Search research articles

ABOUT JoVE

Overview Leadership Blog JoVE Help Center

AUTHORS

Publishing Process Editorial Board Scope & Policies Peer Review FAQ Submit

LIBRARIANS

Testimonials Subscriptions Access Resources Library Advisory Board FAQ

RESEARCH

JoVE Journal Methods Collections JoVE Encyclopedia of Experiments Archive

EDUCATION

JoVE Core JoVE Business JoVE Science Education JoVE Lab Manual Faculty Resource Center Faculty Site

Terms & Conditions of Use

Related Concept Videos

Defense Against Bacterial Pathogens

Defense Against Bacterial Pathogens

The human immune system is a complex network of cells, tissues, and organs that work together to defend the body against bacterial infections. It consists of various immune cells, each playing a specific role in the defense mechanism.
Phagocytes
Phagocytes are the frontline soldiers of the immune system. They include neutrophils and macrophages. Neutrophils are the most abundant type of white blood cell and are quickly mobilized to the site of infection. Macrophages are larger cells that patrol...

Microbial Interactions: Cooperation

Microbial Interactions: Cooperation

Microbial cooperation involves beneficial interactions in which different species work together for individual or mutual advantage. These interactions can profoundly influence ecological dynamics and evolutionary processes, and they are essential to many pathogenic and symbiotic relationships.Nematode–Bacteria CooperationA striking example is the relationship between the Gram-negative bacterium Xenorhabdus nematophila and the parasitic nematode Steinernema carpocapsae. Juvenile nematodes...

Microbiota of the Stomach and Small Intestine

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,...

Dysbiosis of the Gut Microbiota

Dysbiosis of the Gut Microbiota

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...

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...

Bacterial Gastroenteritis

Bacterial Gastroenteritis

Bacterial gastroenteritis, characterized by diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and vomiting, is often caused by ingestion of contaminated food or water and is frequently associated with pathogenic Escherichia coli strains. These microbes exploit two principal mechanisms to inflict disease.Shiga toxin–producing E. coli, also referred to as STEC—notably O157:H7—release Shiga toxins that target ribosomes, blocking protein synthesis. The B subunit of the toxin binds the host glycolipid receptor...

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by

Same author

Relationship between the serum concentrations of serotonin and lipids and aggression in dogs.

The Veterinary record·2007

Same author

Relationships between serum serotonin and serum lipid levels, and aggression in horses.

DTW. Deutsche tierarztliche Wochenschrift·2007

Same author

Total and relative deficiency of gut mucosal IgA in German shepherd dogs demonstrated by faecal analysis.

The Veterinary record·2006

Same author

Localizing the X-linked orange colour phenotype using feline resource families.

Animal genetics·2005

Same author

Prevalence of enteropathic Escherichia coli in dogs with acute and chronic diarrhoea.

The Veterinary record·2004

Same author

[Gastrointestinal diseases in the cat: are cats different from dogs?].

Tijdschrift voor diergeneeskunde·2003

Search research articles

Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 26, 2026

Enteric Bacterial Invasion Of Intestinal Epithelial Cells In Vitro Is Dramatically Enhanced Using a Vertical Diffusion Chamber Model

Enteric Bacterial Invasion Of Intestinal Epithelial Cells In Vitro Is Dramatically Enhanced Using a Vertical Diffusion Chamber Model

Published on: October 22, 2013

Enteric bacteria: friend or foe?

R M Batt¹, H C Rutgers, A A Sancak

¹Department of Small Animal Medicine and Surgery, Royal Veterinary College, North Mymms, Hertfordshire.

The Journal of Small Animal Practice

|June 1, 1996

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

The gastrointestinal tract

More Related Videos

Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction-based Analyses of Murine Intestinal Microbiota After Oral Antibiotic Treatment

Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction-based Analyses of Murine Intestinal Microbiota After Oral Antibiotic Treatment

Published on: November 17, 2018

Assessment of Intestinal Transcytosis of Neonatal Escherichia coli Bacteremia Isolates

Assessment of Intestinal Transcytosis of Neonatal Escherichia coli Bacteremia Isolates

Published on: February 17, 2023

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jun 26, 2026

Enteric Bacterial Invasion Of Intestinal Epithelial Cells In Vitro Is Dramatically Enhanced Using a Vertical Diffusion Chamber Model

Enteric Bacterial Invasion Of Intestinal Epithelial Cells In Vitro Is Dramatically Enhanced Using a Vertical Diffusion Chamber Model

Published on: October 22, 2013

Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction-based Analyses of Murine Intestinal Microbiota After Oral Antibiotic Treatment

Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction-based Analyses of Murine Intestinal Microbiota After Oral Antibiotic Treatment

Published on: November 17, 2018

Assessment of Intestinal Transcytosis of Neonatal Escherichia coli Bacteremia Isolates

Assessment of Intestinal Transcytosis of Neonatal Escherichia coli Bacteremia Isolates

Published on: February 17, 2023

Area of Science:

Microbiology
Gastroenterology
Host-Microbe Interactions

Background:

The gastrointestinal tract harbors a complex ecosystem of aerobic and anaerobic bacteria in a symbiotic relationship with the host.
The small intestine acts as a transitional zone for bacterial populations between the stomach and colon.
Intestinal flora regulation involves intricate host factors like gastric acid, motility, immunity, and diet, alongside microbial interactions.

Purpose of the Study:

To elucidate the dual role of the normal enteric flora in host health and disease.
To understand the mechanisms by which intestinal bacteria influence gastrointestinal physiology and pathology.
To explore the consequences of dysbiosis and pathogenic bacterial colonization.

Main Methods:

Review of existing literature on gastrointestinal microbiology and host-microbe interactions.
Analysis of the physiological and pathophysiological roles of enteric bacteria.
Examination of bacterial virulence factors and colonization strategies.

Main Results:

Beneficial effects include competitive exclusion of pathogens and production of essential nutrients like short-chain fatty acids and vitamins.
Detrimental effects involve nutrient competition, mucosal damage, and contribution to inflammatory bowel disease.
Dysregulation of flora can lead to overgrowth, pathogen colonization, and increased translocation of bacteria and products, causing inflammation, bacteraemia, and septicaemia.

Conclusions:

The enteric flora plays a critical role in maintaining gastrointestinal homeostasis, with both beneficial and detrimental potential.
Disruptions in the regulation of intestinal bacteria can precipitate significant local and systemic health issues.
Understanding these complex interactions is crucial for managing gastrointestinal disorders and preventing infections.