Lactic acid bacteria break down food carbohydrates to produce acids. E.g. lactic acid (break-down product of lactose).
Rod-shaped or cocci, GRAM-POSITIVE, facultative anaerobic or microaerophilic; produce lactic acid through fermentation of carbohydrates
The most common of these lactic acid bacteria are:
• LACTO BACILLUS. Essential in dairy product formation; especially LACTOBACILLUS ACIDOPHILUS, which inhabits both the small and large intestines
• Streptococcus (common in humans). Notably S. Mucans, which is inivolved in dental plaque and dental caries
• Bifidobacteria. Especially Bifidobacteria bifidum, which is more prevalent in the large intestine,also the dominant species of the intestinal tract of breast-fed infants.
