Detection and quantification of Bifidobacterium lactis LAFTI B94 in human faecal samples from a consumption trial.

A method was developed to allow detection of the probiotic Bifidobacterium lactis LAFTI B94 in human clinical samples. A new probe, Laf94p, was developed to accomplish colony hybridization of B. lactis B94.

A distinct physiological state of Lactococcus lactis cells that confers survival against a direct and prolonged exposure to severe stresses.

When exponential phase cultures of Lactococcus lactis were directly exposed to severe stresses (acid, bile salt, heat, and hydrogen peroxide) for a prolonged period, most of the cells were quickly killed, however, a small number of the cells, approximately 0.01% of the population, was found to survive. How these 'survivor' cells might have survived the stresses, when other supposedly-the-same cells could not, was investigated.