Scientists who mapped the genome for the oral probiotic BLIS (bacteriocin-like inhibitory substance) K12 found no negative traits, which supports the safety of the strain, according to a recent study in the Journal of Bacteriology (November 2012, Vol. 194:21, pp. 5959-5960).
BLIS K12 is a specific strain of Streptococcus salivarius (S. salivarius) that secretes powerful antimicrobial molecules, according to the team of European researchers. BLIS K12 reportedly supports healthy bacteria, prevents halitosis, and supports immunity.
The sequencing of the BLIS K12 genome is important because it allows researchers to identify the presence of nucleotide sequences associated with undesirable traits such as virulence factors or antibiotic resistance genes. The BLIS K12 genome does not contain phenotypically active gene sequences associated with these negative traits, the researchers concluded.
