Bifidobacterium animalis

General Information

Bifidobacterium animalis is a fascinating microorganism that has garnered significant attention in the fields of microbiology and health sciences. This bacterium is part of the genus Bifidobacterium, which is well-known for its beneficial effects on the gastrointestinal tract. One of the most notable characteristics of B. animalis is its probiotic potential. It is commonly found in the intestines of mammals, including humans, and is often included in probiotic supplements and functional foods such as yogurt and other dairy products. What makes B. animalis particularly interesting is its ability to survive the harsh conditions of the gastrointestinal tract, including acidic environments and bile salts. This resilience allows it to colonize the gut effectively, where it can exert its beneficial effects. These effects include the inhibition of pathogenic bacteria, enhancement of the immune response, and improvement of gut barrier function. Another unique aspect of B. animalis is its metabolic capabilities. It can ferment a variety of carbohydrates, producing short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) such as acetate and lactate. These SCFAs are crucial for maintaining gut health as they serve as an energy source for colonocytes and help regulate the gut microbiota composition. From a research perspective, B. animalis is valuable due to its genomic stability and ease of genetic manipulation. This makes it an excellent model organism for studying the interactions between probiotics and the host. Additionally, its well-documented safety profile and health benefits have led to its widespread use in clinical studies aimed at understanding and treating various gastrointestinal disorders. In summary, Bifidobacterium animalis stands out due to its probiotic properties, resilience in the gastrointestinal environment, metabolic versatility, and research utility. These characteristics make it a key player in both scientific research and the development of health-promoting products.

Bifidobacterium animalis is a species of probiotic bacteria that is particularly notable for its role in promoting gut health. This organism is commonly found in the intestines of humans and animals, and it is a significant component of many fermented dairy products, such as yogurt. One of the most interesting aspects of B. animalis is its ability to survive in the gastrointestinal tract, where it can exert beneficial effects on the host. Underlining its importance in research, B. animalis has been extensively studied for its potential health benefits, including its ability to enhance the immune response, improve digestion, and inhibit the growth of pathogenic bacteria. The strain Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis is particularly well-known for its probiotic properties and is often used in dietary supplements and functional foods. Moreover, B. animalis has been shown to produce short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) during fermentation, which are crucial for maintaining gut health and have anti-inflammatory properties. This metabolic capability makes B. animalis a valuable organism in the field of microbiome research, as scientists explore its interactions with the host and its potential therapeutic applications. In addition to its health benefits, B. animalis is also of interest in the study of synbiotics, where it is combined with prebiotics to enhance its growth and activity in the gut. This synergy can lead to improved health outcomes, making B. animalis a key player in the development of functional foods aimed at promoting overall well-being. Overall, the unique characteristics and health-promoting properties of Bifidobacterium animalis make it a significant subject of study in microbiology and nutrition.

Taxonomy

Superkingdom: Bacteria

Phylum: Actinomycetota

Class: Actinomycetes

Order: Bifidobacteriales

Family: Bifidobacteriaceae

Genus: Bifidobacterium

Species: Bifidobacterium animalis

NCBI ID

28025

Genome Info

FTP Path:
ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/genomes/all/GCA/000/817/045/GCA_000817045.1_ASM81704v1

