In Vivo Evaluation of Adhesion Properties of Probiotics

Probiotic microorganisms induce several health promoting functions in the host such as pathogen exclusion, maintenance of microbial homeostasis, immunomodulation, stimulation of intestinal barrier function, and other metabolic functions. The capability of probiotic bacteria to adhere to intestinal epithelium is a prerequisite for bestowing the beneficial effects and is one of the primary criteria for selecting a potential probiotic strain. A higher adhesion capability would result in temporary colonization in the intestine. This ensures an increased transit time in the gut and more time for bacteria to exert its beneficial effects. In vivo methods used for the evaluation of adhesion activities of probiotics are much superior as compared to in vitro models. In vivo models simulate human intestinal conditions and provide better understanding of mechanistic functions of probiotics. Additionally, safety and efficacy of probiotic bacteria can be addressed in in vivo models than in vitro methods. In this chapter we describe a rapid in vivo screening method of adhesion capability of probiotic bacteria using Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans).