Gut-resident disease-associated bacteria

Gut-resident disease-associated bacteria refer to the complex community of microorganisms inhabiting the human gastrointestinal tract that contribute to disease states when their composition or function is altered, a state known as dysbiosis (Nature Reviews Microbiology, 2020). These bacteria are involved in critical physiological processes, including the fermentation of non-digestible carbohydrates, the synthesis of vitamins K and B12, and the development of the host immune system (NIH, 2023). When the balance is disrupted, specific pathobionts like Clostridioides difficile can flourish, leading to severe colitis, while broader dysbiosis is linked to inflammatory bowel disease, obesity, and colorectal cancer (PubMed, 2021). Therapeutic interventions include antibiotics to eliminate pathogens and live biotherapeutic products, such as Vowst and Rebyota, which aim to restore a healthy microbial ecosystem (FDA, 2023). These treatments work through mechanisms like competitive exclusion, production of antimicrobial peptides, and modulation of host signaling pathways. The therapeutic challenge lies in the high inter-individual variability of the microbiome and the potential for unintended systemic effects.

Other names

Gut microbiotaGut microbiomeIntestinal floraPathobiontsDysbiotic microbiota

Restoration of microbial diversity, competitive exclusion of pathogens, and modulation of the gut-immune axis