ABSTRACT
Lactic acid bacteria, led by members of the Lactobacillus genus, represent the main group of microorganisms whose probiotic properties have been studied and recognized. In 2014, the number of published research articles concerning the use of non-viable microorganisms for human applications represented 12% of the total, and all were focused on Lactobacillus. The ability of non-viable microorganisms to stimulate a host response following their adherence to the epithelial lining of the gut mucosa relies on the capacity of the host’s cells to recognize specific bacterial cell wall components or products. Despite evidence of certain health benefits, the exact mode of action by which non-viable cells exert effects on the host, beyond their viability, is largely unknown. Probiotic experts, including members of the expert panel convened by the International Scientific Association for Probiotics and Prebiotics, support the requirement for probiotic strains to comprise live bacteria, thus excluding dead or non-viable organisms that may nevertheless convey a health benefit to the host.
