title: Characterization of the intestinal microbiota and its interaction with probiotics and health impacts.
abstract: The gastrointestinal tract (GIT) is a dynamic microecosystem containing a diversified microbiota of about 500-1000 different microbial species. Humans depend on their intestinal microbiota to carry out vital functions, and thus, equilibrium among intestinal groups of microorganisms is essential. In this review article, the use of traditional and molecular methods is discussed for the characterization of the intestinal microbiota, as well as its interaction with probiotics and their effects on health. An improved knowledge on intestinal microbiota composition and diversity and how changes in this microecosystem can cause or are associated with diseases remains far from being completely understood. Therefore, a better understanding of the GIT microbial populations is crucial, which will certainly contribute to the development of new strategies for the prevention and/or treatment of several diseases. The manipulation of the GIT microbiota by probiotics consumption is an interesting approach to maintain and restore human health.
authors.affiliation: Department of Food Science, Faculty of Food Engineering, University of Campinas, Rua Monteiro Lobato, 80, Cidade Universitária Zeferino Vaz, CEP: 13083-862, Campinas, SP, Brazil.
authors.forename: Carine Nunes
authors.initials: CN
authors.lastname: de Almada
authors.forename: Caroline
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Nunes de Almada
authors.forename: Rafael Chacon Ruiz
authors.initials: RC
authors.lastname: Martinez
authors.forename: Anderson de Souza
authors.initials: Ade S
authors.lastname: Sant'Ana
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001419:Bacteria / Q000145:classification / Q000235:genetics / Q000302:isolation & purification; D018407:Bacterial Physiological Phenomena; D000069196:Gastrointestinal Microbiome; D041981:Gastrointestinal Tract / Q000382:microbiology*; D006801:Humans; D019936:Probiotics / Q000032:analysis*