Gut pathogens: invaders and turncoats in a complex cosmos

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Intestinal infections and diarrhoeal diseases of humans are under-reported yet each account worldwide for more deaths than those from Tuberculosis. For external gut pathogens to do this they have to penetrate, survive and prosper in an established and defended ec...

Full description

Bibliographic Details
Main Author: Hermon-Taylor John
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: BMC 2009-02-01
Series:Gut Pathogens
Online Access:http://www.gutpathogens.com/content/1/1/3
Description
Summary:<p>Abstract</p> <p>Intestinal infections and diarrhoeal diseases of humans are under-reported yet each account worldwide for more deaths than those from Tuberculosis. For external gut pathogens to do this they have to penetrate, survive and prosper in an established and defended ecosystem comprising the human gut with a massive immune system, a structured tight mucosal lining and a lumen densely occupied by a huge community of diverse bacteria adapted to their environment and optimised in a balanced and mutually beneficial relationship with its host.</p>
ISSN:1757-4749