The intestinal microbiota is the set of numerous microorganisms (between 1012 and 1014 bacteria, viruses, parasites, and non-pathogenic fungi) that live in our digestive tract, mainly in the small intestine and colon. Like a fingerprint, the intestinal microbiota is unique to each individual. However, there is a common core of 15-20 species present in all humans, responsible for the essential functions of the microbiota. Recent techniques for high-throughput sequencing of genetic material and metabolomics (i.e., the global analysis of the elements produced by the microbiota) have made it possible to more precisely describe the relationships between microorganisms and the host and how each influences the functioning of the body. Thus, we now know that the microbiota plays a role in digestive, metabolic, immune, and neurological functions. Certain events will modify the microbiota in a more or less lasting way: illnesses, medical treatments, diet, lifestyle. And these changes to the microbiota can, in turn, influence the body's behavior. As a result, dysbiosis-a quantitative, qualitative, or functional alteration of the microbiota-is a serious avenue for explaining certain pathologies. This topic has become central to biological and medical research, as evidenced by the growing number of scientific publications since the 2010s. Scientists are trying to explore the bidirectional links between dysbiosis and pathologies. They are also trying to explore therapeutic avenues: how to modulate the microbiota to maintain it, bring it closer to, or restore its "normal" configuration to limit the impact of dysbiosis? Research has yielded encouraging results: fecal transplantation (instilling a sample of normal microbiota from the feces of healthy donors into a sick person) or new-generation probiotics with protective biological effects.
Age range
18 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
To describe the intestinal microbiota of patients admitted to surgical or neurosurgical intensive care for severe brain injury based on analysis of admission stools by rectal swab.
Timeframe: At Enrollment visit and Day 28