 are far less toxic to lactobacillus species and therefore saponins containing spermicidal preparations are likely to be more vaginal-friendly than equivalent nonoxynol-9 preparations.

In Vitro Techniques↗
PubMed1997

Adhesion of Lactobacillus species in urine and phosphate buffer to silicone rubber and glass under flow.

Coating uroepithelial cells or catheter materials with lactobacilli has been shown to retard the development of a uropathogenic biofilm, with biosurfactant production and strong adhesion being two prerequisite properties of the Lactobacillus strains to be employed. In this paper, adhesion of six selected Lactobacillus strains to silicone rubber and glass in urine and in a phosphate buffer was studied using a parallel plate flow chamber. In addition, adhesive cell surface properties of the lactobacilli, i.e. the pH dependences of their zeta potentials and their hydrophobicities by water contact angles, were determined. L. acidophilus ATCC 4356 and L. fermentum B54 were the only strains showing significant adhesion to both hydrophobic silicone rubber and hydrophilic glass, possibly by virtue of their high cell surface hydrophobicities (water contact angles of 68 and 75 degrees, respectively) and small zeta potentials (-10.0 and -8.1 mV in buffer, respectively). Both hydrophobic Lactobacillus strains adhered less well in urine than in buffer. The remaining Lactobacillus strains studied were hydrophilic, with water contact angles between 25 and 36 degrees, and had highly negative zeta potentials, reaching -37.7 mV in buffer. Adhesion of these highly negatively charged, hydrophilic strains in buffer was essentially absent, while for some of these strains minor adhesion in urine was observed. This study demonstrates that the adhesion of lactobacilli to substrata differs with strain hydrophobicity and charge, and that urinary components can affect the ability of hydrophilic Lactobacillus strains to adhere to substrata.

Adult↗
PubMed2003

Three new insertion sequence elements ISLdl2, ISLdl3, and ISLdl4 in Lactobacillus delbrueckii: isolation, molecular characterization, and potential use for strain identification.

A group of new insertion sequence (IS) elements, ISLdl2, ISLdl3, and ISLdl4, from Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. lactis ATCC 15808 was isolated, characterized, and used for strain identification together with ISLdl1, recently characterized as an L. delbrueckii IS element belonging to the ISL3 family. ISLdl2 was 1367 bp in size and had a 24 bp IR and an 8 bp DR. The single ORF of ISLdl2 encoded a protein of 392 aa similar to transposases of the IS256 family. ISLdl3 had a single ORF encoding a protein of 343 aa similar to transposases of the IS30 family. Finally, ISLdl4 had a single ORF encoding a protein of 406 aa and displayed homology to the transposases of the IS110 family. ISLdl4 was only slight different from ISL4 (Accession No. AY040213). ISLdl1, ISLdl2, and ISLdl4 were present in all of the 10 L. delbrueckii subsp. lactis and subsp. delbrueckii strains tested, as well as in three of the 11 L. delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus strains tested. ISLdl3 was present only in four closely related strains of L. delbrueckii subsp. lactis. These IS elements were not observed in Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus helveticus, or Lactobacillus plantarum. A cluster of IS elements, ISLdl1, ISLdl2, ISLdl3, ISLdl4, and ISL6, was observed in L. delbrueckii subsp. lactis strain ATCC 15808. Within this cluster, ISLdl4 was inserted into ISLdl1 between the left IR and the start codon of ORF455, encoding a putative transposase. Most of the integration sites of the IS elements were strain-specific. We have observed that IS elements can migrate from one strain to another as integral parts of bacterial DNA by using phage LL-H as a vehicle. We demonstrate for the first time that inverse PCR and vectorette PCR methods with primers based on sequences of the IS elements could be used for identification of L. delbrueckii strains.

Bacteriophages↗
PubMed2001

Evidence for proteolytic activity and biogenic amines production in Lactobacillus curvatus and L. homohiochii.

After screening 372 strains of Lactobacillus spp. isolated from a Portuguese traditional dry fermented sausage, two Lactobacillus strains, a Lactobacillus homohiochii and a L. curvatus were selected, because they were positive for tyrosine and ornithine decarboxylase activities. Evidence for extracellular proteolytic activity was also demonstrated for the two Lactobacillus strains, with some strain variation in terms of specific activities towards different substrates. Proteolytic activity was shown to be maximal in the early exponential growth. This proteolytic activity was higher when cells were grown in a peptide-rich medium such as MRS, when compared to skim milk. A study using several protease inhibitors showed that this activity is associated with metalloproteases in the case of the L. curvatus strain, but for L. homohiochii besides metalloproteases, serine-type proteases are also involved. In proteinaceous substrates, like dry fermented sausages, the formation of the biogenic amines putrescine and tyramine cannot be excluded when ongoing proteolysis leads to their precursors, as it is the case in the presence of these proteolytic Lactobacillus strains. Their ability to produce biogenic amines may be used as an index of microbial quality of the fermented meat product.

