RESEARCH The genome of Bifidobacte s

na inhabiting the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) of animals and adult humans [2,3]. B. pseudocatenulatum strains have a Alegría et al. Gut Pathogens 2014, 6:31 http://www.gutpathogens.com/content/6/1/31quence analysis of additional B. pseudocatenulatum strainss/n, 33300 Villaviciosa, Asturias, SpainFull list of author information is available at the end of the articlehumans. They play important roles in maintaining human health via the digestion of foods, production of essential vitamins, and metabolization of endogenous and exogen-ous compounds, as well as by preventing the colonization and/or overgrowth of pathogens in the GIT [1]. Molecular analyses have shown that members of the Bifidobacterium number of probiotic properties, such as the possession of antinutrient-degrading enzymes [4], the ability to bind mutagenic aromatic amines [5], and the capacity to reduce cholesterol levels [6]. However, compared to other bifido-bacterial species, the genome of B. pseudocatenulatum has been very little explored. The Genomes Online Database (GOLD