[New Approaches for the Isolation of Bifidobacterial Strains, Their Molecular Characterization, and Assessment of Their Probiotic Potential].

Six stably growing strains of bifidobacteria possessing probiotic properties were isolated from the feces of newborn children and animals. According to the results of molecular analysis, one strain was classified as Bifidobacterium bifidum, while five belonged to Bifidobacterium animalis. Initial identification of the strains was carried out using the primer pairs for the 16S rRNA gene (g-Bifid-F/R, Bif164/662) and for the xfp gene specific for bifidobacteria. Subsequent sequencing of complete genes encoding 16S rRNA synthesis in the isolates confirmed their species affiliation. The cultures exhibited high resistance to gastroenterological stress (5 ≤ RD ≤ 10) and may be therefore recommended as:potential probiotics.