''Bifidobacterium breve'' 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 mamma ...

'' which has

probiotic Probiotics are live microorganisms that provide health benefits when consumed, generally by improving or restoring the microbiota in the gut. Probiotics are considered generally safe to consume, but may cause bacteria– host interactions ...

properties. ''Bifidobacteria'' are a type of bacteria that live symbiotically in the intestines of humans. They have been used to treat a number of conditions including constipation, diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome and even the cold and flu. Some of these uses have been backed up by scientific research, but others have not. ''B. breve'' is a gram positive, anaerobic, rod shaped organism that is non motile and forms branches with its neighbors.

Clinical Uses

''B. breve'' has been researched and linked to a number of conditions. ''Bifidobacterium breve'' administered in combination with prebiotics or other probiotics and standard therapy has shown some beneficial effect. ''B. breve'' is a constituent in the therapeutic, nutritional treatment of IBD. This proprietary, standardized, formulation of live bacteria is used to treat

ulcerative colitis Ulcerative colitis (UC) is one of the two types of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), with the other type being Crohn's disease. It is a long-term condition that results in inflammation and ulcers of the colon and rectum. The primary sympto ...

and may require a prescription. Taking ''Bifidobacteria'' in combination with ''Lactobacillus'' in normal ''Helicobacter pylori'' therapy makes the treatment twice as effective while reducing the negative side effects. ''Bifidobacteria'' can also be used to treat IBS as well, reducing pain, bloating and constipation. ''B. breve'' may be linked to chronic obesity. A growing pool of evidence suggests that variations in the human gut microbiome correlate with excess weight gain. ''B. breve'' is a strong candidate for research concerning this issue. A study conducted by Bioscience of Microbiota, Food and Heath(BMFH) suggests that treating pre-obese patients with the B-3 strain of ''B. breve'' may stop or reverse obesity. However larger studies need to be performed to confirm these results. ''Bifidobacteria'' and its link to stomach health are being researched along with its link to the brain through the microbiota

gut–brain axis The gut–brain axis is the two-way biochemical signaling that takes place between the gastrointestinal tract (GI tract) and the central nervous system (CNS). The term "microbiota–gut–brain axis" highlights the role of gut microbiota in the ...

. Strain A1 of ''B. breve'' has undergone research concerning its effect on Alzheimer's. This research has consisted of mouse trials, and to date, shows promise in slowing or reversing the disease.

History

''B. breve'' strains were originally isolated from the feces of human infants. In 1971, ''Bifidobacterium parvulorum'' and ''Bifidobacterium breve'' were merged under the name ''Bifidobacterium breve''. ''Bifidobacterium breve'' administered in combination with prebiotics, probiotics and standard therapy has shown some beneficial effect on gut health. ''B. breve'' is a constituent in the therapeutic, nutritional treatment of IBD. This proprietary, standardized, formulation of live bacteria is used to treat

and may require a prescription.

Characteristics

''B. breve'' strains can

ferment Fermentation is a type of anaerobic metabolism which harnesses the redox potential of the reactants to make adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and organic end products. Organic compound, Organic molecules, such as glucose or other sugars, are Catabo ...

mannitol Mannitol is a type of sugar alcohol used as a sweetener and medication. It is used as a low calorie sweetener as it is poorly absorbed by the intestines. As a medication, it is used to decrease pressure in the eyes, as in glaucoma, and to l ...

and

sorbitol Sorbitol (), less commonly known as glucitol (), is a sugar alcohol with a sweet taste which the human body metabolizes slowly. It can be obtained by reduction of glucose, which changes the converted aldehyde group (−CHO) to a primary alco ...

, but not

arabinose Arabinose is an aldopentose – a monosaccharide containing five carbon atoms, and including an aldehyde (CHO) functional group. Properties For biosynthetic reasons, most saccharides are almost always more abundant in nature as the "D"-form, o ...

xylose Xylose ( , , "wood") is a sugar first isolated from wood, and named for it. Xylose is classified as a monosaccharide of the aldopentose type, which means that it contains five carbon atoms and includes an aldehyde functional group. It is deriv ...

References

External links

Type strain of ''Bifidobacterium breve'' at Bac''Dive'' – the Bacterial Diversity Metadatabase
Probiotics Bifidobacteriales Bacteria described in 2002 {{actinobacteria-stub