Comprehensive approaches for assessing the safety of probiotic bacteria

Probiotics are live microorganisms which, when administered in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit on the host. Among the different microbial types, lactobacilli have been explored most extensively as potential therapeutics in human health. Lactobacilli belong to the human normal microbiota of the gastro-intestinal and urogenital tracts and have been traditionally used as starter cultures in the preparation of fermented foods. They are...