1. Pathogenesis of Bacterial Infections of the Intestinal Mucosa
2. Laboratory Models of Shigella Infection
3. Inhibitory Effects of Bifidobacterium on Cultured Cell Infection by Shigella
Experimentals
Inhibitory effects of B. infantis on HeLa cell infection by S. flexneri
Effect of various bacterial strains on HeLa cell infection by S. flexneri
Inhibitory effect of culture supernatant of B. infantis on cell infection by S. flexneri
Interaction in vitro between Shigella and Bifidobacterium
4. Concluding Remarks

View full abstract

In recent years there have been some startling advances made in the taxonomy of bifidobacteria. The bifidobacteria are classified as a distinct genus Bifidobacterium, and a number of species and biovars are now recognized. As better techniques for the study of bacteria are devised, more definitive information on importance of bifidobacteria as part of the intestinal flora of humans and animals has been obtained. Some ecological relationships of this organism are reviewed in this paper.

View full abstract

The intestinal flora of patients with leukemia was changed by chemotherapy. In many cases, Klebsiella, Citrobacter, and Proteus vulgaris, etc., which are normally sparse, increased greatly. Anaerobic bacteria, especially Bacteroides, also increased. Many cases of Candida overgrowth were also observed. This imbalance of intestinal microorganisms was counteracted by oral Bifidobacterium administration. Endotoxin in the blood and indican in the urine were tested in leukemia patients. These tests were positive in many cases and were reduced by Bifidobacterium administration.

View full abstract

Among 45 Bifidobacterium strains of adult origin, all required a sugar source (ex. lactose) and pantethine (or pantothenic acid), 35 strains required riboflavin, and 12 required thiamine as essential nutrients. Fifteen strains were able to grow on pantothenic acid as well as pantethine. Fewer than 9 strains required other nutrients. The sugar source (10 to 15 g/day), pantethine (50 mg/day) and riboflavin (5 mg/day) were orally administered to 2 healthy adults whose proportion of bifidobacteria in the intestinal florae was usually very low (less than 1% of total bacterial number). The sugar source was lactulose, raffinose or inulin. Pantethine and riboflavin were packed together in capsules and enteric-coated. Administration of both sugar source and vitamin capsules caused marked growth of bifidobacteria (more than 40% of total bacterial number) in both adults. Administration of the sugar source alone caused moderate growth of bifidobacteria (13%), while administration of the vitamin capsules alone was ineffective. These results indicate that the sugar source is essential for growth of bifidobacteria in adults, as well as in infants, and that administration of pantethine and riboflavin is important.

View full abstract