What is "lactobacillus"

n. Any of many rod-shaped, nonmotile, aerobic bacteria, of the genus ''Lactobacillus'', that ferment sugars to form lactic acid

1. n. gram-positive rod-shaped bacteria that produce lactic acid especially in milk

2. [also: lactobacilli (pl)]

Lactobacillus is a genus of Gram-positive, facultative anaerobic or microaerophilic, rod-shaped, non-spore-forming bacteria. They are a major part of the lactic acid bacteria group. In humans, they constitute a significant component of the microbiota at a number of body sites. In women, Lactobacillus species are normally a part of the vaginal microbiota.