''Bifidobacterium bifidum'' is a bacterial species of the genus ''

Bifidobacterium ''Bifidobacterium'' is a genus of gram-positive, nonmotile, often branched anaerobic bacteria. They are ubiquitous inhabitants of the gastrointestinal tract though strains have been isolated from the vagina and mouth ('' B. dentium'') of mammal ...

''. ''B. bifidum'' is one of the most common

probiotic Probiotics are live microorganisms promoted with claims that they provide health benefits when consumed, generally by improving or restoring the gut microbiota. Probiotics are considered generally safe to consume, but may cause bacteria- host ...

bacteria that can be found in the body of mammals, including humans.

Structure and characteristics

''B. bifidum'' is a

Gram-positive In bacteriology, gram-positive bacteria are bacteria that give a positive result in the Gram stain test, which is traditionally used to quickly classify bacteria into two broad categories according to their type of cell wall. Gram-positive bact ...

anaerobic Anaerobic means "living, active, occurring, or existing in the absence of free oxygen", as opposed to aerobic which means "living, active, or occurring only in the presence of oxygen." Anaerobic may also refer to: * Anaerobic adhesive, a bonding a ...

bacterium that is neither

motile Motility is the ability of an organism to move independently, using metabolic energy. Definitions Motility, the ability of an organism to move independently, using metabolic energy, can be contrasted with sessility, the state of organisms th ...

nor spore-forming. The bacterium is rod-shaped and can be found living in clusters, pairs, or even independently. The majority of the population of ''B. bifidum'' is found in the colon, lower small intestine, breast milk, and often in the

vagina In mammals, the vagina is the elastic, muscular part of the female genital tract. In humans, it extends from the vestibule to the cervix. The outer vaginal opening is normally partly covered by a thin layer of mucosal tissue called the hymen ...

. ''B. bifidum'' is an essential bacteria found in the human intestine. When it is low or absent all together in the human intestine, it is an indication of being in an unhealthy state. Intestinal flora can be improved if someone takes oral ''B. bifidum''. Also, oral ''B. bifidum'' is used for other things such as therapy for enteric and hepatic disorders, for activating the immune response, and for preventing some cancers. ''B. bifidum'' decreases as people age. As ''B. bifidum'' decreases, other gut bacteria such as ''Lactobacilli'', ''Enterococci'', ''Enterobacteria'' and ''Clostridia'' increase. All of these increase an older adults risk for cancer and decrease the ability for their liver to function adequately and efficiently. .

Benefits

The use of ''B. bifidum'' in probiotic applications may reduce the chances of acute diarrhea and the risk of ''E. coli'' infections, and contributes to the maintenance of vaginal

homeostasis In biology, homeostasis (British also homoeostasis) (/hɒmɪə(ʊ)ˈsteɪsɪs/) is the state of steady internal, physical, and chemical conditions maintained by living systems. This is the condition of optimal functioning for the organism and ...

. Intestinal microbial balance is important for an individuals digestive system. Some people keep this balance through diet alone where others take probiotics, which are microbial supplements. Consuming dairy products seem to be the most efficient way to keep a healthy gut flora. ''B. bifidum'' is an important intestinal microbe. One study shows that because hard cheese has a higher pH, higher fat content and is more solid, it is more effective in carrying probiotics such as ''B. bifidum'' to a person through ingestion.

Health concerns

The manipulation of the gut flora is complex and may cause bacteria-host interactions. Although

s, in general, are considered safe, there are concerns about their use in certain cases. Some people, such as those with compromised immune systems,

short bowel syndrome Short bowel syndrome (SBS, or simply short gut) is a rare malabsorption disorder caused by a lack of functional small intestine. The primary symptom is diarrhea, which can result in dehydration, malnutrition, and weight loss. Other symptoms may in ...

central venous catheters A central venous catheter (CVC), also known as a central line(c-line), central venous line, or central venous access catheter, is a catheter placed into a large vein. It is a form of venous access. Placement of larger catheters in more centra ...

, heart valve disease and premature infants, may be at higher risk for adverse events. Rarely, consumption of probiotics may cause bacteremia, and

sepsis Sepsis, formerly known as septicemia (septicaemia in British English) or blood poisoning, is a life-threatening condition that arises when the body's response to infection causes injury to its own tissues and organs. This initial stage is follo ...

, potentially fatal infections in children with lowered immune systems or who are already critically ill.

References

External links

Type strain of ''Bifidobacterium bifidum'' at Bac''Dive'' - the Bacterial Diversity Metadatabase
{{Taxonbar, from=Q2902072 Bifidobacteriales Probiotics Bacteria described in 1900