title: Microbiologic evaluation of commercial probiotics.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate contents of commercial probiotic products marketed for veterinary or human administration.
  
  
  METHODS
  Microbiologic culture assay.
  
  
  METHODS
  8 veterinary probiotics and 5 human probiotics.
  
  
  METHODS
  Quantitative bacteriologic culture was performed on all products, and isolates were identified via biochemical characteristics. Comparison of actual contents versus label claims was performed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Label descriptions of organisms and concentrations accurately described the actual contents of only 2 of 13 products. Five veterinary products did not specifically list their contents. Most products contained low concentrations of viable organisms. Five products did not contain 1 or more of the stated organisms, and 3 products contained additional species. Some products contained organisms with no reported probiotic effects; some of these organisms could be pathogens.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Most commercial veterinary probiotic preparations are not accurately represented by label claims. Quality control appears to be poor for commercial veterinary probiotics.
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical Studies, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Canada.
authors.forename: J Scott
authors.initials: JS
authors.lastname: Weese
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001419:Bacteria / Q000254:growth & development*; D015169:Colony Count, Microbial / Q000662:veterinary; D004348:Drug Labeling / Q000592:standards; D006801:Humans; D019936:Probiotics / Q000592:standards*; D011786:Quality Control