Role of human microflora in health and disease
- 1 November 1992
- journal article
- review article
- Published by Springer Science and Business Media LLC in European Journal of Clinical Microbiology & Infectious Diseases
- Vol. 11 (11), 1012-1015
- https://doi.org/10.1007/bf01967791
Abstract
The human host and its microbial flora constitute a complex ecosystem whose equilibrium serves as a remarkable example of reciprocal adaptation. Intestinal bacteria play an important role in the development of the immune system. The normal intestinal flora is responsible for resistance to colonization by exogenous pathogenic microorganisms. Nevertheless, it also constitutes a reservoir of potentially pathogenic bacteria in close contact with the host. These bacteria are responsible for opportunistic infections in immunocompromised hosts. The equilibrium of the flora can be upset by antibiotics, leading to infections as a result of proliferation of antibiotic-resistant pathogenic bacteria.Keywords
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