File for sequence-based predictions:
GCA_000817045.1_ASM81704v1_genomic.fasta

Descriptions

Clinical Implications and Relevance

Source: gpt-4o-mini-2024-07-18

The microorganism Bifidobacterium animalis is a significant member of the human gut microbiota, known for its beneficial role in maintaining gut health and enhancing immune response. It is commonly found in various probiotic formulations and dairy products, contributing to the modulation of the intestinal microbiome. Clinical studies have shown that Bifidobacterium animalis can help alleviate symptoms of gastrointestinal disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and constipation. Furthermore, it has been associated with the prevention of diarrhea, particularly in children and during antibiotic treatment, by restoring the balance of gut flora. In terms of pathogenicity, Bifidobacterium animalis is generally considered non-pathogenic and safe for consumption. However, its role in immune evasion is noteworthy; it can enhance the production of anti-inflammatory cytokines and inhibit the growth of pathogenic bacteria, thereby supporting the host's immune system. Despite its benefits, there are concerns regarding antimicrobial resistance in some strains of Bifidobacterium animalis, particularly in relation to the use of antibiotics in livestock, which may lead to the transfer of resistance genes. This highlights the importance of monitoring and regulating the use of probiotics in clinical settings. Overall, Bifidobacterium animalis holds promise in therapeutic applications as a probiotic, with ongoing research exploring its potential in vaccine development and as a therapeutic agent for various diseases, including metabolic disorders and allergies.

Habitat and Ecological Niches

Source: gpt-4o-mini-2024-07-18

Bifidobacterium animalis is a beneficial bacterium commonly found in the gastrointestinal tract of mammals, particularly in the intestines of humans and other animals. This microorganism thrives in the human gut microbiome, where it plays a crucial role in maintaining gut health and supporting the immune system. It is particularly abundant in the intestines of infants, where it is often acquired through breast milk, establishing a healthy microbial community early in life. In its natural habitat, Bifidobacterium animalis contributes to the fermentation of dietary fibers, producing short-chain fatty acids that are essential for colon health. This process not only aids in digestion but also helps to regulate the pH of the gut, creating an environment that is inhospitable to pathogenic bacteria. This ecological role is vital for maintaining a balanced gut microbiota and preventing gastrointestinal disorders. Additionally, Bifidobacterium animalis is known for its symbiotic relationships with other gut microorganisms. It can enhance the growth of beneficial bacteria while inhibiting harmful ones, showcasing its importance in microbial interactions within the gut ecosystem. Its ability to adapt to varying dietary conditions and its resilience in the face of environmental changes make it a key player in the gut microbiome. Overall, Bifidobacterium animalis exemplifies the intricate relationships within the gut biome, highlighting its role in health and disease prevention through its interactions with both the host and other microbial inhabitants.

Industrial Application

Source: gpt-4o-mini-2024-07-18

The microorganism Bifidobacterium animalis has significant potential in various industrial applications, particularly in the fields of biotechnology and pharmaceutical development. This bacterium is widely recognized for its role in the production of probiotics, which are beneficial for gut health. In the food industry, Bifidobacterium animalis is commonly used in the fermentation of dairy products, such as yogurt and kefir, enhancing their nutritional value and promoting digestive health. In the realm of biotechnology, Bifidobacterium animalis is utilized for its ability to produce bioactive compounds, including vitamins and short-chain fatty acids, which can have positive effects on human health. These compounds are increasingly being explored for their potential in functional foods and dietary supplements. Moreover, this microorganism has shown promise in waste management applications, particularly in the treatment of organic waste. Its ability to degrade complex carbohydrates can be harnessed in biodegradation processes, contributing to the reduction of waste and the production of valuable byproducts. In the pharmaceutical industry, Bifidobacterium animalis is being studied for its potential therapeutic effects, including its role in modulating the immune system and its application in the prevention and treatment of gastrointestinal disorders. The bacterium's enzymatic activity is also of interest for the development of novel drugs and health products. Overall, Bifidobacterium animalis exemplifies a versatile microorganism with a wide range of applications across multiple industries, particularly in enhancing health and sustainability through its various metabolic processes.

Phenotypes and Predictions

The table shows the phenotypes and predictions. Cell colors indicate the class of the value. When literature-based data is available, a checkmark (✓) indicates a correct prediction, while an ✗ indicates an incorrect prediction.

