Colon cancer, computer illustration.

Colon cancer, computer illustration.

Colon cancer, computer illustration.

Colon cancer, computer illustration.

Digestive system. Illustration of the digestive system in a man. Digestion is the process where food is converted into a soluble form so that it can be absorbed. In the mouth (not shown) food is chewed and coated in saliva. The food is swallowed and passes down the oesophagus into the stomach (centre right) where enzymes act. Food moves into the small intestine (coiled, lower centre) where it is further digested by enzymes prior to absorption. The large intestine (bowel) absorbs water and minerals, converting undigested food to faeces. At centre left is the liver; the small gall bladder (below the liver) can also be seen.

Digestive system, computer illustration. Digestion is the process where food is converted into a soluble form so that it can be absorbed. In the mouth (not shown) food is chewed and coated in saliva. The food is swallowed and passes down the oesophagus into the stomach (centre right) where enzymes act. Food moves into the small intestine (coiled, lower centre) where it is further digested by enzymes prior to absorption. The large intestine (bowel) absorbs water and minerals, converting undigested food to faeces. At centre left is the liver; the small gall bladder (below the liver) can also be seen.

Computer illustration of the anatomy of the human digestive system and a close-up view of Escherichia coli bacteria. E. coli is one of the main components of the human intestinal microbiome. E. coli are Gram-negative motile bacteria of the Enterobacteriaceae family. They colonise the jejunum, ileum and other parts of the intestine. Some strains of E. coli cause diarrheal diseases and inflammation at different locations.

Computer illustration of the anatomy of the human digestive system and a close-up view of Escherichia coli bacteria. E. coli is one of the main components of the human intestinal microbiome. E. coli are Gram-negative motile bacteria of the Enterobacteriaceae family. They colonise the jejunum, ileum and other parts of the intestine. Some strains of E. coli cause diarrheal diseases and inflammation at different locations.

Helicobacter pylori bacteria. Computer illustration of Helicobacter pylori bacteria in a human stomach. Formerly known as Campylobacter pyloridis, these are spiral-shaped Gram-negative bacteria. The terminal flagella (hair-like structures) are used for locomotion. Colonies of H. pylori are found in the mucus lining of the stomach. They cause gastritis, and are also the most common cause of stomach ulcers. H. pylori may also be a cause or co-factor for gastric cancer, as its presence increases the risk of developing stomach tumours.

Helicobacter pylori bacteria. Computer illustration of Helicobacter pylori bacteria in a human stomach. Formerly known as Campylobacter pyloridis, these are spiral-shaped Gram-negative bacteria. The terminal flagella (hair-like structures) are used for locomotion. Colonies of H. pylori are found in the mucus lining of the stomach. They cause gastritis, and are also the most common cause of stomach ulcers. H. pylori may also be a cause or co-factor for gastric cancer, as its presence increases the risk of developing stomach tumours.

Helicobacter pylori bacteria. Computer illustration of Helicobacter pylori bacteria in a human stomach. Formerly known as Campylobacter pyloridis, these are spiral-shaped Gram-negative bacteria. The terminal flagella (hair-like structures) are used for locomotion. Colonies of H. pylori are found in the mucus lining of the stomach. They cause gastritis, and are also the most common cause of stomach ulcers. H. pylori may also be a cause or co-factor for gastric cancer, as its presence increases the risk of developing stomach tumours.

Helicobacter pylori bacteria. Computer illustration of Helicobacter pylori bacteria in a human stomach. Formerly known as Campylobacter pyloridis, these are spiral-shaped Gram-negative bacteria. The terminal flagella (hair-like structures) are used for locomotion. Colonies of H. pylori are found in the mucus lining of the stomach. They cause gastritis, and are also the most common cause of stomach ulcers. H. pylori may also be a cause or co-factor for gastric cancer, as its presence increases the risk of developing stomach tumours.

Bacteria found in human digestive system, computer illustration. Helicobacter pylori (upper right), Enterococcus faecalis (upper left), Lactobacillus spp. (bottom right) and Bifidobacterium spp. (bottom left). Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium are normal flora and have beneficial functions, such as synthesis of vitamins and protection against pathogens. H. pylori is associated with stomach and duodenal ulcers and gastric cancer. E. faecalis can cause inflammation outside of the intestines, including endocarditis and pyelonephritis.

Illustration of Bifidobacterium bacteria in the human intestine. This Gram-positive anaerobic bacteria is the main component of the human large intestine microbiome. It has a unique hexose (sugar) metabolism, called the bifid shunt, which can be used as a diagnostic test for bifidobacteria. Bifidobacteria are probiotic bacteria, which means that they may beneficially affect the host upon ingestion by improving the balance of the intestinal microflora.

Illustration of Bifidobacterium bacteria in the human intestine. This Gram-positive anaerobic bacteria is the main component of the human large intestine microbiome. It has a unique hexose (sugar) metabolism, called the bifid shunt, which can be used as a diagnostic test for bifidobacteria. Bifidobacteria are probiotic bacteria, which means that they may beneficially affect the host upon ingestion by improving the balance of the intestinal microflora.

Illustration of Bifidobacterium bacteria in the human intestine. This Gram-positive anaerobic bacteria is the main component of the human large intestine microbiome. It has a unique hexose (sugar) metabolism, called the bifid shunt, which can be used as a diagnostic test for bifidobacteria. Bifidobacteria are probiotic bacteria, which means that they may beneficially affect the host upon ingestion by improving the balance of the intestinal microflora.

Illustration of Bifidobacterium bacteria in the human intestine. This Gram-positive anaerobic bacteria is the main component of the human large intestine microbiome. It has a unique hexose (sugar) metabolism, called the bifid shunt, which can be used as a diagnostic test for bifidobacteria. Bifidobacteria are probiotic bacteria, which means that they may beneficially affect the host upon ingestion by improving the balance of the intestinal microflora.

Lactobacillus bacteria, computer illustration. This is the main component of the human small intestine microbiome.

Lactobacillus bacteria, computer illustration. This is the main component of the human small intestine microbiome.

Computer illustration of the human digestive system and a close-up view of bacteria found in the intestines.