Duodenal microbiota

The duodenal microbiota refers to the complex community of microorganisms residing in the duodenum, the first section of the small intestine. Unlike the dense colonic microbiota, the duodenal environment is characterized by rapid transit, low pH, and high bile concentrations, leading to a distinct microbial profile dominated by Firmicutes and Actinobacteria (Leite et al., 2020; Kastl et al., 2020). This community plays a critical role in host health by facilitating nutrient absorption, synthesizing essential vitamins, and modulating the mucosal immune response (Kastl et al., 2020). Alterations in its composition, known as dysbiosis, are linked to various gastrointestinal and systemic conditions, including Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO), celiac disease, and metabolic disorders like Type 2 diabetes (Zhong et al., 2020; Saffouri et al., 2019). Therapeutic strategies targeting the duodenal microbiota include non-absorbable antibiotics like rifaximin, probiotics, and dietary interventions aimed at restoring homeostatic balance and improving metabolic health (Pimentel et al., 2011; Saffouri et al., 2019). Understanding the duodenal microbiota is increasingly important for developing precision medicine approaches for gastrointestinal and systemic metabolic diseases.

Other names

Duodenal microbiomeSmall intestinal microbiotaDuodenal flora

Modulation of microbial diversity and abundance to restore metabolic homeostasis, reduce mucosal inflammation, and regulate bile acid signaling pathways (Pimentel et al., 2011; Saffouri et al., 2019).