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Updated: May 16, 2026
08:33
Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction-based Analyses of Murine Intestinal Microbiota After Oral Antibiotic Treatment
Published on: November 17, 2018
Functions of intestinal microflora in children
Vittoria Buccigrossi1, Emanuele Nicastro, Alfredo Guarino
1Department of Paediatrics, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy. buccigro@unina.it
Current Opinion in Gastroenterology
|December 1, 2012
Summary
Maintaining a healthy gut microbiota (eubiosis) is crucial for immune function and digestion. Imbalances (dysbiosis) are linked to chronic diseases, suggesting therapeutic targets for restoring microbial balance.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Gastroenterology
- Immunology
Background:
- The Human Microbiome Project has advanced understanding of the gut microbiota.
- Childhood gut microflora is dynamic and responsive to external factors like diet and antibiotics.
- Nutrition significantly influences age-related microflora development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the structural composition of intestinal microbiota.
- To explore the functional relationship between microbiota and the host.
- To examine the role of abnormal microflora in chronic diseases.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of current research on gut microbiota.
- Analysis of findings from the Human Microbiome Project.
- Synthesis of evidence linking microflora to host health and disease.
Main Results:
- Eubiosis (normal microbiota) supports immune function, food tolerance, and nutrient processing.
- Dysbiosis (imbalanced microbiota) is associated with intestinal dysfunction and inflammation.
- Abnormal microflora patterns are consistently observed in various chronic diseases.
Conclusions:
- A direct link exists between microbial balance (eubiosis) and physiological functions.
- Microbiota dysbiosis can trigger or exacerbate chronic diseases.
- Targeting the microbiota to restore eubiosis via antibiotics, probiotics, or nutrients is a promising therapeutic strategy.
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