Propionibacteria

A practical encyclopaedia giving information on the unique characteristics and applications of one of the most useful groups of bacteria. Topics covered include: new phylogenetic taxonomy elaborated by modern methods of molecular biology; the peculiarities of the genetic, antimutagenic and reactive properties of propionibacteria in organisms inactivated by different stress factors; the unusual fermentation mechanism, linked with a short chain of electron transport, which generates more energy than the normal modes of fermentation; new functions of vitamin B12 in constructive metabolism, and the ability of B12-deficient cells to switch from an anaerobic to an aerobic style of existence, including the molecular regulation of this metamorphosis; production of new bacteriocins and new means of propionic acid production, revealing strains producing large quantities of porphyrins, NO and superoxide dismutase; new bacterial combinations for starters in cheese-making and ensilage, increasing the regions of their practical applications; and immunomodulating properties of propionibacteria, and the probiotic characteristics that make them an object of medical and veterinary interest.