Bacterial flora in digestive disease

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The human gut flora consists of hundreds of bacterial species, with at least 400 different species and over 10^12 organisms, predominantly anaerobic bacteria. The gastrointestinal tract encounters numerous bacterial species and foreign antigens, developing a complex network of immunological and non-immunological mechanisms to protect against harmful pathogens. While healthy individuals typically tolerate their microbiota, this tolerance can be disrupted in those with gastrointestinal diseases. Advances in understanding microbial-gut interactions have led to a more pathophysiological approach to various clinical conditions. There are two primary methods to manipulate gut flora: antibiotics, which can selectively reduce harmful bacteria or overall bacterial concentrations, and the use of probiotics, prebiotics, or synbiotics to restore beneficial flora. Rifaximin, a poorly absorbed antibiotic, has been used in Italy for treating infectious diarrhea and has recently gained recognition for its role in various gastrointestinal diseases, including hepatic encephalopathy and inflammatory bowel disease. Leading scientists from Spain and Italy provide a series of reviews on the current understanding of microbial flora in digestive diseases and the clinical applications of rifaximin. This volume offers valuable insights for infectiologists, gastroenterologists, and digestive surgeons, consolidating information from diverse sources.