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Microbiota Modulation by Antibiotics

Microbiota Modulation by Antibiotics

Antibiotics have revolutionized modern medicine by saving countless lives from bacterial infections. However, their widespread use has inadvertently harmed the delicate balance of the human gut microbiota. The gut microbiota, a complex community of bacteria, archaea, viruses, and fungi, plays a vital role in regulating metabolism, immune responses, and maintaining intestinal health. Antibiotics, especially broad-spectrum types, disrupt this ecosystem by eradicating both harmful and beneficial...

Probiotics

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Probiotics are live, non-pathogenic microorganisms that confer health benefits by modulating the gut microbiota. The human gastrointestinal tract harbors a complex microbial ecosystem, and the balance of this microbiota is crucial for digestive and systemic health. Among the most extensively studied and utilized probiotics are species formerly classified within the genera Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium. These organisms not only naturally colonize the human gut but are also consumed through...

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Functions of the Gut Microbiota

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Dysbiosis of the Gut Microbiota

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The human gut microbiome includes a diverse array of microbial species, including beneficial commensals and opportunistic pathogens, which interact to support host health. These microbes contribute to essential functions such as nutrient metabolism, immune system modulation, and maintenance of intestinal barrier integrity. However, disruptions to this equilibrium—referred to as dysbiosis—can have widespread physiological consequences.Dysbiosis is often characterized by reduced microbial...

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An In Vitro Batch-culture Model to Estimate the Effects of Interventional Regimens on Human Fecal Microbiota

An In Vitro Batch-culture Model to Estimate the Effects of Interventional Regimens on Human Fecal Microbiota

Published on: July 31, 2019

Prebiotics and probiotics; modifying and mining the microbiota.

Eamonn M M Quigley¹

¹Alimentary Pharmabiotic Centre, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland. e.quigley@ucc.ie

Pharmacological Research

|January 19, 2010

Summary

The enteric microbiota, or gut bacteria, plays a vital role in health. Probiotics and prebiotics are emerging therapies that interact with the immune system to promote gut health and treat diseases.

Area of Science:

Medical Science
Microbiology
Immunology

Background:

The enteric microbiota, often called the "forgotten organ," is crucial for maintaining health and preventing disease.
The gut microbiota communicates with the gut-associated lymphoid system, a key component of the immune system within the gut.
Probiotics and prebiotics are emerging as significant players in modulating this interaction.

Purpose of the Study:

To define the roles of probiotics and prebiotics in human health.
To clarify the criteria for products to be classified as probiotics.
To review the health benefits and clinical evidence for probiotics and prebiotics.

Main Methods:

Review of scientific literature on probiotics and prebiotics.
Analysis of clinical trial data for probiotic efficacy.

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Last Updated: Jun 17, 2026

An In Vitro Batch-culture Model to Estimate the Effects of Interventional Regimens on Human Fecal Microbiota

An In Vitro Batch-culture Model to Estimate the Effects of Interventional Regimens on Human Fecal Microbiota

Published on: July 31, 2019

Prospecting Microbial Strains for Bioremediation and Probiotics Development for Metaorganism Research and Preservation

Prospecting Microbial Strains for Bioremediation and Probiotics Development for Metaorganism Research and Preservation

Published on: October 31, 2019

Evaluation of the definition and application of prebiotics.

Main Results:

Probiotics, defined as live organisms conferring a health benefit proven in high-quality human studies, have shown efficacy in treating diarrheal illnesses, inflammatory bowel diseases, infectious disorders, and irritable bowel syndrome.
Prebiotics promote the growth of beneficial gut bacteria.
Limited large-scale clinical trials exist for many claimed prebiotic health benefits.

Conclusions:

The enteric microbiota is a critical factor in human health, interacting closely with the immune system.
Strict criteria must be met for products to be considered true probiotics.
While probiotics show proven benefits for several conditions, further research, particularly large-scale clinical trials, is needed to substantiate the health benefits of prebiotics.