Selection for probiotics
Selection of probiotics from different sources involves
screening for non-pathogenic bacteria, such as LAB,
followed by an evaluation of the basic features of these
bacteria, including acid and bile tolerance, ability to adhere
to gut epithelial cells and ability to combat pathogens
in the GI tract. The pathogenic properties of
Lactobacillus salivarius isolated from human milk have
been tested by an evaluation of oral toxicity in mice [90].
However, novel probiotics must be tested for beneficial
properties in both in vitro and in vivo models. The novelty
of probiotic strains is considered together with
safety requirements, which include a complete genome
description and annotation, knowledge regarding the
transferability of antibiotic resistance, selection of the
proper in vivo model, toxicological studies and designation
of the target population, as recently described by
Kumar et al. [91].