The role of the gut microbiota in understanding functional gastrointestinal disorders

One of the most prevalent digestive diseases worldwide, functional gastrointestinal dysfunction (FGID) places a substantial strain on healthcare resources and causes significant morbidity. A study using Rome IV diagnostic criteria estimates the prevalence of FGID is about 40% worldwide. Most people with FGID exhibit symptoms from the realm of psychopathology, most often anxiety and depression, making patients' quality of life lower compared to even those with chronic organic diseases. By elucidating the causes and consequences of qualitative and quantitative changes between the microbiota of a healthy person and the microbiota of a person with FDIG, incredible progress has been made in understanding the role of the gut microbiota in FGID. However, the exact cellular and molecular pathogens of FGID that are directed by the gut microbiota remain unknown, and learning more about them will result in non-empirical, but targeted therapies.