Microbial Ecology of the Gastrointestinal Tract

CONTENTS INTRODUCTION 107 MICROBIAL ECOLOGY AS APPLIED TO THE GASTROINTESTINAL TRACT 108 MICROBIAL HABITATS IN THE MAMMALIAN GASTROINTESTINAL TRACT ........ 110 COMPOSITION AND LOCALIZATION OF CLIMAX COMMUNITIES IN ADULTS ...... 111 Some Comments on Methods 111 The Stomach (Esophagus) 112 The Small Bowel 115 The Large Bowel 116 The Feces 118 SUCCESSION IN BABIES 119 FACTORS INFLUENCING COMPOSITION OF THE MICROBIOTA 121 Forces Exerted by the Host and Its Diet and Environment 121 Forces Resulting from Activities of the Microbes Themselves 126 HOW MICROBES IN THE BIOTA MAKE THEIR LIVING (NICHES) 127 SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS 129