lactobacillus
Lactobacillus is a genus of Gram-positive, non-spore-forming, rod-shaped bacteria that produce lactic acid as the main end product of carbohydrate fermentation. They are generally aerotolerant anaerobes or microaerophiles and are characterized by their role in fermentation rather than strict oxygen requirements. Many species are homofermentative (producing primarily lactic acid) while others are heterofermentative, yielding lactic acid along with other metabolites such as carbon dioxide or ethanol.
Taxonomically, Lactobacillus has been a large and diverse group of lactic acid bacteria. In recent years, molecular
Lactobacilli occur in the human and animal gastrointestinal tracts, the vaginal mucosa, on plant surfaces, and
Metabolic and functional roles include acidification of environments that inhibits spoilage organisms and some pathogens. Many
Most Lactobacillus species are considered safe and are widely used in foods and dietary supplements. Rare infections