Abstract
Probiotics are defined as live cultures of micro-organisms administered orally and acting beneficially on the host health. They influence favourably both development and stability of the microflora, inhibit colonization by pathogens, influence the mucosal barrier by their trophic effect on intestinal epithelium and stimulate both specific and non-specific components of the immune system.
Understanding the regulation of mucosal immune responses to commensal microflora and probiotics may by the key to the targeted manipulation with microflora composition and succesful intervention in wide range of diseases in children and adults.