The human body-a master at adaptation-has learnt how to exploit to its own advantage the many and various species which compose the gut microflora and which mediate, multiple physiological roles: fermentation; immunoregulatory activity; effects on intestinal motility, vascularisation and trophicity; and defences against infections agents. It is the relationship between host and microflora that dermes the "intestinal ecosystem".
However, balance in this ecosystem is fragile and its perturbation is involved in the pathogenesis of diverse digestive conditions. In recent years, the importance of the microflora has inspired a great deal of research based on the tools of modern molecular biology, microbiology and medicine. Moreover, the old idea of positively modulating an unbalanced microflora or inducing beneficial effects by administering selected, live microorganisms has seen a resurgence of interest with the development of the concept of "probiotic" microorganisms.
The purpose of this profoundly multidisciplinary volume is to provide a comprehensive, up-to-date review of what is known about the gut microflora and its impact on digestive physiology and pathology for physicians, pharmacists, veterinarians, researchers and students interested in this fascinating subject.