Factors Affecting Composition and Diversity of Gut Microbiota: A Disease Hallmark

Gut microbiota is regarded as a rich reservoir of symbiotic and opportunistic microorganisms. These are essential to maintain a healthy lifestyle as they play role in digestion, excretion, and other physiological and metabolic activities of the body. The host releases certain bioactive compounds such as antimicrobial peptides, non‐specific factors such as immunoglobins, and micro RNAs that help to foster beneficial microorganisms to restrict growth of pathogens. Its imbalance, dysbiosis, compromises human health, causing inflammation and other immune system related abnormalities. Diet, age, chemical consumption, and excess use of antibiotics are the main factors that lead to fluctuation of gut microbiota. Dysbiosis leads to a wide range of disturbances including diarrhea, cramping, constipation, and indigestion. In this chapter, we highlight the fluctuations in normal gut microbiota mediated by internal and external agents. Further, the elucidation on the role of probiotics in balancing the microbial diversity and composition of gut will be delineated.