Microbiota & Probiotics Discover their benefits

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Different probiotic species colonize the entire digestive tract.

Their presence is essential to maintain the balance of the natural microflora and thus prevent the development of pathogenic or putrefactive bacteria harmful to human health.

In this regard, there are 4 different microfloras where the predominant probiotic species vary according to their location all along the digestive system.

4 microbiotas
  • Oral microbiota
  • Gastric microbiota
  • Intestinal microbiota (colon & small intestine)
  • Vaginal microbiota
Microbiota and probiotics
1Oral microbiota Gastric microbiota2 3Intestinal microbiota (small intestine) Intestinal microbiota (colon)4 5Vaginal microbiota
Microbiota and probiotics
Microbiota and probiotics
01.

Oral microbiota

The oral microflora includes the mouth, pharynx and the entrance to the respiratory system.

The oral cavity is naturally colonized by a variety of probiotic bacteria. Their role is to protect teeth, gums and mucous membranes against pathogen invasion.

Gingivitis, stomatitis, periodontitis, oral ulcers and dental cavities ... the balance of the oral microflora plays a predominant role in maintaining your mouth’s health and in the prevention of oral diseases.

Prevailing probiotic species

L. acidophilus, L. casei, L. fermentum, L. gasseri, L. rhamnosus, L. plantarum, L. salivarius, Lc. lactis, S. salivarius

Main pathogens

S. mutans, C. albicans, H. pylori , P. gingivalis

  • 1 YQ Du, T. Su, JG Fan, Y-X Lu, P. Zheng, X-H. Li, C-Y Guo, P. Xu, Y-F. Gong, Z-S. Li. Adjuvant probiotics improve the eradiction effect of triple therapy for Helicobacter pylori infection. World J Gastroenterol 2012 November 21; 18(43): 6302-6307
  • 2 N.V. Baryshnikova. Helicobacter pylori-associated gastroenterological diseases: genetic features and probiotic treatment. Beneficial Microbes, June 2012; 3(2): 157-161
  • 3 Garcia, K Saez, C Delgado and C.L. Gonzalez. Low co-existence rates of Lactobacillus spp. and Helicobacter pylori detected in gastric biopsies from patients with gastrointestinal symptoms. REV ESP ENFERM DIG (Madrid) Vol. 104. N.° 9, pp. 473-478, 2012
  • 4 K.A. Ryan, T. Jayaraman, P. Daly, C. Canchaya, S. Curran, F. Fang, E.M. Quigley and P.W. O'Toole. Isolation of lactobacilli with probiotic properties from the human stomach. Journal compilation ª 2008 The Society for Applied Microbiology, Letters in Applied Microbiology 47 (2008) 269–274
  • 5 F Indrio, A Di Mauro, GRiezzo et al. Prohylactic use of a Probiotic in the Prevention of Colic, Regurgitation, and functionnal Constipation. JAMA Pediatr. 2014;168(3):228-233. doi:10.1001/jamapediatrics.2013.4367
  • 6 J Walters. Ecological Role of Lactobacilli in the Gastrointestinal Tract: Implications for Fundamental and Biomedical Research. Appl. Environ. Microbiol. August 2008 vol. 74 no. 16 4985-4996
  • 7 O Belei, L Olariu, A Dobrescu, T Marcovici, O Marginean. Is It Useful to Administer Probiotics Together With Proton Pump Inhibitors in Children With Gastroesophageal Reflux? J Neurogastroenterol Motil. 2018 Jan 30;24(1):51-57.
02.

Gastric microbiota

The probiotic microflora of the stomach is essentially composed of bacterial species belonging to the lactobacillus family.

Their role is to prevent or act against digestive disorders originated in the stomach.

Especially against the bacteria Helicobacter pylori which is responsible for chronic inflammation of the stomach lining (gastritis) and gastric ulcers.

When in equilibrium, the stomach microflora also plays a preponderant role in preventing episodes of gastric reflux or lactose intolerance.

