BLIS K12 Probiotic Achieves Safety Milestone with Publication of Complete Genome Sequence

Complete genomic sequencing of BLIS K12 was completed through collaboration with Nestle. Having knowledge of the complete S. salivarius K12 genome significantly contributes to our understanding of the role of this species in the microbial ecology of the mouth and throat and its beneficial role on human health.

30 Nov 2012 --- Stratum Nutrition announces the recent publication of the complete genome of BLIS K12 (Streptococcus salivarius K12). The study entitled “Genome Sequence of the Lantibiotic Bacteriocin Producer Streptococcus Salivarius Strain K12” was published in the Journal of Bacteriology (2012), 194(21):5959. DOI: 10.1128/JB.01268-12. The sequence data file was deposited in DDBJ/EMBL/GenBank under master record accession number ALIF00000000.

Complete genomic sequencing of BLIS K12 was completed through collaboration with Nestle. Having knowledge of the complete S. salivarius K12 genome significantly contributes to our understanding of the role of this species in the microbial ecology of the mouth and throat and its beneficial role on human health. Dr. Barry Richardson, CEO of BLIS Technologies states, “the completion of the BLIS K12 genome sequence is a significant milestone in the commercial development of the BLIS K12 probiotic and once again confirms the excellent safety of the organism.”

Understanding and availability of complete genome sequences is rapidly becoming a key requirement for safety of probiotics across the globe. The sequencing of the BLIS K12 genome is significant because it allows the company and other independent researchers to rapidly identify the presence (or absence) of nucleotide sequences that are 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. Completion of the BLIS K12 genome sequence solidifies what was already known about the safety of BLIS K12 in clinical practice over the past several years. In 2010, safety of BLIS K12 as an ingredient was confirmed by an independent expert panel, affording BLIS K12 self-determined GRAS status.

BLIS K12 is a specific, beneficial strain of Streptococcus salivarius (S. salivarius), one of the most numerous bacteria found in the mouth of healthy individuals. In addition to being part of the dominant healthy species of the mouth, this probiotic strain also secretes powerful antimicrobial molecules called Bacteriocin-Like-Inhibitory Substances to provide a natural resistance to oral pathogens found to contribute to ENT infections.