What is the Lactobacillus species? High and low values | Lab results explained

Lactobacillus species is a type of bacteria. There are lots of different species of lactobacillus.

Lactobacillus bacteria are commonly found in the human gut, mouth and vagina. They are considered generally as “good bacteria”, and in fact may contribute to good health, often being included in probiotic supplements. These bacteria are characterized by their ability to produce lactic acid as a byproduct of glucose metabolism.

Lactobacillus is considered Gram-positive, which just means that they have a thick cell wall made of peptidoglycan (=consisting of sugars and amino acids).

Lactobacillus is a group of bacteria with more than 200 species. Lactobacillus bacteria have historically been used to make fermented dairy products.

Lactobacillus is important for gastrointestinal function, as they are involved in vitamin synthesis, natural antibiotic production, immune defense, digestion, detoxification of pro-carcinogens and a host of other activities. Ideally, levels of Lactobacillus should be 2+ or greater.

For women Lactobacillus species can also be considered a biomarkers and agent that can promote various aspects of vaginal health.

Lactobacillus Characteristics:
• Gram-positive, non-sporulating rods or coccobacilli
• Homofermentative (primarily lactic acid)
• Heterofermentative (lactic acid, CO2, ethanol & acetic acid)
• Digest & metabolize proteins & carbohydrates
• Synthesize B vitamins & vitamin K
• Catabolize bile salts
• Enhance innate & acquired immunity
• Inhibit pro-inflammatory mediators
• Antimicrobial activities against array of pathogens:
–Pseudomonas, E. coli, Staph. aureus, Salmonella,
–Shigella, C. difficile, Candida & Helicobacter pylori

Lower levels:

Lower levels have been seen in Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS):

– Decreased Lactobacillus, Collinsella

– Increased Clostridium, Ruminococcus, Veilonella

In a study conducted in India faecal lactobacilli were significantly lower in anaemic women.

References:

• Anti-infective activities of lactobacillus strains in the human intestinal microbiota: from probiotics to gastrointestinal anti-infectious biotherapeutic agents. [L]
• Lactobacillus species as biomarkers and agents that can promote various aspects of vaginal health [L]
• Lactobacillus acidophilus: characterization of the species and application in food production. [L]
• Ecological Role of Lactobacilli in the Gastrointestinal Tract: Implications for Fundamental and Biomedical Research [L]
• Low levels of fecal lactobacilli in women with iron-deficiency anaemia in south India [L]
• Lactobacillus species: taxonomic complexity and controversial susceptibilities. [L]

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