Open AccessThe human gastric microbiota: Is it time to rethink the pathogenesis of stomach diseases?
Author(s) -
Nardone Gerardo,
Compare Debora
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
ueg journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.667
H-Index - 35
eISSN - 2050-6414
pISSN - 2050-6406
DOI - 10.1177/2050640614566846
Subject(s) - fusobacteria , stomach , medicine , fusobacterium , firmicutes , helicobacter pylori , prevotella , microbiome , veillonella , microbiology and biotechnology , gastroenterology , biology , bacteria , bacteroides , bioinformatics , streptococcus , genetics , 16s ribosomal rna
Although long thought to be a sterile organ, due to its acid production, the human stomach holds a core microbiome. Aim To provide an update of findings related to gastric microbiota and its link with gastric diseases. Methods We conducted a systematic review of the literature. Results The development of culture‐independent methods facilitated the identification of many bacteria. Five major phyla have been detected in the stomach: Firmicutes , Bacteroidites , Actinobacteria , Fusobacteria and Proteobacteria . At the genera level, the healthy human stomach is dominated by Prevotella , Streptococcus, Veillonella , Rothia and Haemophilus ; however, the composition of the gastric microbiota is dynamic and affected by such factors as diet, drugs and diseases. The interaction between the pre‐existing gastric microbiota and Helicobacter pylori infection might influence an individual's risk of gastric disease, including gastric cancer. Conclusions The maintenance of bacterial homeostasis could be essential for the stomach's health and highlights the chance for therapeutic interventions targeting the gastric microbiota, even if gastric pH, peristalsis and the mucus layer may prevent bacteria colonization; and the definition of gastric microbiota of the healthy stomach is still an ongoing challenging task.