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 (ng 2019 probiotics schizophrenia symptoms systematic review, 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 (feng 2023 probiotics asd gut brain axis review, 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