Human gut microbiota (GM) (GM)

The human gut microbiota is a complex and dynamic ecosystem comprising trillions of microorganisms, including bacteria, archaea, fungi, and viruses, that reside within the gastrointestinal tract. This community acts as a functional "organ," playing a pivotal role in host physiology by fermenting dietary fibers into short-chain fatty acids, synthesizing essential vitamins, and regulating the development and activity of the host immune system (Nature Reviews Microbiology, 2022). Dysbiosis, or the pathological imbalance of this microbial community, is strongly associated with various diseases, including Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and metabolic syndromes (NIH, 2023). Therapeutic strategies targeting the gut ecosystem include the use of live biotherapeutic products (LBPs) such as Vowst and Rebyota, which are designed to restore microbial diversity and outcompete pathogens (FDA, 2023). Additionally, the gut microbiome influences the pharmacokinetics and efficacy of various systemic drugs, making it a critical consideration in personalized medicine and the emerging field of the gut-brain axis.

Other names

Gut microbiomeIntestinal microbiotaGut floraGastrointestinal ecosystemMicrobial community

Restoration of microbial diversity, competitive exclusion of pathogens, and modulation of host metabolic and immune pathways via microbial metabolites.