The commensal microflora of human milk:: new perspectives for food bacteriotherapy and probiotics

Human milk is an important factor in the initiation, development and/or composition of the neonatal gut microflora. Bacteria commonly isolated from this biological fluid include staphylococci, streptococci, micrococci, lactobacilli and enterococci, which should be considered as components of the natural microflora of human milk, rather than as mere contaminant bacteria. These bacterial groups contain strains with potential to be used as bacteriotherapeutic or probiotic agents. The origin of the bacteria found in human milk is debated and it is suggested that, at least, some species may be endogenously delivered from the maternal gut to the mammary gland. Although such hypothesis can be a subject of controversy, it should stimulate further research in this fascinating area. If this hypothesis is verified, it would imply that modulation of the intestinal microflora of mothers can have a direct effect on the health of infants and, therefore, would open new perspectives for bacteriotherapy and probiotics. (C) 2003 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.