''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 mammal ...

'' which has

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 i ...

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 a long-term condition that results in inflammation and ulcers of the colon and rectum. The primary symptoms of active disease are abdominal pain and diarrhea mixed with blood ( hematochezia). Weight loss, fever, an ...

and may require a prescription. Taking ''Bifidobacteria'' in combination with ''Lactobacillus'' and 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. 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 showed 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 metabolic process that produces chemical changes in organic substrates through the action of enzymes. In biochemistry, it is narrowly defined as the extraction of energy from carbohydrates in the absence of oxygen. In food p ...

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 low ...

and sorbitol, but not

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

xylose Xylose ( grc, ξύλον, , "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 gro ...

References

External links

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