The gut microbiome significantly influences recovery trajectories after surgery and trauma, reshaping patient outcomes beyond genetic predispositions. Individual life histories dictate microbiota composition, which can affect organ systems such as the liver, kidneys, and brain. This review shifts the focus from solely pathogenic bacteria to the complex interactions among pathogens, hosts, and the microbiome, termed the “interactome,” highlighting its critical role in disease progression and recovery in critical care settings.
Review by Cao J, Meltzer R (…) Alverdy J et 3 al. in Gut Microbes