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

Lactic acid bacteria can produce a variety of substances with antibact erial activity which are described in this article. Non-peptide antiba cterial substances are distinguished from bacteriocins, which have a p roteinaceous active site. Among the former, reuterin produced by Lacto bacillus reuteri is a broad spectrum inhibitor active against Gram-pos itive 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 a ctivity is generally restricted to organisms taxonomically close to th e producer. The biochemical properties of bacteriocins, their structur e and nature of their genetic determinants are highly variable. This l iterature review discusses the similarities and differences existing i n this group of substances.