Bifidobacterium mongoliense
Bifidobacterium mongoliense | |
---|---|
Scientific classification | |
Domain: | |
Phylum: | |
Class: | |
Order: | |
Family: | |
Genus: | |
Species: | B. mongoliense
|
Binomial name | |
Bifidobacterium mongoliense Watanabe et al. 2009
| |
Type strain | |
YIT 10443T (= JCM 15461T = DSM 21395T) |
Bifidobacterium mongoliense is a species of gram-positive facultatively anaerobic bacteria in the genus Bifidobacterium. It was first isolated from airag, a traditional fermented mare's milk from Mongolia, and formally described in 2009 by Watanabe et al.[1] The species has since been identified in other fermented dairy products such as raw milk cheeses, and it is capable of transiently colonizing the human gut after ingestion via such foods.[2] Like other bifidobacteria, B. mongoliense cells are non-motile and do not form spores. Owing to its ability to metabolize milk oligosaccharides and adhere to intestinal cells, this bacterium has been studied for potential probiotic applications.[3][2]
Etymology
[edit]The species epithet mongoliense is a Neo-Latin neuter adjective meaning "pertaining to Mongolia", referring to its country of origin, Mongolia.[1]
Isolation and ecology
[edit]B. mongoliense was originally isolated from samples of airag, a fermented mare’s milk beverage consumed in Mongolia.[1] It has also been recovered from raw milk cheeses such as Parmigiano Reggiano.[2] These environments support its survival due to its tolerance of mild oxygen exposure and acidic pH. Consumption of such products introduces the bacterium into the gastrointestinal tract, where it may transiently colonize.[2]
Genomics
[edit]The genome of type strain DSM 21395 is approximately 2.17 Mb in size, with a G+C content of 62.8%.[3] It encodes a wide array of glycoside hydrolases and carbohydrate transporters, allowing degradation and uptake of milk-derived oligosaccharides. These include enzymes such as β-galactosidases, α-L-fucosidases, β-hexosaminidases, and sialidases, which enable utilization of bovine and human milk glycans.[3]
Potential applications
[edit]B. mongoliense is under investigation for probiotic use. It tolerates acidic and mildly aerobic environments, grows well on milk oligosaccharides, and adheres to intestinal epithelial cells.[2][3] Vitro studies show that it reduces expression of virulence genes in Escherichia coli O157:H7, suggesting it may have pathogen-inhibiting properties.[3]
References
[edit]- ^ a b c Watanabe Y, Fujimoto J, Sasamoto M, et al. (2009). Bifidobacterium mongoliense sp. nov., from airag, a traditional fermented milk in Mongolia. Int J Syst Evol Microbiol. 59(7):1535–1540. https://doi.org/10.1099/ijs.0.006247-0
- ^ a b c d e Pérez-Cobas AE, et al. (2024). From raw milk cheese to the gut: investigating the colonization strategies of Bifidobacterium mongoliense. Appl Environ Microbiol. https://doi.org/10.1128/aem.01244-24
- ^ a b c d e Silva A, et al. (2020). Functional characterization of Bifidobacterium mongoliense: growth on milk oligosaccharides and inhibitory effects against enteropathogenic E. coli. BMC Microbiol. 20:322. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12866-020-01804-9