Prevailing probiotic species

L. acidophilus, L. fermentum, L. gasseri, L. plantarum, L. reuteri, L. salivarius

Main pathogens

H. pylori, Staphylocoques

  • 1YQ Du, T. Su, JG Fan, Y-X Lu, P. Zheng, X-H. Li, C-Y Guo, P. Xu, Y-F. Gong, Z-S. Li. Adjuvant probiotics improve the eradiction effect of triple therapy for Helicobacter pylori infection. World J Gastroenterol 2012 November 21; 18(43): 6302-6307
  • 2 N.V. Baryshnikova. Helicobacter pylori-associated gastroenterological diseases: genetic features and probiotic treatment. Beneficial Microbes, June 2012; 3(2): 157-161
  • 3 Garcia, K Saez, C Delgado and C.L. Gonzalez. Low co-existence rates of Lactobacillus spp. and Helicobacter pylori detected in gastric biopsies from patients with gastrointestinal symptoms. REV ESP ENFERM DIG (Madrid) Vol. 104. N.° 9, pp. 473-478, 2012
  • 4 K.A. Ryan, T. Jayaraman, P. Daly, C. Canchaya, S. Curran, F. Fang, E.M. Quigley and P.W. O'Toole. Isolation of lactobacilli with probiotic properties from the human stomach. Journal compilation ª 2008 The Society for Applied Microbiology, Letters in Applied Microbiology 47 (2008) 269–274
  • 5 F Indrio, A Di Mauro, GRiezzo et al. Prohylactic use of a Probiotic in the Prevention of Colic, Regurgitation, and functionnal Constipation. JAMA Pediatr. 2014;168(3):228-233. doi:10.1001/ jamapediatrics.2013.4367
  • 6 J Walters. Ecological Role of Lactobacilli in the Gastrointestinal Tract: Implications for Fundamental and Biomedical Research. Appl. Environ. Microbiol. August 2008 vol. 74 no. 16 4985-4996
  • 7 O Belei, L Olariu, A Dobrescu, T Marcovici, O Marginean. Is It Useful to Administer Probiotics Together With Proton Pump Inhibitors in Children With Gastroesophageal Reflux? J Neurogastroenterol Motil. 2018 Jan 30;24(1):51-57.
03.

Intestinal microbiota Small intestine

The probiotic microflora of the small intestine is essential for good health. It serves as a barrier to pathogenic bacteria, stops their attacks and neutralizes their toxins.

The probiotic microflora of the small intestine is essentially composed of lactobacilli that colonize the walls of the intestinal mucosa.

Many species of lactobacilli secrete bactericidal substances, a kind of natural antibiotic, that inhibit the development of pathogenic species that may cause diarrhea or constipation.

Lactobacilli also help strengthen our natural defenses by stimulating the immune system.

Prevailing probiotic species

L. acidophilus, L. casei, L. gasseri, L. plantarum, L. paracasei, L. reuteri, L. rhamnosus

Main pathogens

E. coli, C. difficile, L. monocytogenes, Salmonella, C. jejuni

  • 1 1 A. François, T. Robinson, F. Néant, C. Matuchansky, C. Picard and J. Fioramenti. Review article: bifidobacteria as probiotic agents – physiological effects and clinical benefits. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2005; 22: 495–512.
  • 2 Ishibashi N, Yaeshima T and Hayasawa H. Bifidobacteria: their significance in human intestinal health. Mal J Nutr 3: 149-159, 1997
  • 3 G Reuter. The Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium Microflora of the Human Intestine: Composition and Succession. Curr. Issues Intest. Microbiol. (2001) 2(2): 43-53.
  • 4 G R. Gibson, E Beatty, X Wang and J H Cummings. Selective Stimulation of Bifidobacteria in the Human Colon by Oligofructose and Inulin. GASTROENTEROLOGY 1995;108:975-982
  • 5 P. Pochart, P. Marteau, Y Bouhnik, I Goderel, P Bourlioux and JC Rambaud. Survival of bifidobacteria ingested via fermented milk during their passage through the human small intestine. Am J C/in Nutr l992;55:78-80.
  • 6 F Turroni et al. Diversity of Bifidobacteria within the Infant GutMicrobiota. PLoS ONE 7(5): May 2012 | Volume 7 | Issue 5 | e36957
  • 7 A von Wright, T Vilppnen-Salmelab, M Pages Llopis, K Collins, B Kielcy, F Shanahan and C Dunne.The survival and colonic adhesion of Bifidobacterium infantis in patients with ulcerative colitis. International Dairy Journal 12 (2002) 197–200
  • 8 J. Maukonen, J Matto, M L Suihko and M Saarela. Intra-individual diversity and similarity of salivary and faecal microbiota. Journal of Medical Microbiology (2008), 57, 1560–1568
  • 9 S. Salminen, A. von Wright, A. Ouwehand. Lactic Acid Bacteria. Third Edition. Marcel Dekker Inc. New York-Basel, 455-459
  • 10 J Walters. Ecological Role of Lactobacilli in the Gastrointestinal Tract: Implications for Fundamental and Biomedical Research. Appl. Environ. Microbiol. August 2008 vol. 74 no. 16 4985-4996
04.

Intestinal microbiota Colon

The colon is home to the largest number of bacteria in the entire digestive system.

Bifidobacteria are the dominant probiotic microorganisms in both children and adults.

The most important physiological effect of bifidobacteria is to improve the state of the intestine, including that of the intestinal flora, the inhibition of pathogenic or intestinal putrefactive substances and the relief of diarrhea or constipation.

