Micronutrient supplemented probiotic yogurt for HIV-infected adults taking HAART in London, Canada

Authors

Christine Heinemann, The University of Western Ontario
Johan E.T. Van Hylckama Vlieg, University of Groningen
Dick B. Janssen, University of Groningen
Henk J. Busscher, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen
Henny C. Van Der Mei, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen
Gregor Reid, The University of Western Ontario

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

9-1-2000

Journal

FEMS Microbiology Letters

Volume

190

Issue

1

First Page

177

Last Page

180

URL with Digital Object Identifier

10.1016/S0378-1097(00)00331-1

Abstract

Lactobacilli have been shown to be important in the maintenance of the healthy urogenital flora. One strain, Lactobacillus fermentum RC-14, releases surface-active components which can inhibit adhesion of uropathogenic bacteria. Using a quantitative method for determining inhibition of adhesion, a protein with high anti-adhesive properties against Enterococcus faecalis 1131 was purified. The N-terminal sequence of the 29-kDa protein was identical to that of a collagen-binding protein from Lactobacillus reuteri NCIB 11951, and exhibited close homology with a basic surface protein from L. fermentum BR11. The results suggest that this anti-adhesive cell surface protein of Lactobacillus could protect against uropathogens by preventing their adhesion. (C) 2000 Published by Elsevier Science B.V.