Adherence of Lactobacillus Species to Human Fetal Intestinal Cells

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Abstract
Lactobacilli (32) were tested for ability to adhere to a human fetal intestinal epithelial cell line. By an in vitro system, 2 adherence mechanisms were found. One mechanism, requiring Ca in the adherence reaction, was nonspecific and allowed all lactobacilli tested to adhere. The other system, not requiring Ca, was found in 4 strains, all human L. acidophilus isolates. Colonial morphology, serial broth passage and exposure of cell crops to freezing or lyophilization did not affect adherence of L. acidophilus. In vitro adherence, combined with subsequent in vivo studies, may provide a basis for screening candidate organisms for use in microbiotic supplements.