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 infectious agents. It is

the relationship between host and microflora that defines 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.