The importance of intestinal microbiota and its role in the nosocomial infection

Abstract

The gastrointestinal tract houses the largest and most complex community of microorganisms, and this bacterial colonization of the human intestine by environmental microbes begins immediately after the birth. The intestinal microbiota has several important and unique functions, including metabolic functions such as the biotransformation of drugs and the digestion of dietary compounds; a mucosal barrier function by inhibiting the invasion of pathogens and an immunomodulatory function. On the other hand, some commensal bacteria can be pathogenic, causing infections if the natural host is compromised and, in predisposed hosts, the intestinal microbiota can be involved in nosocomial infection. The translocation of bacteria through the intestinal wall is considered one of the main causes of nosocomial infections. The aim of this review is to provide a comprehensive view of the human gut microbiota, its main functions, its role in health and disease, addressing the correlation between intestinal microbial composition and nosocomial infections.

Chemical Composition, Antibacterial and Antifungal Activity of the Essential Oil from Cistus ladanifer L.

“…Typhi, one of the representatives of the Salmonella family, is the direct causative organism of typhoid fever [47] (accompanied by weakness, headaches, mild vomiting, abdominal pain, and constipation). Symptoms may persist for weeks or months if not treated [48].…”

“…coli usually colonizes human babies' gastrointestinal tracts within a few hours after birth. E. coli and its human host often live in excellent health and mutual benefit for decades [48]. These commensal E. coli strains seldom cause illness unless the host is immunocompromised or the usual gastrointestinal barriers are broken, as in peritonitis.…”

Atividade antimicrobiana de óleos essenciais frente a bactérias patogênicas de importância clínica

“…Pacientes internados em UTI apresentam maior risco de infecção hospitalar do que outros pacientes (Vincent et al, 2020). Uma vez que, há um desequilíbrio entre os mecanismos de defesa antiinfecciosa do hospedeiro e sua microbiota normal (Da Cruz et al, 2021). Para conter a dispersão dos microrganismos resistentes, os hospitais vêm implantando ações de vigilância que na maioria das vezes baseiam-se na adoção de práticas de isolamento de pacientes e precauções de contato pela equipe de saúde (Strich & Palmore, 2017).…”