Chapter 27 Gastrointestinal Microbiota and the Neural System

The resident gut microbiota contributes to various vital processes within the host, including the acquisition of nutrients, the development of lymphoid structures and immune system, and the prevention of pathogenic microorganism outgrowth. The microbiota can interact bidirectionally with the central and the enteric nervous system (CNS and ENS) through neural, endocrine, and immune pathways. Postnatal ENS developments are influenced by the …