Mechnikov was the first to draw attention to the role of intestinal microflora in human health. Studying centenarians in Bulgaria, he linked their health to regular consumption of fermented dairy products, particularly yogurt. Mechnikov isolated the Bulgarian bacillus (Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus) and studied its positive effects on the body. Although his theory of 'autointoxication' was not fully confirmed, his research laid the foundations for the modern concept of probiotics.
Significance
Foundation of modern probiotic science and microbiome research