Probiotics: A Critical Review
Publisher: Horizon Scientific Press
Editor: Gerald W. Tannock University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
Publication date: January 1999
ISBN-10: 1-898486-15-8 (hbk)
ISBN-13: 978-1-898486-15-2 (hbk)
Pages: vi + 161
Probiotics are credited with an impressive list of therapeutic and prophylactic attributes. The probiotics industry is flourishing, and interest in establishing scientific credibility has attained importance for many companies and scientists. Fundamental knowledge of intestinal bacteria and their interactions with each other and with the host are a prerequisite for successful probiotic research and development. Of particular interest are the utilisation of molecular biological tools in the analysis of these systems, the scientific rigour of clinical trials, the accurate identification of intestinal bacteria, assessment of safety risks, genetic modification of intestinal bacteria, studies of microbial ecology and of beneficial host-microbe relationships, and the potential for modulation of the intestinal microflora using dietary additives (prebiotics).
This book contains state-of-the-art commentaries on all these aspects of the intestinal microflora and probiotics and provides an authoritative review of important aspects of probiotic research. Written by leading experts in the field, each chapter affords a critical insight to a particular topic, reviews current research, discusses future direction and aims to stimulate discussion. An essential text for all microbiologists, health professionals, biotechnologists, dairy and food scientists.
"This is a fascinating monograph ....presented with a review of the literature and with scientific and intellectual honesty, and presents present knowledge and state-of-the-art information.....this is an excellent monograph for use in gastrointestinal studies. It is up to date on probiotics and totally outlines the potential importance of these substances in the future of clinical medicine." J. Clin. Gastroenterology
"The Editor and authors are to be congratulated for assembling this highly proficient look at a rapidly moving field." Microbiology Today
"I recommend reading it ... " J. Antimicrobial Chemother.
Key Features:
• Eminent contributors |
• Critical analysis of key topics |
• Exhaustive reference sections |
• Up-to-date |
• Latest results |
• Discusses future research |
Key Topics:
• Intestinal microflora |
• Industrial perspectives |
• Clinical trials |
• Probiotics for farm animals |
• Analysis methods |
• Prebiotics |
• Genetic modifcation |
• The immune system |
• Vaccine delivery |
Authors Include:
Ross G. CrittendenRoy Fuller
Vance J. MacCracken
H. Rex Gaskins
Martin J. Kullen
Todd Klaenhammer
Annick Mercenier
Daniel J. O'Sullivan
Gregor Reid
Ulla Svensson
Gerald W. Tannock
Chapter List
• Introduction.
Gerald W. Tannock
• A fresh look at the intestinal microflora.
Gerald W. Tannock
• Probiotics for farm animals.
Roy Fuller
• Methods of analysis of the intestinal microflora.
Daniel J. O'Sullivan
• Identification of lactobacilli and bifidobacteria.
Gerald W. Tannock
• Industrial perspectives.
Ulla Svensson
• Genetic modifcation of lactobacilli and bifidobacteria.
Martin J. Kullen and Todd Klaenhammer
• Probiotics and the immune system.
Vance J. McCracken and H. Rex Gaskins
• Lactic acid bacteria as vaccines.
Annick Mercenier
• Testing probiotics in clinical trials.
Gregor Reid
• Prebiotics.
Ross G. Crittenden
• Conclusion.
Gerald W. Tannock
• Index.
