GUT HEALTH, MICROBIOTA AND IMMUNITY

摘要

The mammalian gastrointestinal tract contains an immense number of microorganisms, collectively known as the microbiota. In fact, bacterial cells outnumber host cells in the body by a factor of ten. Formation of the microbiota starts shortly after birth and quickly expands into a complex and dynamic ecosystem that fulfils important roles in promoting health of the host. Principal functions include degrading dietary compounds and providing essential nutrients, protecting against invading pathogens, and stimulating gut morphology as well as immune development and maintenance (Falk et ah, 1998; Salminen et al., 1998). This chapter will focus on the progress made in understanding the factors that influence the acquisition and succession of the commensal microbiota in the pig gut. The role of the microbiota in both promoting health and preventing disease and its manipulation to benefit the host will also be discussed.