Dysbioza

Dysbioza, commonly referred to as dysbiosis, is a term used to describe a disruption in the normal composition or function of the body's microbiota, most often in the gut but it can occur on other mucosal surfaces as well. Healthy microbiota consist of diverse communities of bacteria, fungi, and viruses that contribute to digestion, metabolism, immune function, and barrier integrity. Dysbioza denotes an imbalance characterized by reduced diversity, shifts in major microbial groups, and altered microbial metabolites.

Causes of dysbioza are varied and can include antibiotic use, infections, dietary changes, stress, aging, chronic diseases, immune suppression, and certain medications such as proton pump inhibitors. These factors can alter the abundance and activity of microbial species, leading to changes in metabolic products like short-chain fatty acids and bile acids, and can affect the gut barrier and immune signaling.

Clinical features are heterogeneous. Many individuals experience gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea, constipation, bloating, and abdominal pain, while others are asymptomatic. Dysbioza is associated with a range of conditions, including inflammatory bowel disease, irritable bowel syndrome, obesity and metabolic syndrome, allergies, and susceptibility to infections like Clostridioides difficile; establishing a direct cause-and-effect relationship remains challenging and context-dependent.

Diagnosis relies on clinical context, as there is no universal laboratory criterion. Microbiome sequencing (such as 16S rRNA gene sequencing or metagenomics) is used mainly in research and some clinical settings to characterize microbial communities, but interpretation is complex and there is no standardized dysbiosis index.

Management focuses on addressing underlying factors, prudent antibiotic use, and supportive strategies. Approaches include dietary modification to increase fiber and microbial diversity, probiotics or prebiotics in selected cases, and fecal microbiota transplantation for recurrent C. difficile infection. Research continues to refine definitions and identify targeted microbiome-based therapies.