Lactobacillus
RANK: Genus
TAXONOMY: Bacteria -> Terrabacteria group -> Firmicutes -> Bacilli -> Lactobacillales -> Lactobacillaceae -> Lactobacillus
OVERVIEW:
Lactobacillus, is a genus of Gram-positive facultative anaerobic or microaerophilic rod-shaped bacteria. They are a major part of the lactic acid bacteria group. In humans they are part of the vaginal microbiota. Many species in this genus have had their genome sequenced. Lactobacillus is a type of bacteria with multiple different species in the genus. Most Lactobacillus species in humans are considered harmless. Lactobacilli live in the urinary, digestive and genital tracts of humans. Lactobacillus is possibly effective for preventing diarrhea in children, or bacterial vaginal infections. However, it may be possibly ineffective for urinary tract infections, lactose intolerance, and yeast infections.While streptococci family bacteria (e.g. Streptococcus mutans) are the most common cause of tooth decay, other varieties of microbes can also cause dental caries. For example, although usually considered beneficial, some Lactobacillus species have been associated with cases of dental caries. Lactic acid has tooth corroding abilities, and the Lactobacillus count in saliva has been used as a 'caries test' for many years. This is one of the arguments used in support of the use of fluoride in toothpaste. Lactobacilli characteristically cause existing carious lesions to progress, especially those in coronal caries. The issue is, however, complex as recent studies show probiotics can allow beneficial lactobacilli to populate sites on teeth, preventing streptococci pathogens from taking hold and inducing dental decay. The scientific research of Lactobacilli in relation to oral health is a new field and only a few studies and results has been published. Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium synthesize gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) from monosodium glutamate. [PMID: 26598580]
Melatonin treatment increased Akkermansia muciniphila and Lactobacillus in sleep-deprived mice. [PMID: 32564539]
Lactobacilli are catalase negative Gram-positive microorganisms that produce mainly lactic acid as the major metabolic endproduct of carbohydrate fermentation. The most representative species of the genus Lactobacillus are known for their application in food fermentation and specific strains have been recognized as having probiotic properties. The health aspects of the lactobacilli have triggered many researchers to actively screen the many potential sources of these bacteria. As a result, an explosion of new species was observed over the last 15 years, with more than 150 validly named species early 2013. Despite the fact that many earlier described species were transferred to newly created genera (Atopobium, Carnobacterium, Eggerthia, Fructobacillus, Weissella, etc.) the genus remains heterogeneous in terms of phylogenetic and phenotypic markers. The genera Pediococcus and Paralactobacillus are intermingled with Lactobacillus, indicating that a further taxonomic subdivision of the genus is very likely, even necessary. Synonyms : Paralactobacillus
This genus contains microbial species that can reside in the human gastrointestinal tract. [PMC 4262072]
Microbial Abundance Data: Lactobacillus
(Percent of total population with standard deviation [PMID: 22698087]) |
| Group 1 | Group 2 | Group 3 | Group 4 |
| Group 1 Avg | Buccal
Mucosa | Keratinized
Gingiva | Hard
Palate |
Group 2 Avg | Throat | Throat | Tonsils | Saliva |
Group 3 Avg | Supragingival
Plaque | Subgingival
Plaque |
Stool |
0.025 %
(0.185) |
0.018 %
(0.066) |
0.004 %
(0.010) |
0.052 %
(0.477) |
0.053 %
(0.331) |
0.155 %
(1.018) |
0.010 %
(0.065) |
0.014 %
(0.073) |
0.035 %
(0.166) |
0.047 %
(0.551) |
0.011 %
(0.067) |
0.083 %
(1.034) |
0.016 %
(0.095) |
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