Lactobacillus rhamnosus

From Biology-Online Dictionary | Biology-Online Dictionary



A gram-positive bacteria that is highly significant as a probiotic agent due to its ability to survive in unfavorable conditions.


Lactobacillus rhamnosus were first isolated in 1983 and revealed significant tolerance in the digestive tract in human. It existed naturally in the body especially in theintestines that assists tobalance the good bacteria that were essential to prevent growth of harmful bacteria in the stomach and intestines.

Lactobacillus rhamnosus is considered to be beneficial in enhancing the immune system mostly in fighting intestinal and urinary tract pathogens where it stimulates theproduction of antibodies and supports in phagocytosis wherein invasive bacteria hindered theinfectivity. It is also helpful in lowering the degree of diarrhea in children where it neutralizes H. pylori infections. This finding substantiates that consumption of Lactobacillus rhamnosus can augment the general function of immune system. Moreover, it is useful as natural preservatives in yogurt-based foods and dairy products.

Lactobacillus rhamnosus produce exclusively L-lactic acid where investigation of lactic acid fermentation kinetics resulted the highest productivity that obtain lactic acid concentration higher than 85g/L using glucose substrate. This species are most extensively studied due to have various abilities as a good source ofprobiotics that promotes to maintain a healthy digestive tract in human though it has been associated with a very rare side effect.

Scientific Classification:

 Kingdom: Bacteria
 Division: Firmicutes
 Class: Bacilli
 Family: Lactobacillaceae
 Genus: Lactobacillus
 Species: Lactobacillus rhamnosus

See also:

Gram-positive bacteria


lactic acid