Molecular Routes to Specific Identification of the Lactobacillus Casei Group at the Species, Subspecies and Strain Level.

The genus includes, among others, , and species that are collectively referred to as the group. Many studies have shown that strains belonging to this group may decrease lactose intolerance, the effects of inflammatory bowel disease, diarrhea, constipation, food allergies and even colon cancer. Moreover, evidences exists of positive effects of these bacteria on mucosal immunity and blood cholesterol level.

Complete genome sequence of Pen, a probiotic component of a medicine used in prevention of antibiotic-associated diarrhoea in children.

Background: Pen is a human endogenous strain with well-documented health promoting properties that is used for production of probiotics. It has a long safety history of application, and its effectiveness in the prevention of antibiotic-associated diarrhoea has also been confirmed in clinical trials.

Results: Here we present the complete genome sequence of Pen, which consists of a circular 2,884,4966-bp chromosome with a GC content of 46.