2.3.2. Competition between LAB and E. coli for cell adhesion
Competitiveness was tested by adding LAB strains and E. coli
CIAL-153 simultaneously (in an initial ration of 1:1) to the Caco-
2 cells followed by incubation for 1 h. Non-bound pathogens and
bacteria were removed and the bacterial counts were carried out as
described above. Competitiveness was calculated as the percentage
of adhesion of E. coli added in combination with LAB strains relative
to pathogen-bound bacteria in the absence of LAB (control).