Gut Microbiota

Question 1

Name a bacterium that can survive the acidic pH of the stomach

Answer 1

Helicobacter Pylori

Question 2

What is SIBO?

Answer 2

The overgrowth of bacteria in the small intestine. It is associated with IBS and certain drugs have been implicated such as protein pump inhibitors

Question 3

What are some of the defence mechanisms in the mouth, oesophagus and stomach

Answer 3

Mouth - Flow of liquids, saliva, antimicrobials (IgA), microbiota.

Oesophagus - Flow of liquids and peristalsis.

Stomach - pH and antimicrobials (Defensins)

Question 4

What are some defence mechanisms of the small intestine?

Answer 4

Flow of gut contents, peristalsis, mucus, secretory IgA, antimicrobial peptides and microbiota

Question 5

What are some defence mechanisms of the large intestines

Answer 5

Peristalsis, mucus, shedding and replication of epithelium and microbiota

Question 6

Name 3 common bacteria found in the GI tract

Answer 6

Lactobacillus, bifidobacterium and bacteriodes

Question 7

Why is the GI microbiota important?

Answer 7

1) Prevents colonisation by pathogens,
2) Ferment unused energy substrates and mucus to produce useful metabolites.

3) Synthesis and excrete vitamins,
4) Influence the release of gut hormones influencing digestion/metabolism.
5) Interact with immune system

Question 8

Low bacterial diversity has been associated with what?

Answer 8

• IBD,
• Psoriatic arthritis,
• Coeliac disease,
• Atopic eczema
• Obesity
• Mood disorders

Question 9

Name some factors that influence the microbiome

Answer 9

• Genetics,
• Food,
• Environment,
• Antibiotics (can wipe out healthy bacteria),
• Drugs