The gut microbiota plays a protective role in the host defence against pneumococcal pneumonia

Conclusions
This study identifies the intestinal microbiota as a protective mediator during pneumococcal pneumonia. The gut microbiota enhances primary alveolar macrophage function. Novel therapeutic strategies could exploit the gut–lung axis in bacterial infections.

Source: Gut - March 9, 2016 Category: Gastroenterology Authors: Schuijt, T. J., Lankelma, J. M., Scicluna, B. P., de Sousa e Melo, F., Roelofs, J. J. T. H., de Boer, J. D., Hoogendijk, A. J., de Beer, R., de Vos, A., Belzer, C., de Vos, W. M., van der Poll, T., Wiersinga, W. J. Tags: Open access Gut microbiota Source Type: research