Rectal microbiome

The rectal microbiome represents the diverse community of bacteria, viruses, fungi, and archaea inhabiting the distal portion of the gastrointestinal tract [1]. Unlike the stool microbiome, which reflects transient luminal contents, the rectal microbiome is closely associated with the mucosal surface, playing a pivotal role in local immune signaling and epithelial barrier maintenance [2]. It functions as a metabolic hub, producing short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) that regulate systemic inflammation and energy homeostasis [1]. In disease states, dysbiosis of the rectal microbiome is linked to the pathogenesis of colorectal cancer, where specific taxa like Fusobacterium nucleatum promote oncogenic pathways [2]. Furthermore, the rectal microbial environment significantly influences the susceptibility to and progression of viral infections, most notably HIV [3]. Therapeutic interventions do not target a single receptor but rather aim to shift the entire ecosystem through fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT), probiotics, or narrow-spectrum antibiotics [4]. Understanding these microbial interactions is essential for developing precision medicine approaches in oncology and gastroenterology [5].

Other names

Rectal microbiotaAnorectal microbiomeDistal gut microbiomeRectal mucosa-associated microbiota

Therapeutic intervention involves the modulation of microbial community composition and metabolic output to restore homeostasis, enhance host immune response, or eliminate pathogenic species through competitive exclusion and the production of antimicrobial metabolites [4].