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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
PubMed

Insights

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.
Abstract

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