[Intestinal microbiota - a vital "organ" with manifold functions].

Background: The intestinal microbiota must be seen as an elementary component of our health.

Method: Review article RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: An abnormal gut microbiota (dysbiosis) plays an essential role in the pathogenesis of functional and inflammatory bowel diseases. It is often also associated with diseases outside the intestine. The exact causality remains unclear ("chicken and egg problem"). With the help of prebiotics, probiotics or fecal microbiota therapy, relevant therapeutic effects can be achieved in chronic, dysbiosis-associated diseases. The choice of the preparation depends on the clinical symptoms, the duration of the treatment depends on the particular clinical picture.