Growth Stimulation of Bifidobacteria by a Mixed Culture with Vitamin B₁₂-Producing Klebsiella pneumoniae IFO 13541

Abstract

Klebsiella pneumoniae IFO 13541 is a bacterium which produces vitamin B₁₂. The effect of vitamin B₁₂ on the growth of bifidobacteria was investigated. The addition of vitamin B₁₂ and /or PQQ to the culture medium showed a significant stimulatory effect on the growth of bifidobacteria. The interactions between K. pneumoniae IFO 13541 and Bifidobacterium bifidum A234-4 were investigated in a mixed culture. Under conditions in which both bacteria grew well in pure cultures, K. pneumoniae promoted the growth of B. bifidum.