Lactobacilli in relation to human ecology and antimicrobial therapy.

The establishment of lactobacilli in the gastrointestinal tract is believed to contribute to the stabilization of the microflora of healthy subjects and to exert beneficial effects on the host. Because of these proposed healthful properties, several Lactobacillus species have been used especially to prevent gastrointestinal disturbances. Though there have been several studies of the possible beneficial effects of lactobacilli in humans, there is still no conclusive evidence for the therapeutic value of these microorganisms.