The role of microbiota in both local and systemic immune function plays an important role in immunity and health. The microbiota can aid in resistance to pathogenic species, when depleted by antibiotics mice become more susceptible to a range of pathogens.
There is an increasing realization, however, that most pathogens do not act in isolation. Little is known in these infections about the onset and progression of the disease in relation to the status of gut microbiota. Monitoring gut microbiota over time and looking at the interaction of the microbial members will result in insights in disease development.