Literature-based phenotypes: 10

LLM predicted phenotypes: 2

Phenotype	High-quality annotation	meta-llama/llama-3-8b-instruct:nitro	google/gemini-flash-1.5	perplexity/llama-3-sonar-small-32k-chat	google/gemma-7b-it	openchat/openchat-7b	microsoft/phi-3-mini-128k-instruct	mistralai/mixtral-8x7b-instruct:nitro	openai/gpt-3.5-turbo-0125	openai/gpt-3.5-turbo-0125	openai/gpt-4o	openai/gpt-4o	google/gemini-pro-1.5	google/gemini-pro-1.5	openai/gpt-4	openai/gpt-4	meta-llama/llama-3-70b-instruct:nitro	meta-llama/llama-3-70b-instruct:nitro	microsoft/wizardlm-2-8x22b	microsoft/wizardlm-2-8x22b	mistralai/mistral-7b-instruct	mistralai/mistral-7b-instruct	anthropic/claude-3.5-sonnet	anthropic/claude-3.5-sonnet	google/palm-2-chat-bison-32k	google/palm-2-chat-bison-32k	anthropic/claude-3-haiku:beta	anthropic/claude-3-haiku:beta	google/gemini-pro	google/gemini-pro
Motility	N/A	false	false	true	true	true	false	false	false	false	false	false	false	false	false	false	false	false	false	false	false	false	false	false	false	false	false	false	false	false
Gram staining	gram stain positive	gram stain variable ✗	gram stain positive ✓	gram stain negative ✗	gram stain negative ✗	gram stain positive ✓	gram stain negative ✗	gram stain positive ✓	N/A	gram stain positive ✓	N/A	gram stain positive ✓	N/A	gram stain positive ✓	N/A	gram stain positive ✓	N/A	gram stain positive ✓	N/A	gram stain positive ✓	N/A	gram stain variable ✗	N/A	gram stain positive ✓	N/A	gram stain positive ✓	N/A	gram stain positive ✓	N/A	gram stain positive ✓
Aerophilicity	anaerobic	aerotolerant ✗	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	facultatively anaerobic ✗	facultatively anaerobic ✗	anaerobic ✓	anaerobic ✓	anaerobic ✓	anaerobic ✓	anaerobic ✓	anaerobic ✓	anaerobic ✓	anaerobic ✓	anaerobic ✓	anaerobic ✓	facultatively anaerobic ✗	facultatively anaerobic ✗	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Extreme environment tolerance	FALSE	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	true ✗	true ✗	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	true ✗	true ✗	false ✓	false ✓
Biofilm formation	N/A	true	true	true	true	true	true	true	true	true	true	true	true	true	true	true	true	true	true	true	true	true	true	true	true	true	true	true	true	true
Animal pathogenicity	FALSE	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	true ✗	true ✗	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓
Biosafety level	biosafety level 1	biosafety level 1 ✓	biosafety level 1 ✓	biosafety level 1 ✓	biosafety level 1 ✓	biosafety level 1 ✓	biosafety level 1 ✓	biosafety level 1 ✓	biosafety level 1 ✓	biosafety level 1 ✓	biosafety level 1 ✓	biosafety level 1 ✓	biosafety level 1 ✓	biosafety level 1 ✓	biosafety level 1 ✓	biosafety level 1 ✓	biosafety level 1 ✓	biosafety level 1 ✓	biosafety level 1 ✓	biosafety level 1 ✓	biosafety level 1 ✓	biosafety level 1 ✓	biosafety level 1 ✓	biosafety level 1 ✓	biosafety level 1 ✓	biosafety level 1 ✓	biosafety level 1 ✓	biosafety level 1 ✓	biosafety level 1 ✓	biosafety level 1 ✓
Health association	TRUE	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓
Host association	TRUE	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓
Plant pathogenicity	FALSE	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓
Spore formation	FALSE	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓
Hemolysis	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Cell shape	bacillus	bacillus ✓	bacillus ✓	coccus ✗	bacillus ✓	bacillus ✓	coccus ✗	bacillus ✓	bacillus ✓	bacillus ✓	bacillus ✓	bacillus ✓	bacillus ✓	bacillus ✓	bacillus ✓	bacillus ✓	bacillus ✓	bacillus ✓	bacillus ✓	bacillus ✓	bacillus ✓	bacillus ✓	bacillus ✓	bacillus ✓	bacillus ✓	bacillus ✓	bacillus ✓	bacillus ✓	bacillus ✓	bacillus ✓

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