Rebuilding the Gut Microbiota Ecosystem

Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2018 Aug 7;15(8):1679. doi: 10.3390/ijerph15081679.

Abstract

A microbial ecosystem in which bacteria no longer live in a mutualistic association is called dysbiotic. Gut microbiota dysbiosis is a condition related with the pathogenesis of intestinal illnesses (irritable bowel syndrome, celiac disease, and inflammatory bowel disease) and extra-intestinal illnesses (obesity, metabolic disorder, cardiovascular syndrome, allergy, and asthma). Dysbiosis status has been related to various important pathologies, and many therapeutic strategies aimed at restoring the balance of the intestinal ecosystem have been implemented. These strategies include the administration of probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics; phage therapy; fecal transplantation; bacterial consortium transplantation; and a still poorly investigated approach based on predatory bacteria. This review discusses the various aspects of these strategies to counteract intestinal dysbiosis.

Keywords: dysbiosis; eubiosis; gut microbiota; therapeutic strategy.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Dysbiosis / microbiology
  • Dysbiosis / prevention & control*
  • Fecal Microbiota Transplantation
  • Gastrointestinal Microbiome*
  • Humans
  • Microbial Consortia
  • Phage Therapy
  • Prebiotics / administration & dosage
  • Probiotics / administration & dosage
  • Probiotics / therapeutic use
  • Synbiotics / administration & dosage

Substances

  • Prebiotics