Strain Specific Detection and Quantification of Probiotic Bifidobacterium bifidum BGN4 in Mouse Model and Positive Effect of B. bifidum BGN4 on Intestinal Microflora

Abstract

Bifidobacterium species have been used in the production of functional foods based on their well-known beneficial effects on intestinal health. B. bifidum BGN4 is a commercialized probiotic strain with proven evidence in clinical trials but still lacks a DNA-based identification method. This study aimed to develop a specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) primer set for strain specific identification of B. bifidum BGN4 using whole genome sequences and applied research. Consequently, a primer set targeting 200 bp was developed. The developed primer was applied to detect and quantify B. bifidum BGN4 strain in the fecal sample after feeding ICR mouse and bio-distribution of this strain was analyzed at each position of the intestinal tract. Strong viability of B. bifidum BGN4 was identified by analysis of gastrointestinal contents and mouse fecal samples. Also, intake of B. bifidum BGN4 promoted the quantity and viability of Bifidobacterium genus in GI tract. This study revealed that the administration of B. bifidum BGN4 promoted the colonization of not only B. bifidum BGN4 but also the other Bifidobacterium strains.