adhesive in both models. The most adhesive strain to Caco-2
cells [Lactobacillus casei (Fyos)] adhered poorly to ileostomy
glycoproteins, indicating that the surface properties needed for
adhesion to epithelial cells and mucus may be different. Therefore,
possible changes in adhesion stability should be examined
by using more than one model.
Some reports on the stability of adhesion properties are available
in the literature. Elo et al (16) tested the stability of Lactobacillus
GG from different production lots and products by comparing
the original strain with cultures used for a longer period in
industrial processes. Only slight variation in adhesion properties
was observed. However, a more significant drop was reported in
the adhesion properties of a culture that had been maintained in
MRS broth for 3.5 y with a weekly transfer. Lactobacillus GG