91,210,211 The adherence of EPEC was inhibited by L. plantarum 299 v-mediated increase in expression of the MUC2 and MUC3 mucins.91,211 Rats administered with VSL3 (pre- and probiotic mixture) for 7 consecutive days showed a 60-fold increase in MUC2 expression and an associated increase in mucin production.212 Therefore, increased mucus production mediated by probiotic bacteria in vivo may be a key mechanism in their interactions with enteropathogens to prevent infections and to improve intestinal barrier function. This evidence concerns the gene MUC2 and infection.