How Does Lactobacillus Acidophilus Spread?

Lactobacillus acidophilus is a species of gram-positive, rod-shaped bacteria that naturally occurs in the intestinal tract of humans and animals, the human mouth and vagina. Therefore, it belongs to the group of organisms known as human microbiota. It's name literally means acid-loving, lactose-producing, rod-shaped bacterium. This organism also produces the fermented product, acidophilus milk, in the manufacture of yogurt. Lactobacillus acidophilus also produces vitamin K, lactase and such anti-microbial substances as acidolin, lactocidin, acidolphilin and bacteriocin. As a result of this antimicrobial characteristic, it is often used as a drug and is called a probiotic, a living organism that has medicinal uses. Lactobacillus acidophilus is therefore a useful non-pathogenic bacterium.

Naturally Occuring Environment, Growth and Spread

• Lactobacillus acidophilus is found naturally in the human intestinal tract and in the vagina. In the intestine, it helps in the digestion of lactose and also inhibits the growth of any pathogenic bacteria that may have reached the intestinal tract. The presence of Lactobacillus acidophilus in the vagina helps inhibit the growth of Candida albicans, the organism responsible for yeast infections.

  The bacterium grows by the process of bacterial replication known as binary fission. Different strains of Lactobacillus acidophilus thrive under different growth conditions. This characteristic is harnessed in the fermentation process used in making yogurt.

Medicinal Uses of Lactobacillus acidophilus

• Several studies have been done on the medicinal use of Lactobacillus acidophilus. Some are inconclusive but some interesting findings have resulted. Lactobacillus acidophilus is effective in the treatment of bacterial vaginosis. Some studies also suggest that eating yogurt enriched with Lactobacillus acidophilus produces the same effect.

  Studies have also shown Lactobacillus acidophilus to be effective in diarrhea prevention in children but the studies are inconclusive for adults. However, its use as a probiotic is commonly cited as effective in preventing diarrhea and general stomach troubles for travelers.