Abstract
Gastrointestinal ecosystem is a highly integrated complex including intestinal microbiome, intestinal mucosal barrier, and mucosal immune system. The complex retains the metabolism, nutrition, and regulation of the mucosal and systemic imunity of the host.
Probiotics are living microorganisms predominantly of human origin which applied in adequate amounts may confer a benefit on the host. Probiotics in close cooperation with prebiotics maintain the balance of individual components of the gastrointestinal ecosystem.
Their disturbances participate in the pathogenesis of different diseases including civilization diseases of mass occurrence. Modification of the intestinal microbiome using rational application of antibiotics, probiotics, and prebiotics will enable to develop new therapeutic approaches