The Gut Microbiota: A Clinically Impactful Factor in Patient Health and Disease

Abstract

The gut microbiota, often referred to as the body’s virtual organ, is a complex ecosystem made up of trillions of microorganisms that interact with host physiology in a myriad of ways. This lifelong interaction begins in the early stages of life, and it is subject to alterations exerted by environmental factors, especially those that characterise modern societies such as ultra-processed foods and pharmaceutical interventions, amongst others. These alterations, in turn, carry with them implications for host health and disease. Due to this putative role in human health and the fact that study of the gut microbiota is now rapidly evolving, it is of paramount importance that all clinicians be aware of the most up-to-date literature in this field. Herein, we present a state-of-the-art review which aims to outline the most relevant pre-clinical and clinical knowledge around the gut microbiota-host interaction. This review focuses primarily on the development and key functions of the gut microbiota with respect to host health and disease, but also addresses the basic concept of gut dysbiosis.