Human Health: The Contribution of Microorganisms is the first major work to concentrate on probiotics in humans. It presents both new and established data on the origins and importance of commensal floras, the history and characteristics of probiotics, the use of probiotics in clinical situations, and preclinical and volunteer studies. It also covers commercial issues such as the difficulties involved in the large scale production and formulation of live microorganisms, and the marketing techniques used to sell products containing bacteria. It contains contributions from internationally recognised experts in both science and industry. Written with both professional and lay audiences in mind, Human Health: The Contribution of Microorganisms will be an indispensable text and reference source for scientists, clinicians, and pharmaceutical/food technologists.