Safety and Probiotics Evaluation of Bifidobacterial Genomes Isolated from Probiotic Products

Jue Li ^1,2,3, Yinhuan Wang ^1,2,3, Xingyu Xu ⁴

⁰Zhejiang Institute for Food and Drug Control, Hangzhou, 310022, Zhejiang, China.

Current Microbiology +

|

April 17, 2025

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

Whole genome sequencing enhances Bifidobacterium identification and safety assessment for probiotic products. This study reveals discrepancies in product labeling, improving probiotic quality control and consumer safety.

Area Of Science

Microbiology
Genomics
Food Science

Background

Bifidobacterium is crucial for probiotic products, necessitating robust safety evaluations.
Current probiotic testing methods require improvement amidst rapid market growth.
Whole genome sequencing offers advanced bacterial characterization for safety assessments.

Purpose Of The Study

To enhance Bifidobacterium identification at species and subspecies levels using genomic analysis.
To assess the safety of Bifidobacterium strains in probiotic products by predicting drug resistance and virulence factors.
To evaluate the accuracy of current bacterial identification methods in the probiotic industry.

Main Methods

Isolation of seven Bifidobacterium spp. from probiotic products.
Whole genome sequencing for high-quality genome assembly.
Genomic analysis for predicting drug resistance, virulence, and beneficial genes.
Phylogenetic analysis for subspecies identification and strain comparison.

Main Results

Accurate identification of Bifidobacterium species and subspecies was achieved.
Genomes revealed beneficial genes for colonization and survival, alongside drug resistance and virulence attributes.
Analysis uncovered misleading information in the labeling of some probiotic products.
Phylogenetic analysis facilitated strain homology and difference assessment.

Conclusions

Whole genome sequencing provides a reliable method for bacterial identification and safety evaluation in probiotics.
The study establishes a basis for subspecies-level identification and standardized safety assessment in the probiotic industry.
Findings highlight the need for accurate labeling and quality control in probiotic products.

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