The Structure and Function of the Human Small Intestinal Microbiota: Current Understanding and Future Directions

Abstract

Despite growing literature characterizing the fecal microbiome and its association with health and disease, few studies have analyzed the microbiome of the small intestine. Here, we examine what is known about the human small intestinal microbiota in terms of community structure and functional properties. We examine temporal dynamics of select bacterial populations in the small intestine, and the effects of dietary carbohydrates and fats on shaping these populations. We then evaluate dysbiosis in the small intestine in several human disease models, including small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, short-bowel syndrome, pouchitis, environmental enteric dysfunction, and irritable bowel syndrome. What is clear is that the bacterial biology, and mechanisms of bacteria-induced pathophysiology, are enormously broad and elegant in the small intestine. Studying the small intestinal microbiota is challenged by rapidly fluctuating environmental conditions in these intestinal segments, as well as the complexity of sample collection and bioinformatic analysis. Because the functionality of the digestive tract is determined primarily by the small intestine, efforts must be made to better characterize this unique and important microbial ecosystem.

Keywords: Dysbiosis; Function; Microbiome; Microbiota; Small Intestine; Structure.

Figure 1

Overview of bacterial colony density throughout the digestive tract, factors from the proximal tract that shape small intestinal communities, and distinguishing characteristics of the small intestine and colon.

Figure 2

Commonly found bacteria genera in the small intestine and a brief overview of community properties. A specific metabolic interaction between Streptococcus, Veillonella, and Clostridiales is highlighted to show an example of host–microbe and bacterial interactions.