Behind the scene of diarrhea: a microbial battlefield

Diarrhea is a leading cause of death at all ages, especially among children under five. Most cases of acute diarrhea are due to infectious pathogens: viruses, bacteria or parasites. Usually self-limiting, some cases of severe diarrhea may require diagnostic investigation. The microbiota is doubly involved: as a victim of infectious diarrhea, which is usually accompanied by dysbiotic states; and as a guard, since the intestinal flora might inhibit pathogens.