Hospital Infections and Microbiota

Authors : Songül Türk Aydın, Zerrin Aktaş

Pages : 24-29

Doi:10.26650/Tr-ENT.2023.1425530

View : 58 | Download : 58

Publication Date : 2024-03-27

Article Type : Review Paper

Abstract :The human body hosts complex communities of microorganisms, collectively known as the “microbiota,” predominantly in the lower intestine. This microbiota, which consists of bacteria, viruses, and fungi, plays a vital role in the breakdown of various nutrients and maintenance of homeostasis. The microbiome, which represents the collective genetic content of these microorganisms, is intricately associated with human health and disease. Healthcare-associated infections (HCAIs), a major public health problem, contribute to high morbidity and mortality. Exposure to antibiotics, a primary risk factor for diseases, disrupts the microbiota and compromises its protective role. Age-related changes in the microbiota affect the onset and progression of various diseases by affecting the functional capacity and fitness of the host. Inanimate surfaces in built environments contribute to HCAIs by serving as potential reservoirs for microorganisms. Promising results have been observed with fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) for treating Clostridium difficile infection, which is often associated with healthcare facilities. FMT prevents disease recurrence by restoring a healthy colonic microbiota and breaking the dysbiotic cycle. Furthermore, microbiota-based interventions have the potential to control emerging multidrug-resistant pathogens such as vancomycin-resistant enterococci and carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae.
Keywords : Microbiota, Healthcare associated Infections, Microbiome, vancomycin resistant enterococci and carbapenem resistant Enterobacteriaceae

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