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Colonization and Impact of Disease and Other Factors on Intestinal Microbiota

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Abstract

The aim of this study was to review the process of microbial colonization and the environmental and host factors that influence colonization and microbial succession. The impact of some diseases on intestinal microbiota composition is also described. Microbial colonization of the gut by maternal vaginal and fecal bacteria begins during and after birth. During the first 2 years of life, specific microbes become established in a process designated microbial succession. Microbial succession in the gastrointestinal tract is influenced by numerous external and internal host-related factors, and by the second year of life, the intestinal microbiota composition is considered identical to that of adults. Nevertheless, intestinal microbiota in both infants and adults remain incompletely characterized and their diversity poorly defined. The main explanation is that many intestinal bacteria that live in an anaerobic environment are difficult or impossible to culture outside the intestine. However, recent advances in molecular biology techniques have initiated the description of new bacteria species. The composition of gut microbiota can be modulated by host, environmental, and bacterial factors, and strong evidence has emerged of substantial modifications during illness or exposure to threatening experiences. It has been postulated that improvements in hygienic measures have led to an increase in allergic diseases (“hygiene hypothesis”). Alterations in gut microbiota and their functions have been widely associated with many chronic and degenerative diseases, including inflammatory bowel disease, colon cancer, and rheumatoid arthritis.

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Acknowledgments

Oscar C. Thompson-Chagoyán is the recipient of a Mexican Institute of Social Security fellowship. This study was part of the Commission of the European Communities funded project QLRT-2002 02606. Effects of diet and lifestyle on risk of gastrointestinal infections and allergy in early life; consumer knowledge, attitudes and needs (INFABIO). It does not necessarily reflect the Commission's views and in no way anticipates the Commission's future policy in this area.

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  1. Department of Paediatrics, “Los Venados” General Hospital, Mexican Institute of Social Security, México City, Mexico

    Oscar C. Thompson-Chagoyán

  2. Department of Paediatrics, School of Medicine, University of Granada, Granada, Spain

    José Maldonado

  3. Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Pharmacy, University of Granada, Campus Cartuja 18071, Granada, Spain

    Angel Gil

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  1. Oscar C. Thompson-Chagoyán
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Correspondence to Angel Gil.

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Thompson-Chagoyán, O.C., Maldonado, J. & Gil, A. Colonization and Impact of Disease and Other Factors on Intestinal Microbiota. Dig Dis Sci 52, 2069–2077 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10620-006-9285-z

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