Factors Influencing Gastric Microbiota

ABSTRACT

Researches on microbiota in the stomach have entered a revolutionary period in recent years due to the advanced technology that can detect culture-independent gastric microfloras. In spite of its harsh environment, stomach plays a role as an ecosystem for some microbiota. Their composition and number of colony forming units are influenced by several innate defense mechanisms such as low gastric pH, gastric mucus layer, migrating motor complex and some external factors such as gastric acid lowering medications and diet patterns. Here, we review the literatures concerning factors that influence the gastric microbiota.We believe this will be helpful for understanding the role of microbiota in the stomach.