Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 16, 2026

Microbiota Analysis Using Two-step PCR and Next-generation 16S rRNA Gene Sequencing
11:22

Microbiota Analysis Using Two-step PCR and Next-generation 16S rRNA Gene Sequencing

Published on: October 15, 2019

Gastrointestinal microbiota and some children diseases: a review

Thabata Koester Weber1, Isabel Polanco

  • 1Department of Paediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition, Children's University Hospital "La Paz", Autonomous University of Madrid, Paseo de la Castellana 261, 28046 Madrid, Spain.

Gastroenterology Research and Practice
|December 1, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Early life gut microbiota influences immune system development and gastrointestinal health. Modulating this microbial balance with probiotics may aid in preventing and treating pediatric gastrointestinal diseases.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Immunology
  • Pediatrics

Background:

  • Gut microbiota establishment begins at birth and evolves through lactation, significantly impacting immune system development.
  • Alterations in gut microbiota composition are linked to immune system activation and various gastrointestinal diseases.
  • A balanced microbiota is crucial for pediatric gastrointestinal health, pathogen defense, nutrient synthesis, and metabolic regulation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the role of intestinal microbiota modulation in the prevention and adjuvant treatment of pediatric gastrointestinal diseases.
  • To highlight the potential of probiotics in managing gut health in children.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on gut microbiota, immune system, and pediatric gastrointestinal disorders.
  • Analysis of research on probiotic interventions for gastrointestinal health.

Main Results:

  • Gut microbiota composition is critical for immune homeostasis and gastrointestinal function in children.
  • Probiotics offer a strategy for intentional modulation of the intestinal microbiota.
  • Microbiota modulation shows promise in the prevention and adjunctive therapy of pediatric gastrointestinal conditions.

Conclusions:

  • Maintaining a balanced gut microbiota is essential for preventing and managing pediatric gastrointestinal diseases.
  • Probiotic interventions represent a viable approach to positively influence the intestinal microbiota and support host health in pediatric populations.

More Related Videos

Therapeutic Evaluation of Fecal Microbiota Transplantation in an Interleukin 10-Deficient Mouse Model05:41

Therapeutic Evaluation of Fecal Microbiota Transplantation in an Interleukin 10-Deficient Mouse Model

Published on: April 6, 2022

Related Concept Videos

Development of Human Microbiota01:30

Development of Human Microbiota

The human microbiota begins developing at birth and undergoes continual change as we age. Infancy marks a critical period of microbial sensitivity, offering a “window of opportunity” during which beneficial microbes help mature the immune system. By age three, children typically develop a more stable and diverse microbial community. Newborns acquire microbes from their immediate environment; vaginal delivery favors maternal vaginal microbes, while cesarean births favor microbes from the skin...
Introduction to the Human Microbiota01:22

Introduction to the Human Microbiota

Microorganisms colonize various regions of the human body, including the mouth, nasal passages, throat, stomach, intestines, urogenital tract, and skin. The total number of microbial cells is estimated to range from 10¹³ to 10¹⁴—comparable to, or exceeding, the number of human somatic cells. This host–microbiome relationship has led to the conceptualization of humans as supraorganisms, wherein microbial communities perform vital roles in development, immunity, and disease...
Microbiota of the Stomach and Small Intestine01:27

Microbiota of the Stomach and Small Intestine

The human gastrointestinal (GI) tract is characterized by distinct physicochemical conditions that shape its microbial communities. Among these, the stomach presents a particularly challenging environment for microbial colonization due to its highly acidic pH, ranging from 1 to 3. This extreme acidity effectively limits microbial density. However, certain acid-tolerant microorganisms are capable of surviving in this niche. Notably, Helicobacter pylori can colonize the gastric mucosa,...
Functions of the Gut Microbiota01:18

Functions of the Gut Microbiota

The gut microbiota includes trillions of microorganisms that colonize the human gastrointestinal tract, including bacteria, archaea, viruses, and fungi. This complex ecosystem plays a critical role in maintaining intestinal and systemic health. Most of these microbes inhabit the large intestine, establishing a relatively stable and diverse community that contributes to gut homeostasis through various metabolic, immunological, and protective mechanisms.Dominant bacterial phyla, such as...
Development of the Oral Microbiota01:28

Development of the Oral Microbiota

The establishment of the oral microbiome begins before birth, challenging the long-held belief that the fetal oral cavity is sterile. The presence of oral microbes such as Streptococcus and Fusobacterium in amniotic fluid suggests that microbial exposure may occur in utero, potentially through translocation from the maternal oral or gastrointestinal tract. This early colonization primes the neonatal immune system and sets the stage for subsequent microbial succession. Maternal health,...
Gut-Brain Axis01:22

Gut-Brain Axis

The gut–brain axis is a bidirectional communication system that connects the gastrointestinal tract and the brain. This interaction is mediated through multiple pathways, including the vagus nerve, hormonal signals, immune responses, and chemical messengers produced by gut microbes.Microbial Contributions to Brain FunctionGut microbiota contributes significantly to brain function by producing neuroactive compounds. These include neuroactive compounds that influence neurotransmitters such as...