Gut microbiota

Background

• The gastrointestinal tract is normally colonized with a number of microbes
• Comprised of an estimated 35,000 bacterial species
• Bacteria are generally either in the phyla Bacteroidetes or Firmicutes
• The gut flora are impacted by:
  • Mode of delivery at birth (Cesarean section versus vaginal delivery)
  • Diet during infancy (breast milk versus formula)
  • Diet during adulthood (plant-based or meat-based)
  • Use of antimicrobials
• May play a role in a number of diseases