Lactobacillus: a Review

Lactobacilli colonize the gastrointestinal and urinary tracts of humans, making them an integral part of the microbial flora. However, in certain circumstances, they can cause disease. Although lactobacilli are often misidentified as streptococci, it is highly likely that these infections will be attributed to them due to current improvements in laboratory techniques. A recent resurgence in interesting natural products has caused an increased focus on the use of probiotics. Many of these probiotic formulations contain Lactobacillus species. Although there have been reports of lactobacilli providing benefit in infectious diarrhea, the use of these probiotic products in immunosuppressed or critically ill patients is not advised, since these populations are at increased risk of developing infections due to lactobacilli.