Pathogen Competitive Exclusion via Commensal Bacteria

Pathogen competitive exclusion via commensal bacteria refers to the process by which beneficial, non-pathogenic microorganisms (commensals) in a host's microbiota inhibit or prevent colonization and infection by pathogenic microbes. This is achieved through a variety of direct and indirect mechanisms that maintain microbial balance and protect the host from disease. Commensals employ strategies such as nutrient competition, niche occupation, production of antimicrobial compounds, disruption of pathogen biofilms, and modulation of host immunity to exclude pathogens. This represents a multifaceted ecological defense system rather than a single molecular entity, encompassing processes whereby resident beneficial microbes protect their niche and their host.

Nutrient/niche competition; antimicrobial production; immune modulation