Animals↗
PubMed1998

Effect of intestinal Lactobacillus starter cultures on the behaviour of Staphylococcus aureus in fermented sausage.

The effects of Lactobacillus strains isolated from intestinal tracts for starter cultures of fermented sausage on the growth rate and enterotoxin production of Staphylococcus aureus were studied at two fermentation temperatures of 20 degrees C and 35 degrees C. Initial inoculated populations in the sausage batter were approx. 10(4) cfu/g for S. aureus and 10(7) cfu/g for the Lactobacillus strain as a starter culture. Samples of sausage were taken during fermentation and analyzed for pH and microbial populations. In control lots without inoculation of Lactobacillus strains, staphylococcal enterotoxin was detected during fermentation at each temperature. Of three intestinal Lactobacillus strains, L. rhamnosus FERM P-15120 and L. paracasei subsp. paracasei FERM P-15121 inhibited the growth and enterotoxin production of S. aureus in sausages during fermentation at both temperatures, although L. acidophilus FERM P-15119 could not satisfactorily suppress them. The effect of the two selected strains in meat fermentation (i.e., fermentation time, acid production, inhibition of S. aureus) was the same as that of a commercial L. sake starter culture for fermented sausage. These results suggest the intestinal Lactobacillus strains selected in this study could be utilized as a starter culture to produce new fermented meat products that are microbiologically safe.

Colony Count, Microbial↗
PubMed1999

Arginine dihydrolase pathway in Lactobacillus plantarum from orange.

Lactobacillus plantarum N8 and N4 strains isolated from orange degraded L-arginine to citrulline, ornithine and ammonia. Citrulline and ornithine were consumed. Lactobacillus plantarum N4 utilized arginine and ornithine to a higher extent than Lactobacillus plantarum N8. Urea was not detected during arginine degradation, indicating that the amino acid degradation was carried out only by the arginine dihydrolase pathway. Citrulline increased the growth of the two strains, arginine only increased the growth of Lactobacillus plantarum N4. Ornithine did not modify the growth of the strains studied. With different behavior, Lactobacillus plantarum N8 and N4 strains were able to derive energy and ammonia from arginine or citrulline catabolism. This is interesting for microorganisms developing in a stressful environment.

Ammonia↗
PubMed2002

Failure of Lactobacillus spp. to prevent bacterial translocation in a rat model of experimental cirrhosis.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Prophylaxis of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis in cirrhotic patients with norfloxacin is associated with emergence of quinolone-resistant Enterobacteriaceae. We investigated whether an alternative strategy with Lactobacillus prevents bacterial translocation and ascitic fluid infection in cirrhotic rats. METHODS: CCl(4)-induced cirrhotic rats with ascites (n=34) were allocated to treatment with oral Lactobacillus strain GG at 1-2 x 10(9) cfu/day for 8-10 days (group LGG) or milk (group MILK). In addition, 20 cirrhotic rats were given a single dose of 15 mg norfloxacin orally and then allocated to Lactobacillus (group NOR-LGG) or milk (group NOR-MILK). Ten healthy rats served as control. After sacrifice the cecal flora were analyzed and the prevalence of bacterial translocation and ascitic fluid infection assessed. RESULTS: Cecal colonization with Lactobacillus was achieved in 90% of treated rats. The prevalence of bacterial translocation to mesenteric lymph nodes was 10% in control rats and 93, 84, 70 and 100% in groups MILK, LGG, NOR-MILK and NOR-LGG, respectively (P>0.1 for comparison of treatment groups), the prevalence of ascitic fluid infection was 60, 32, 40 and 40% (P>0.1). Bacterial translocation of Lactobacillus was observed in 24% of rats treated. CONCLUSION: Lactobacilli fail to prevent bacterial translocation and ascitic fluid infection in experimental cirrhosis in spite of successful intestinal colonization.

