Bifidobacterium gallinarum

Bifidobacterium gallinarum is a distinct member of the Bifidobacterium genus, originally isolated from chicken intestines, known for its health-promoting properties. 

This strain shares many benefits with other Bifidobacterium species, such as enhancing gut health, modulating the immune system, and supporting intestinal barrier integrity. 

B. gallinarum's unique ability to adhere to intestinal mucus aids in mucus production and goblet cell function, contributing to overall gut health. 

Recent studies highlight its potential in cancer therapy by enhancing immune responses and improving the efficacy of treatments.

General Health Benefits of Bifidobacteria Spp. 

Increasingly, the benefits of Bifidobacteria for gut and overall health are demonstrated in research. While specific strains are mentioned here, many of these benefits are widely attributed to Bifidobacteria as a genus.

These benefits include preventing diarrhea, improving lactose intolerance, and enhancing immune modulation. [27.] 

They are effective in promoting colon regularity and alleviating constipation, while also preventing oral inflammations and dental caries. [5., 21.] 

Bifidobacteria compete with pathogens, protecting against infections and inhibiting virus replication, such as Coxsackievirus B3 and rotavirus. [3., 5., 6., 7., 27.] 

They show anticancer properties by enhancing immune response, inhibiting cancer cell growth, and altering gut conditions to prevent tumors. [5.] 

Additionally, Bifidobacteria boost immune responses, increase beneficial antibodies, and promote regulatory T cells, contributing to anti-inflammatory effects and immune balance. [5., 10.] 

They also act as psychobiotics, reducing stress, anxiety, and depression, and play a role in synthesizing gamma-Aminobutyric acid (GABA), which is particularly beneficial for individuals with autism. [2., 5., 8., 16., 18., 30., 31., 32.] 

Moreover, Bifidobacteria facilitate the absorption of vitamins and minerals, promote bone density and repair, and enhance metabolic health by reducing fat accumulation and improving glucose tolerance. [1., 4., 5.,17., 22., 24., 27., 28.] 

Characteristics and Health Benefits of Bifidobacterium gallinarum

Characteristics of B. gallinarum

Bifidobacterium gallinarum is a distinct member of the Bifidobacterium genus, originally isolated from chicken intestines. 

Unlike other bifidobacteria, B. gallinarum ferments inulin and dextrin but not starch, mannitol, or sorbitol. [33.]

One strain of B. gallinarum demonstrated acid and bile tolerance, strong adhesion to intestinal cells, and unique genomic features compared to other Bifidobacterium species, suggesting its effectiveness as a probiotic in promoting intestinal health in mammals. [20.]

Health Benefits of B. gallinarum

Bifidobacterium gallinarum, as a member of the Bifidobacterium genus, likely shares many of the beneficial properties attributed to other Bifidobacterium species. 

These benefits generally include promoting microbial diversity, supporting intestinal health, and modulating the immune system.

While specific research on B. gallinarum is limited compared to more widely studied Bifidobacterium species, its taxonomic classification suggests it may contribute to similar positive effects on gut microbiota composition, intestinal barrier function, and immune regulation. 

Current research attributes the following benefits to B. gallinarum:

Intestinal Barrier Integrity [11.]

B. gallinarum, along with other Bifidobacterium species, possesses homologs of the FimM protein, which aids in mucus adhesion. 

This interaction facilitates Bifidobacterium's beneficial effects on the host, such as enhancing mucus production, regulating goblet cell function, and maintaining intestinal barrier integrity. 

These mechanisms contribute to overall gut health and can be therapeutic for conditions associated with disrupted mucus barriers.

Immune Modulation and Anti-Cancer Effects

Additional research specifically examines B. gallinarum in the context of cancer therapy. A study by Sugimura et al. (2021) demonstrated that B. gallinarum enhanced the efficacy of cancer therapeutics in tumor-bearing mice, indicating its potential role in immune modulation and anti-cancer effects. [29.]

This finding aligns with the broader understanding of Bifidobacterium species' beneficial impacts and suggests that B. gallinarum may indeed possess many of the health-promoting properties associated with its genus.

Bifidobacterium gallinarum Probiotic Use

Current research suggests the use of B. gallinarum probiotic therapy as part of a comprehensive cancer care protocol.

