The ecological community of commensal, symbiotic, and pathogenic gastrointestinal microorganisms - an appraisal

Seraj Zohurul Haque; Mainul Haque

doi:10.2147/CEG.S126243

The ecological community of commensal, symbiotic, and pathogenic gastrointestinal microorganisms - an appraisal

Clin Exp Gastroenterol. 2017 May 5:10:91-103. doi: 10.2147/CEG.S126243. eCollection 2017.

Authors

Seraj Zohurul Haque¹, Mainul Haque²

Affiliations

¹ School of Medicine, University of Dundee, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, Dundee, Scotland, UK.
² Unit of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine and Defense Health, National Defense University of Malaysia, Kem Sungai Besi, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Abstract

The human gastrointestinal tract is inhabited by a vast population of bacteria, numbering ~100 trillion. These microorganisms have been shown to play a significant role in digestion, metabolism, and the immune system. The aim of this study was to review and discuss how the human body interacts with its gut microbiome and in turn the effects that the microorganisms have on its host, overall resulting in a true mutualistic relationship.

Keywords: commensal; gastrointestinal; pathogenic microorganisms; symbiotic.

Publication types

Review