Animals↗
PubMed2002

Effect of Lactobacillus johnsonii La1 and antioxidants on intestinal flora and bacterial translocation in rats with experimental cirrhosis.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Probiotics and antioxidants could be alternatives to antibiotics in the prevention of bacterial infections in cirrhosis. The aim of the present study was to determine the effect of Lactobacillus johnsonii La1 and antioxidants on intestinal flora, endotoxemia, and bacterial translocation in cirrhotic rats. METHODS: Twenty-nine Sprague-Dawley rats with cirrhosis induced by CCl(4) and ascites received Lactobacillus johnsonii La1 10(9)cfu/day in vehicle (antioxidants: vitamin C+glutamate) (n=10), vehicle alone (n=11), or water (n=8) by gavage. Another eight non-cirrhotic rats formed the control group. After 10 days of treatment, a laparotomy was performed to determine microbiological study of ileal and cecal feces, bacterial translocation, endotoxemia, and intestinal malondialdehyde (MDA) levels as index of intestinal oxidative damage. RESULTS: Intestinal enterobacteria and enterococci, bacterial translocation (0/11 and 0/10 vs. 5/8, P<0.01), and ileal MDA levels (P<0.01) were lower in cirrhotic rats treated with antioxidants alone or in combination with Lactobacillus johnsonii La1 compared to cirrhotic rats receiving water. Only rats treated with antioxidants and Lactobacillus johnsonii La1 showed a decrease in endotoxemia with respect to cirrhotic rats receiving water (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Antioxidants alone or in combination with Lactobacillus johnsonii La1 can be useful in preventing bacterial translocation in cirrhosis.

Animals↗
PubMed2003

Chromosomal location of the genetic determinants for bacteriocins produced by Lactobacillus gasseri K7.

The production of similar or even identical bacteriocins by different lactic acid bacteria is not a rare event. To take advantage of this finding, genetic determinants of the Lactobacillus K7 bacteriocins were tested for putative homologies with previously described bacteriocins of the Lactobacillus acidophilus group through polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Among specific primer pairs of seven known bacteriocins, derived from their respective sequences, only acidocin LF221 A and B primers amplified fragments in chromosomal DNA of K7 strain that revealed strong similarity over small regions of LF221 bacteriocins. Treatment of Lactobacillus K7 with ethidium bromide and mitomycin C was ineffective in generating non-bacteriocinogenic derivatives and had no impact on plasmid loss either. Classification studies elucidated Lactobacillus K7 as a member of the Lactobacillus gasseri species.

Bacteriocins↗
PubMed2001

The effect of oral administration of Lactobacillus GG on antibiotic-associated gastrointestinal side-effects during Helicobacter pylori eradication therapy.

BACKGROUND: One-week triple therapy is currently considered the golden standard against Helicobacter pylori. However, gastrointestinal side-effects are among the major pitfalls in such regimens. Probiotic supplementation might help to prevent or reduce such drug-related manifestations. AIM: To determine whether adding the probiotic Lactobacillus GG to an anti-H. pylori regimen could help to prevent or minimize the gastrointestinal side-effects burden. METHODS: Sixty healthy asymptomatic subjects screened positive for H. pylori infection were randomized to 1 week rabeprazole (20 mg b.d.), clarithromycin (500 mg b.d.), tinidazole (500 b.d.) and the probiotic Lactobacillus GG for 14 days or to the same regimen with a placebo preparation. Patients completed validated questionnaires during the week of treatment and during the following 3 weeks, to determine the type and severity of side-effects and an overall judgement of tolerability. RESULTS: Diarrhoea, nausea and taste disturbance were significantly reduced in the Lactobacillus GG supplemented group (relative risk=0.1, 95% CI: 0.1-0.9; relative risk=0.3, 95% CI: 0.1-0.9; relative risk=0.5, 95% CI: 0.2-0.9, respectively). An overall assessment of treatment tolerability showed a significant difference in favour of the Lactobacillus GG supplemented group (P=0.04). CONCLUSIONS: Lactobacillus GG supplementation showed a positive impact on H. pylori therapy-related side-effects and on overall treatment tolerability.

2-Pyridinylmethylsulfinylbenzimidazoles↗
PubMed2003

Effect of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG on ileal pouch inflammation and microbial flora.

BACKGROUND: Preliminary trials of probiotics in preventing recurrent chronic pouchitis have been encouraging. AIM: To investigate the efficacy of Lactobacillus GG supplementation as primary therapy for ileal pouch inflammation, and its effect on the microbial flora. METHODS: Twenty patients, with a previous history of pouchitis and endoscopic inflammation, were recruited for a prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of Lactobacillus GG supplementation (10 LGG, 10 placebo) in two gelatine capsules [(0.5-1) x 10(10) colony-forming units/capsule] b.d. for 3 months. Quantitative bacterial culture of fresh faecal samples and biopsies taken from the pouch and afferent limb was performed before and after supplementation. RESULTS: Lactobacillus GG supplementation changed the pouch intestinal flora by increasing the ratio of total faecal lactobacilli to total faecal anaerobes (P = 0.03) and enhancing the frequency of lactobacilli-positive cultures in the pouch and afferent limb mucosal biopsy samples. However, only 40% of patients were colonized with Lactobacillus GG. No differences were observed between the groups with regard to the mean pouchitis disease activity index or the total anaerobes or aerobes of faecal or tissue biopsy samples. CONCLUSIONS: A single-strain probiotic bacterium supplement of Lactobacillus GG changed the pouch intestinal bacterial flora, but was ineffective as primary therapy for a clinical or endoscopic response. More clinical trials are needed to evaluate the right placement and dosage of probiotics within a treatment regimen for pouchitis.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Ecophysiological attributes of a Lactobacillus sp. and a Pseudomonas sp. on sterile beef fillets in relation to storage temperature and film permeability.

