<p><b>(A)</b> LF41, BC41, or LGG was cultured in MRS broth at 37°C overnight. An aliquot of culture from each culture was dilution-plated on MRS agar (to enumerate each strain). Total bacterial genomic DNA was isolated from an aliquot of each culture and analyzed by q-PCR using the primers specific to the 16S rRNA of either LF or LGG. Black and white triangles denote log numbers of 16S rRNA gene copies determined by LF- and LGG-specific q-PCR, respectively; black squares denote log numbers of bacteria determined by serial dilution. <b>(B)</b> MRS broth was co-inoculated with LGG and low, middle, or high dose of LF41, grown at 37°C overnight. Total bacterial genomic DNA was isolated from an aliquot of each sample and analyzed by q-PCR using the primers specific to 16S rRNA of <i>Lactobacillus</i>, LF, or LGG. The samples of a, b, and c denote the co-cultures of LGG with low, middle, and high dose of LF41, respectively; “R(LF)” and “R(LGG)” denote the ratios of the respective 16S rRNA gene copies determined by LF- and LGG-specific q-PCR to the gene copies by <i>Lactobacillus</i>-specific q-PCR. <b>(B)(C)(D)</b> Mice (n = 8) were orally inoculated either for 10 days with PBS, L-LF41, or H-LF41, or for 3 weeks with PBS or H-LF41, and LF-specific 16S rRNA gene levels in terminal ileum <b>(B)</b>, proximal colon <b>(C)</b>, and distal jejuna <b>(D)</b> determined by q-PCR. Results are expressed as log<sub>10</sub> of the 16S rRNA gene copies per mg of tissue samples. Values of are shown as mean ± SEM. * P < 0.05 compared to L-LF41 or H-LF41 (21 days); <b>+</b> P < 0.05 compared to H-LF41 (10 days); nd, not detected. Results are representative of 2 experiments with similar results.</p
