[Antimutagenic properties of bacteria: a review]

Lactic acid and propionic acid bacteria, bifidobacteria, and fecal enterococci associated with the activity of humans and animals caused antimutagenic effects (AME) on many test systems designed for detecting point mutations and chromosomal aberrations. Bacterial cells and some of their metabolites attenuate the mutagenic action of several genotoxic agents, and this effect is mediated by the mechanism of dysmutagenesis and/or bioantimutagenesis. Possible mechanisms of various AMEs and possible practical applications of antimutagenic properties of bacteria are discussed.