Dysbiosis refers to which of the following?

Study for the Cengage Microbiology Test with helpful multiple choice questions and detailed explanations. Ace your exam with confidence!

Dysbiosis is a disruption of the normal microbial community in a body site, leading to imbalances that can contribute to disease and make infections more likely. It’s not simply having no microbes or a perfectly balanced microbiota; it’s a disturbance where beneficial microbes may decline and potentially harmful or opportunistic organisms can overgrow, impairing the host’s health.

For example, antibiotics can disrupt gut microbiota, reducing diversity and allowing pathogens like Clostridioides difficile to flourish, which links to disease. A healthy, balanced microbiota supports digestion, immune function, and barrier protection, while dysbiosis reflects a shift away from that healthy state toward conditions associated with illness.