Adhesion of probiotic micro-organisms to intestinal mucus

For many of the proposed health effects of probiotic micro-organisms it is desirable that the organism at least transiently colonises the gastro-intestinal tract. Interaction with the intestinal mucosa may enhance the possibility for colonisation. In this study, we investigated the adhesion to human intestinal mucus of a human faecal isolate, probiotic, dairy and type culture strains. A. significant variation in adhesion between the strains was observed; ranging from 3% (Lactobacillus casei 01) to 43% (L. rhamnosus GG) adhesion of the applied cells. Interestingly, two of the tested dairy strains; L. bulgaricus and Lactococcus lactis ssp. cremoris, were found to adhere well. Adhered micro-organisms were found to be tightly bound to the immobilised mucus. No correlation was observed between cell surface hydrophobicity and adhesive ability of the strains. The observed differences in adhesion may help to explain why certain strains are excreted longer than others after cessation of their administration and have different health effects. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.