Difference Between Lactobacillus and Bacillus Clausii

The key difference between Lactobacillus and Bacillus clausii is that Lactobacillus is a genus of probiotic bacteria whose live or dormant cells are mainly utilized as probiotics, while Bacillus clausii is a probiotic bacterium whose spores are mainly utilized as probiotics.

Probiotics are live bacteria that are especially good for the human digestive system. Probiotics are often called good or helpful bacteria. This is because they keep the human gut healthy. Researchers have found that when people lose good bacteria due to antibiotics usage, probiotics can help replace them. Probiotics can also help to balance the good and bad bacteria in the body. Most of the probiotics can be found in dairy food like yogurt and other supplements. Lactobacillus and Bacillus Clausii are two bacteria that are currently used as probiotics.

1. Overview and Key Difference
2. What is Lactobacillus
3. What is Bacillus Clausii
4. Similarities – Lactobacillus and Bacillus Clausii
5. Lactobacillus vs Bacillus Clausii in Tabular Form
6. Summary – Lactobacillus vs Bacillus Clausii

What is Lactobacillus?

Lactobacillus spp. are probiotic bacteria whose live or dormant cells are mainly utilized as probiotics. In fact, Lactobacillus is a genus of gram-positive, aerotolerant anaerobes or microaerophilic, rod-shaped, non-spore-forming bacteria. Lactobacillus genus comprises over 260 phylogenetically diverse species. The species of Lactobacillus are one of the main components of human and animal microbiota at different body sites such as the digestive system and female genital system.

Figure 01: Lactobacillus

In women, Lactobacillus species are usually major parts of the virginal microbiota. Lactobacillus species form biofilms in the vaginal and gut microbiota. This allows them to persist during harsh environmental conditions and maintain their ample populations. These bacteria exhibit a mutualistic relationship with the human body. Therefore, they protect the human host against potential invasions by other bacteria while, in turn, the human host provides them the required nutrients. Moreover, Lactobacillus species are among the most common probiotics found in dairy food, such as yogurt. They are also applied in the production of feed. All these applications maintain the well-being of humans as Lactobacillus species can help treat diarrhoea, virginal infections, and skin disorders such as eczema.

What is Bacillus Clausii?

Bacillus clausii is a probiotic bacterium whose spores are mainly utilized as probiotics. It is a rod-shaped, motile and spore-forming bacterium that normally lives in the soil. It maintains a symbiotic relationship with the human host. This bacterium is currently being studied in respiratory tract infections and some other gastrointestinal disorders.

Figure 02: Bacillus clausii

Researchers have found that Bacillus clausii has been producing antimicrobial substances that are active against gram-positive pathogenic bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecium , and Clostridium difficile. It is classified as a probiotic microorganism. Furthermore, Bacillus clausii has various applications as probiotics. It is used as probiotics in the healthy food and dietary supplements industry. As probiotics, they also can be used in animal feed production.

What are the Similarities Between Lactobacillus and Bacillus Clausii?

Lactobacillus and Bacillus Clausii are probiotics.
Both classify under the class
They are both gram-positive, rod-shaped, and motile bacteria.
These bacteria can form mutualistic relationships with the human host.
Both bacteria are considered as helpful or good bacteria to humans.
They produce proteases and survive in harsh acidic environments.

What is the Difference Between Lactobacillus and Bacillus Clausii?

Lactobacillus is a genus of probiotic bacteria and their live or dormant cells are mainly utilized as probiotics. On the other hand, Bacillus clausii is a probiotic bacterium, and its spores are mainly utilized as probiotics. So, this is the key difference between Lactobacillus and Bacillus clausii. Moreover, Lactobacillus species normally live in the human digestive system while Bacillus clausii normally live in the soil.

The below infographic presents the difference between Lactobacillus and Bacillus clausii in tabular form.

Summary – Lactobacillus vs Bacillus Clausii

Probiotics are living microorganisms that provide health benefits when ingested. Probiotics are usually bacteria. But certain types of yeasts can also function as probiotics. Probioctics are mainly included in dairy foods, dietary supplements, and animal feed. Lactobacillus and Bacillus clausii are two types of bacteria that are currently used as probiotics. The live or dormant cells of Lactobacillus bacteria are mainly utilized as probiotics. In contrast, the spores of Bacillus clausii bacterium are mainly utilized as probiotics. Thus, this is the summary of the difference between Lactobacillus and Bacillus clausii.

Reference:

1. “LACTOBACILLUS: Overview, Uses, Side Effects, Precautions, Interactions, Dosing and Reviews.” WebMD.
2. “Bacillus Clausii.” – An Overview | ScienceDirect Topics.

Image Courtesy:

1. “Lactobacillus acidophilus SEM” By Mogana Das Murtey and Patchamuthu Ramasamy – (CC BY-SA 3.0) via Commons Wikimedia
2. “Bacillus clausii Enterogermina” By Giraffe Gregor – This image was taken at RECENDT with an optical microscope (CC BY-SA 4.0) via Commons Wikimedia