AIMS: To determine the combined effect of packaging film and temperature on the rate and type of end-products caused by the growth of two main contrasting prevailing organisms in air and 100% CO2, Pseudomonas sp. and Lactobacillus sp., respectively. METHODS AND RESULTS: Pseudomonas sp. and Lactobacillus sp. were inoculated individually on sterile meat fillets. The samples were packed in air or 100% CO2, using a high and a low permeable film, and stored at 0 and 10 degrees C. Pseudomonas sp. grew aerobically and in 100% CO2 using high permeable film at both storage temperatures, while film permeability significantly affected the growth of Lactobacillus sp. only at 10 degrees C. Enzymatic kits and HPLC and GC analysis were used to determine the chemical changes of the samples throughout storage. Pseudomonas sp. presented a greater rate of consumption of glucose and lactate than Lactobacillus sp. in samples stored aerobically or with high permeable film. Propanol-1 and two unidentified organic acids were present only in samples inoculated with Pseudomonas sp., while acetaldehyde, ethanol, diacetyl and acetoin were detected in samples inoculated with Lactobacillus sp. CONCLUSION: Since different microbial species and introduction of new packaging methods affect spoilage reactions of meat either qualitatively or quantitatively, a combination of several chemical indicators should be thoroughly investigated. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: The present study provides information on how and when such potential indicators can be exploited for the benefit of the industry and consumer.

Acetaldehyde↗
PubMed2001

Effect of lactobacillus supplementation on growth and nutrient utilization in mongrel pups.

Effect of lactobacillus supplementation was studied in eight Mongrel pups of about 10 weeks of age with a mean body weight of 5.2 kg divided into two equal groups, control (group C) and a probiotic supplemented group (group L). Both groups received the same feed (biscuit) which was for group L supplemented with 2 x 10(7) cfu of a Lactobacillus acidophilus strain. The feeding trial lasted 13 weeks and included a digestibility trial of six day during which feed and faeces were collected to assess intake and digestibility of nutrients. Growth was recorded as weekly live weight change and the physical, chemical and microbiological characteristics of stool were examined periodically to assess the effect of lactobacillus on intestinal health. The biscuits contained 89% DM, 32.6% CP, 5.8% ash and 12.7% EE with TDN, GE and ME content of 890 g, 19.6 MJ and 14.6 MJ per kg DM, respectively. The DM, OM, CP and GE digestibilities were between 76% to 79% and the EE digestibility was 93%. The CF digestibility was negligible (22%). There were no significant differences between the two groups. There was an appetite stimulation and a relatively higher DM intake (10 to 15%) which induced higher daily gain, 102 g in group L vs. 92 g in group C up to 19 weeks of age, the difference declined thereafter. The average daily gain during the whole period was 74.5 +/- 8.0 g and 81.6 +/- 6.0 g in group C and L, respectively, and the difference was statistically non-significant (P > 0.05). The stools showed similar physical properties and composition with acidic pH in both groups. Lactobacillus supplementation caused a competitive establishment in the gastrointestinal tract of pups. It can be concluded that lactobacillus supplementation shows a positive effect during active growth phase (up to 4.5 months of age), which became insignificant in the later period of life.

Animal Feed↗
PubMed1997

Lactobacillus bacteremia and endocarditis: review of 45 cases.

Lactobacilli are part of normal gastrointestinal and genitourinary flora but are an uncommon cause of bacteremia. We reviewed the cases of 45 patients with clinically significant lactobacillus bacteremia occurring over 15 years. Underlying conditions were common, including cancer (40%), recent surgery (38%), and diabetes mellitus (27%). Twenty-two patients were in the intensive care unit at the time of onset of lactobacillus bacteremia. Eleven of the 45 patients were receiving immunosuppressive therapy, 11 were receiving total parenteral nutrition, and 23 had received antibiotics without activity against Lactobacillus prior to the occurrence of bacteremia. Bacteremia was polymicrobial in 27 patients and developed during hospitalization in 39. Thirty-one patients died, but only one death was attributable to lactobacillus bacteremia. Lactobacilli are relatively avirulent pathogens that produce bacteremia in patients with serious underlying illnesses, many of whom have received prior antibiotic therapy that may select out for the organism. While rarely fatal in itself, lactobacillus bacteremia identifies patients with serious and rapidly fatal illness.

Adult↗