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Published on: June 16, 2022
Intestinal Lactobacillus: Origins, Colonization Factors, Diversity, and Health Associations.
1Department of General Surgery (Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery), The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, People's Republic of China; Academician (Expert) Workstation of Sichuan Province, Metabolic Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Diseases Key Laboratory of Luzhou City, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, People's Republic of China.
Microbial Pathogenesis
|July 6, 2026
Summary
Lactobacillus, a key probiotic found in breast milk and feces, influences gut health throughout life. Its colonization is shaped by genetics and environment, impacting overall health and disease.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Human Gut Microbiome
- Probiotics
Background:
- Genus Lactobacillus is a well-recognized probiotic, present from birth in maternal breast milk and infant gut microbiota.
- Lactobacillus colonization is influenced by host genetics, diet, medications, and environmental factors.
- The abundance of Lactobacillus species is linked to various health outcomes from infancy to adulthood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review the origin and colonization dynamics of Lactobacillus in the human gut.
- To investigate host and environmental factors affecting Lactobacillus establishment.
- To explore the relationship between Lactobacillus, health, disease, population diversity, and probiotic applications.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature review integrating recent findings.
- Analysis of factors influencing Lactobacillus ecological dynamics across the human lifespan.
- Synthesis of data on maternal inheritance, host factors, and environmental pressures.
Main Results:
- Lactobacillus exhibits significant species-level and phylogenetic diversity.
- It possesses key probiotic characteristics: modulating gut microbiota, producing beneficial metabolites, and exerting anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and antioxidant effects.
- Evidence links Lactobacillus abundance to health and disease across different life stages.
Conclusions:
- Lactobacillus plays a crucial role in human gut health and overall well-being.
- Understanding its colonization dynamics is vital for future research and effective probiotic interventions.
- This review provides a comprehensive resource on Lactobacillus's ecological dynamics and clinical relevance.
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