Bifidobacterium breve is a Gram-positive, obligate anaerobic species within the phylum Actinobacteria, predominantly found in the infant gut and breast milk. It is among the earliest colonizers of the neonatal intestine and plays a key role in human milk oligosaccharide metabolism. As a widely studied probiotic species, B. breve has attracted attention for its immunomodulatory properties, particularly in neuropsychiatric contexts.
In a systematic review of probiotic interventions for schizophrenia, B. breve-containing formulations contributed to significant reductions in TNF-alpha levels, suggesting anti-inflammatory effects relevant to the gut-brain axis ([1], systematic review). The species has also been evaluated in autism spectrum disorder, where probiotic supplementation including B. breve showed potential for modulating gut-brain signaling and improving behavioral outcomes ([2], review). <!— NEEDS VERIFICATION — specific B. breve strain identification in these trials varies; strain-level effects may differ —>
Cross-References
- actinobacteria — parent phylum
- autism spectrum disorder — associated condition
- schizophrenia — associated condition
- gut brain axis — primary mechanism of action