Adjunct in Cancer Therapy

Bifidobacterium gallinarum has been highlighted as a commensal Bifidobacterium (c-BIF) that plays a critical role in enhancing anti-tumor immunity and improving the efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors. [14.]

The presence of antibodies against c-BIF antigens, including those from B. gallinarum, is suggested to provide protection against malignant cells and various diseases via antigenic mimicry. [14.]

These findings indicate that B. gallinarum, like other c-BIFs, has significant potential in modulating the gut microbiota to improve cancer immunotherapy outcomes.

Laboratory Testing for Bifidobacterium gallinarum Levels

Test Type, Sample Collection and Preparation

Bifidobacterium gallinarum levels are assessed in stool samples.  Stool samples may be collected from the comfort of home.  

Testing may require avoidance of certain medications and/or supplements including probiotics prior to sample collection.  It is important to consult with the ordering provider for full test preparation instructions.  

Interpretation of Test Results

Optimal Levels of Bifidobacterium spp.

It is important to consult with the laboratory company used for test interpretation.  

B. gallinarum levels are often reported as part of the total Bifidobacteria spp. present.

One lab company provides the following reference range for Bifidobacterium spp. levels: 6.7e7org/g [26.]

Clinical Implications of High Bifidobacterium spp.

High levels of Bifidobacterium in the gut microbiome are generally associated with a healthy state and favorable metabolic outcomes. 

In the setting of symptoms of dysbiosis or SIBO such as gas, bloating, and/or abdominal pain, further assessment and possible treatments should be considered.

Patients in this scenario who are using probiotics should consider stopping their probiotics. 

In rare clinical settings involving either the very young or the very elderly who also have impaired intestinal barriers and/or are immunocompromised, Bifidobacterium may become invasive and cause bacteremia. [9.] 

Low Bifidobacterium Abundance

Generally, Bifidobacterium are considered to be beneficial. Low levels of Bifidobacterium have been associated with:

• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) [12.] 

• Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBD), including: [12.] 

• Ulcerative colitis

• Crohn's disease

• Antibiotic-associated diarrhea [12.] 

• Necrotizing enterocolitis in newborns [5.]

• Atopic eczema [12.] 

• Certain types of infections, including H. pylori and C. dificile infections [12.] 

• Conditions associated with dysbiosis (imbalance in gut microbiota) [19.] 

• Obesity and metabolic disorders [5.] 

• Colorectal cancer [5.] 

• Allergies and asthma [12.] 

• Mood disorders and depression [5.] 

• Autism spectrum disorders [18.] 

Therefore, maintaining a high abundance of Bifidobacterium in the gut microbiome is generally considered a favorable state, associated with better metabolic health, a lean phenotype, and a lower risk of inflammatory conditions like IBD. 

Monitoring Bifidobacterium levels may have clinical significance in assessing gut health, disease risk, and potential therapeutic interventions aimed at restoring a balanced microbiome.

Natural Ways to Optimize Microbiome Health [13.] 

A healthy diet and lifestyle are foundational for microbiome health.  

Diet and Nutrition

• Consume Diverse Foods: increase the variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds, and legumes to promote microbial diversity.

• High-Fiber Diet: focus on fiber-rich foods to support the growth of beneficial bacteria.

• Fermented Foods: include yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, kimchi, and other fermented foods to introduce probiotics.

• Polyphenol-Rich Foods: consume foods high in polyphenols such as berries, green tea, dark chocolate, and red wine to stimulate beneficial bacteria growth.

• Prebiotics: incorporate prebiotic-rich foods like garlic, onions, asparagus, and bananas to nourish beneficial bacteria.

Lifestyle

• Regular Exercise: engage in consistent physical activity to enhance gut microbiota diversity and composition.

• Stress Management: practice stress-reducing activities such as yoga, meditation, and mindfulness to prevent microbiota dysbiosis.

Medications and Supplements

• Probiotics: consider probiotic supplements to increase beneficial bacteria in the gut.

• Avoid Unnecessary Antibiotics: use antibiotics only when necessary to avoid disrupting the gut microbiome.

Environmental Factors

• Limit Artificial Sweeteners: avoid artificial sweeteners that can negatively affect gut microbiota.

• Healthy Sleep Patterns: maintain regular sleep patterns to support a balanced gut microbiome.

Hygiene Practices

• Avoid Over-Sanitization: limit the use of antibacterial soaps and sanitizers to maintain a healthy microbiota balance.

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