The impact of stress and nutrition on bacterial-host interactions at the intestinal epithelial surface.
OBJECTIVE
Most literature that examines gut barrier function focuses on alterations in bacterial flora, changes in mucosal epithelium, or the integrity of the mucosal defenses. This review examines new concepts on the interaction between bacteria and the host, the complex relationships that serve to benefit both in times of health, and the alterations and responses that occur during illness.


RESULTS
Recent work has demonstrated a more complex relationship between bacteria and barrier integrity and between bacteria themselves, which creates a symbiotic relationship beneficial to both host and flora. Host responses alter this balance, inducing changes in bacteria that may be deleterious to both.


CONCLUSIONS
With a better understanding of the bacteria-host interactions in health and the alterations induced by critical illness, new therapies that improve the environment of both may lead to better recovery rates in intensive care unit patients.
Alverdy
John
J
University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60637, USA. jalverdy@surgery.bsd.uchicago.edu
Zaborina
Olga
O
Wu
Licheng
L
D018988:Bacterial Translocation; D003422:Critical Care / Q000379:methods*; D016638:Critical Illness / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D007362:Intensive Care Units; D007413:Intestinal Mucosa / Q000382:microbiology* / Q000502:physiology*; D010288:Parenteral Nutrition; D013312:Stress, Physiological