Genetics of antagonistic action and drug resistance inLactobacillus acidophilus.

Lactobacillus acidophilus has been recommended as a dietary adjunct because of its antagonistic action toward intestinal pathogens and anti-carcinogenic and hypocholesterolemic activities. ManyL. acidophilus strains harbour plasmids and such strains generally produce bacteriocin(s). Resistance to antibiotics has also been shown to be linked with plasmids. Gene transfer and cloning systems are being developed forL. acidophilus which should permit the rapid genetic characterization of desired species and their modification to obtain predetermined traits. Drug resistance determinants and production of antibiotic-like substances may serve as suitable markers for the study and development of these genetic systems. Recent developments in gene transfer systems have been reviewed here.