Intestinal transplantation and bacterial overgrowth in humans.

Abstract

Human gastrointestinal flora is part of a complex ecosystem regulated by host mechanisms, environmental factors, and bacterial interactions. Alterations in the symbiotic relationship between small bowel recipients and their gut microflora can tilt this balance and lead to serious infectious complications. This study is the first to demonstrate the occurrence of microbial overgrowth among small bowel transplant recipients.