Description
Bifidobacterium are Gram-positive, heterofermentative, anaerobic bacteria with a distinctive bifid; i.e. Y shape after which they are named. They wre originally isolated from the faeces of breast-fed infants, members of the genus Bifidobacterium are commonly found in the GI tract of mammals. In humans, Bifidobacterium resides within the GI tract, from birth to old age. Disturbances in the microbiota are linked to an ever-growing number of immune-linked disease states including IBD, atopic allergy, arthritis, and obesity. Therefore, there is a significant interest in treating these diseases through microbial or "probiotic" supplementation of patients, including Bifidobacterium. Data from mouse models and clinical trials indicate that Bifidobacterium may have beneficial effects for treating and preventing immune-linked diseases, including gut-associated and systemic conditions. Bifidobacterium have been commercially exploited as probiotic agents due to their associated health benefits and GRAS.