Bifidobacterium adolescentis
Bifidobacterium adolescentis: The Essential Gut Microbe
Description
Bifidobacterium adolescentis is a beneficial bacterium that resides in the human gut. It is one of the dominant bacterial species in the infant gut and plays a crucial role in maintaining a healthy microbiome throughout life. B. adolescentis colonizes the gut shortly after birth and its abundance gradually decreases with age. It is found in abundance in the colon.
B. adolescentis is a Gram-positive, rod-shaped bacterium that ferments carbohydrates to produce lactic acid and acetic acid. These metabolites have antimicrobial properties and help maintain a balanced gut environment. B. adolescentis also produces bacteriocins, which are proteins that kill or inhibit the growth of other bacteria.
Associated Diseases
Bifidobacterium adolescentis has been linked to several health benefits, including:
- Improved immune function: B. adolescentis can stimulate the production of immune cells and enhance the immune response.
- Prevention of diarrhea: B. adolescentis produces substances that inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria that can cause diarrhea.
- Reduced risk of allergies: Studies have shown that infants who have higher levels of B. adolescentis in their gut are less likely to develop allergies.
- Improved gut health: B. adolescentis helps maintain a healthy balance of microbial populations in the gut, which is essential for overall digestive health.
Conversely, low levels of B. adolescentis have been associated with an increased risk of certain diseases, such as:
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD): IBD is a chronic condition that causes inflammation of the digestive tract. Studies have found that people with IBD have lower levels of B. adolescentis in their gut.
- Clostridioides difficile (C. diff) infection: C. diff is a bacterium that can cause severe diarrhea. It is more likely to cause infection in people who have recently taken antibiotics, as antibiotics can disrupt the balance of bacteria in the gut and reduce the levels of B. adolescentis.
Did you Know ?
A study published in the journal Gut found that infants who had a higher abundance of B. adolescentis in their gut were less likely to develop eczema by the age of two.
