INHIBITING FACTORS PRODUCED BY LACTIC-ACID BACTERIA .2. BACTERIOCINS AND OTHER ANTIBACTERIAL SUBSTANCES

Lactic acid bacteria can produce a variety of substances with antibacterial activity which are described in this article. Non-peptide antibacterial substances are distinguished from bacteriocins, which have a proteinaceous active site. Among the former, reuterin produced by Lactobacillus reuteri is a broad spectrum inhibitor active against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, yeasts, molds and protozoas. It is a glycerol derivative, beta-hydroxypropionaldehyde. Bacteriocins can be produced by most lactic acid bacteria species and their spectrum of activity is generally restricted to organisms taxonomically close to the producer. The biochemical properties of bacteriocins, their structure and nature of their genetic determinants are highly variable. This literature review discusses the similarities and differences existing in this group of substances.