Intestinal Microbiota in the Control of Pathogens

The intestinal mucosa contains innumerable species of commensal microorganisms, at equilibrium end up preventing the persistence of or even eliminating pathogenic microorganisms. The manner by which the intestinal microbiota eliminates pathogenic microorganisms has been extensively studied by diverse researchers throughout the world. This is mainly due to the fact that the indiscriminate use of antibiotics has given rise to a global problem of great importance to public health. Consequently, diverse products that constitute alternatives to the use of antibiotics, such as probiotics, which act against pathogens. Currently, probiotics are being utilized commercially on a large scale in the production of animal products, and to a lesser degree in such human foods. We know of the existence of many other bacteria present in normal intestinal microbiota that are not known. Exact knowledge on how these microorganisms interact is the objective of researchers throughout the world, specifically by understanding the true function of all intestinal microbiota, thereby gaining the ability to combat intestinal pathogens in a safe and healthy manner in relation to public health.