Pathogenic gut microorganisms

Pathogenic gut microorganisms are bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa that cause infectious diseases or inflammatory disorders in the gastrointestinal tract. Common examples include Escherichia coli (certain pathogenic strains), Clostridium difficile, Salmonella spp., Campylobacter jejuni, norovirus, and Candida albicans. These organisms can infect the gut, leading to symptoms ranging from mild gastrointestinal upset to severe, life-threatening illness. Pathogenicity arises from abilities such as toxin production, tissue invasion, and immune evasion. Alterations in the gut microbiota ("dysbiosis") can promote overgrowth of these pathogens, especially following antibiotic use. Therapeutic strategies target the microorganism itself, usually via antimicrobial drugs or modulation of the gut ecology.

Other names

Disease-causing gut microbeEnteric pathogenGastrointestinal pathogenIntestinal pathogen

Inhibition of cell wall synthesis (antibiotics), Inhibition of protein or nucleic acid synthesis (antibiotics, antivirals), Disruption of pathogen cell membranes (antifungals), Immunomodulation