Figure 3 . Role of antibiotics and C. diffi cile in perturbing Intestinal homeostasis and the corrective effect of fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT).
Intestinal homeostasis ( a ) is characterized by a diverse, stable microbiota. Antibiotic perturbation ( b – c ) kills susceptible bacteria resulting in a less diverse
community structure with loss of colonization resistance. In the absence of opportunistic infection, the microbiota usually recovers its diversity ( d ) to
re-establish homeostasis and colonization resistance ( a ). Exposure to C. diffi cile ( e ) after antibiotic perturbation ( b ), however, can lead to persistent
dysbiosis ( f ). Bacteriotherapy or FMT can disrupt the dysbiosis ( g ) allowing clearance of C. diffi cile ( h ) and re-establishment of intestinal homeostasis ( a ).
Modifi ed from Lawley et al. ( 33 ).