Bifidobacterium bifidum

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Bifidobacterium bifidum
Scientific classification
Domain: Bacteria
Phylum: Actinobacteria
Class: Actinobacteria
Order: Bifidobacteriales
Family: Bifidobacteriaceae
Genus: Bifidobacterium
Species: bifidum
Binomial name
Bifidobacterium bifidum


Bifidobacterium bifidum bacteria [1]

Bifidobacterium.jpg

Description and significance

Bifidobacteria are included in a subsection of bacteria known as probiotics. Probiotics are a natural occurrence in the human body, contributing to the beneficial micro flora in the mouth, intestinal tract, as well as vagina. Bifidobacteria help promote digestion, augment the immune system, contribute to the production of lactic and acetic acid, which help control intestinal pH, and in some cases is also associated with a lower incidence of allergies.

Genome structure

Bifidobacterium bifidum has a circular chromosome with a G-C content of approximately 55-67%.

Cell structure and metabolism

Bifidobacteria are Gram-positive, anaerobic, and nonmotile. The characteristic rod or clubbed shape of Bifidobacterium bifidum varies from 0.5-1.3 μm x 1.5-8 μm. They can be found single or associated in clusters and V-shaped pairs. These bacteria are commonly found curved and in a branched confirmation.

Ecology

Pathology

Application to Biotechnology

Current Research

"Effects of galactooligosaccharide and long-chain fructooligosaccharide supplementation during pregnancy on maternal and neonatal microbiota and immunity- a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study."

"Exploring the diversity of the bifidobacterial population in the human intestinal tract."

"Isolation of bifidobacteria from breast milk and assessment of the bifidobacterial population by PCR-denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis and quantitative real-time PCR."

References

[1]↑Martin, R., Jimenez, E., Heilig, H., Fernandez, L., Marin, M.L., Zoetendal, E.G., Rodriguez, J.M. “Isolation of bifidobacteria from breast milk and assessment of the bifidobacterial population by PCR-denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis and quantitative real-time PCR”. Appl Environ Microbiol. February, 2009. Vol. 75, Issue 4. p. 965-9

[2]↑Shadid, R., Haarman, M., Knol, J., Theis, W., Beermann, C., Rjosk-Dendorfer, D., Schendel, D., Koletzko, B., Krauss-Etschmann, S. “Effects of galactooligosaccharide and long-chain fructooligosaccharide supplementation during pregnancy on maternal and neonatal microbiota and immunity-a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study”. Am J Clin Nutr. 2009. Vol. 86. p. 1426-37

[3]↑Turroni, F., Foroni, E., Pizzetti, P., Giubellini, V., Ribbera, A., Merusi, P., Cagnasso, P., Bizzarri, B., de'Angelis, G.L., Shanahan, F., van Sinderen, D., Ventura, M. “Exploring the diversity of the bifidobacterial population in the human intestinal tract”. Appl Environ Microbiol. March, 2009. Vol. 75, Issue 6. p. 1534-45

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