Intrinsic properties of so-called dormant probiotic bacteria, determined by flow cytometric viability assays

Appl Environ Microbiol. 2006 Jul;72(7):5132-4. doi: 10.1128/AEM.02897-05.

Abstract

Plate counting and four culture-independent flow cytometric assays were used to determine the viability and intrinsic properties of three probiotic strains during storage. The strains showed reduction in plate counts but were able to maintain esterase activity, intact cytoplasmic membrane, and pH gradient. The apparently uncultivable probiotic cells were active and stress resistant.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Bifidobacterium / enzymology
  • Bifidobacterium / growth & development*
  • Bifidobacterium / physiology
  • Cell Membrane / physiology
  • Colony Count, Microbial
  • Esterases / metabolism
  • Fermentation
  • Flow Cytometry / methods*
  • Hydrogen-Ion Concentration
  • Lactobacillus acidophilus / enzymology
  • Lactobacillus acidophilus / growth & development*
  • Lactobacillus acidophilus / physiology
  • Milk / microbiology
  • Probiotics*
  • Specimen Handling

Substances

  • Esterases