Bifidobacteria also play a major role in the prevention of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) including irritable bowel syndrome, ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease.

Prevailing probiotic species

B. bifidum, B. breve, B. infantis, B. longum

Main pathogens

E. coli, C. difficile, L. monocytogenes, Salmonella, C. jejuni

  • 1 A. François, T. Robinson, F. Néant, C. Matuchansky, C. Picard and J. Fioramenti. Review article: bifidobacteria as probiotic agents – physiological effects and clinical benefits. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2005; 22: 495–512.
  • 2 Ishibashi N, Yaeshima T and Hayasawa H. Bifidobacteria: their significance in human intestinal health. Mal J Nutr 3: 149-159, 1997
  • 3 G Reuter. The Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium Microflora of the Human Intestine: Composition and Succession. Curr. Issues Intest. Microbiol. (2001) 2(2): 43-53.
  • 4 G R. Gibson, E Beatty, X Wang and J H Cummings. Selective Stimulation of Bifidobacteria in the Human Colon by Oligofructose and Inulin. GASTROENTEROLOGY 1995;108:975-982
  • 5 P. Pochart, P. Marteau, Y Bouhnik, I Goderel, P Bourlioux and JC Rambaud. Survival of bifidobacteria ingested via fermented milk during their passage through the human small intestine. Am J C/in Nutr l992;55:78-80.
  • 6 F Turroni et al. Diversity of Bifidobacteria within the Infant GutMicrobiota. PLoS ONE 7(5): May 2012 | Volume 7 | Issue 5 | e36957
  • 7 A von Wright, T Vilppnen-Salmelab, M Pages Llopis, K Collins, B Kielcy, F Shanahan and C Dunne.The survival and colonic adhesion of Bifidobacterium infantis in patients with ulcerative colitis. International Dairy Journal 12 (2002) 197–200
  • 8 J. Maukonen, J Matto, M L Suihko and M Saarela. Intra-individual diversity and similarity of salivary and faecal microbiota. Journal of Medical Microbiology (2008), 57, 1560–1568
  • 9 S. Salminen, A. von Wright, A. Ouwehand. Lactic Acid Bacteria. Third Edition. Marcel Dekker Inc. New York-Basel, 455-459
  • 10 J Walters. Ecological Role of Lactobacilli in the Gastrointestinal Tract: Implications for Fundamental and Biomedical Research. Appl. Environ. Microbiol. August 2008 vol. 74 no. 16 4985-4996
05.

Vaginal microbiota

The vaginal probiotic microflora (also called Döderlein flora) consists of acidophilic bacteria, mainly lactobacilli.

They have a protective effect against vaginal infections. Lactobacilli naturally inhibit the growth of pathogenic microorganisms by creating an acidic environment and producing antimicrobial effects that act directly on vaginal pathogens.

The main signs of an imbalance in the vaginal microflora are abnormal flow, itching, burning and difficulty in urination.

Prevailing probiotic species

L. acidophilus, L.crispatus, L. casei, L. jensenii, L. gasseri, L. plantarum, L. reuteri, L. rhamnosus

Main pathogens

Candida albicans, G. vaginalis, Mobiluncus, Mycroplasma

  • 1 M.S. Juarez Tomas et al. Urogenital pathogen inhibition and compatibility between vaginal Lactobacillus strains to be considered as probiotic candidates. European Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Reproductive Biology 159 (2011) 399–406
  • 2 P. Mastromarino, S. Macchia, L. Meggiorini, V. Trinchieri, L. Mosca, M. Perluigi and C. Midulla. Effectiveness of Lactobacillus-containing vaginal tablets in the treatment of symptomatic bacterial vaginosis. Clinical Microbiology and Infection, Volume 15 Number 1, January 2009
  • 3 A. Vasquez, T. Jakobsson, S. Ahrne, U Forsum. Vaginal Lactobacillus Flora of Healthy Swedish Women. JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MICROBIOLOGY, Aug. 2002, p. 2746–2749
  • 4 Bodean O, Munteanu O, Cirstoiu C, Secara D, Cirstoiu M. Probiotics - a helpful additional therapy for bacterial vaginosis. Journal of Medicine and Life Vol. 6, Issue 4, October-December 2013, pp.434-436
  • 5 Santosh S. Waigankar and Vimal Patel. Role of probiotics in urogenital healthcare. J Midlife Health. 2011 Jan-Jun; 2(1): 5–10.
  • 6 Wang Ya, MD; Cheryl Reifer, PhD; Larry E. Miller, PhD. Efficacy of vaginal probiotic capsules (Probaclac) for recurrent bacterial vaginosis: a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study. August 2010 American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology 120.e2