Overview of gastrointestinal microecology.
In germ-free life many characteristics are not the consequence of living bacteria's metabolic activities but of bacteria acting as antigens. On the other hand, merely some bacteria species are able to activate the immune system. Noteworthy experimental results relate to inhibitory effects of dietary lactobacilli on intestinal carcinomas. Besides bacteria other components play a role within the very complex man-microbe ecosystem. Thus, protozoa, fungi, and viruses may be generally concerned with diseases in monogastric animals.
Luckey
T D
TD
Department of Biochemistry, University of Missouri, Columbia.
D000818:Animals; D004064:Digestive System / Q000382:microbiology*; D005856:Germ-Free Life; D006706:Homeostasis; D006801:Humans