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Intestinal Microbiota Dysbiosis Role and Bacterial Translocation as a Factor for Septic Risk
Ioannis Alexandros Charitos1,2, Salvatore Scacco3,4, Antonella Cotoia5
1Pneumology and Respiratory Rehabilitation Unit, Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri IRCCS, "Istitute" of Bari, 70124 Bari, Italy.
Insights
The gut microbiota and immune system have a symbiotic relationship. Dysbiosis can lead to bacterial translocation, increasing infection and sepsis risk.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Immunology
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- The human immune system and gut microbiota (IM) exhibit a symbiotic relationship, crucial for host health.
- Microbial transfer from mother to newborn initiates the IM, which comprises complex polymicrobial communities interacting with diet and immunity.
- Intestinal microbiota dysbiosis is influenced by local and extra-intestinal factors, including inflammation, infections, and septic states.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current knowledge on mechanisms driving intestinal microbiota dysbiosis.
- To explore how dysbiosis contributes to bacterial translocation and associated risks of infection or sepsis.
- To understand the reciprocal influence between the host immune system and the gut microbial community.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of existing research on gut microbiota, immune system interactions, and dysbiosis.
- Analysis of studies investigating the mechanisms of bacterial translocation.
- Synthesis of information on the role of inflammation in microbial pathogenesis and sepsis.
Main Results:
- Dysbiosis can be triggered by various factors, leading to immune responses like inflammation.
- Changes in the host immune system can alter gut microbial composition and promote bacterial translocation.
- Local intestinal inflammation is a significant factor in the proliferation of pathogenic microorganisms, particularly in sepsis.
Conclusions:
- Understanding the mechanisms linking gut microbiota dysbiosis, bacterial translocation, and sepsis is critical for managing infections.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the intricate interplay between the immune system and the gut microbiome.
- Targeting dysbiosis may offer therapeutic strategies to prevent or treat sepsis and related complications.
Abstract:
The human immune system is closely linked to microbiota such as a complex symbiotic relationship during the coevolution of vertebrates and microorganisms. The transfer of microorganisms from the mother's microbiota to the newborn begins before birth during gestation and is considered the initial phase of the intestinal microbiota (IM). The gut is an important site where microorganisms can establish colonies. The IM contains polymicrobial communities, which show complex interactions with diet and host immunity. The tendency towards dysbiosis of the intestinal microbiota is influenced by local but also extra-intestinal factors such as inflammatory processes, infections, or a septic state that can aggravate it. Pathogens could trigger an immune response, such as proinflammatory responses. In addition, changes in the host immune system also influence the intestinal community and structure with additional translocation of pathogenic and non-pathogenic bacteria. Finally, local intestinal inflammation has been found to be an important factor in the growth of pathogenic microorganisms, particularly in its role in sepsis. The aim of this article is to be able to detect the current knowledge of the mechanisms that can lead to dysbiosis of the intestinal microbiota and that can cause bacterial translocation with a risk of infection or septic state and vice versa.
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