The Microbiota and Kidney Transplantation: Influence on the Graft

Abstract

The gut microbial community may be associated with complications after kidney transplantation. The indigenous microbiota has a significant and protective function that influences the transplant recipient response. Genetic or environmental factors may modify the indigenous microbiota and pathobionts appear. In this condition, several disturbances of the kidney graft may be observed. These include acute rejection, infection, diarrhoea, disturbance in the induction of tolerance, and modification of immunosuppressive drug metabolism. Recently, the use of prebiotics, probiotics, and synbiotics has been demonstrated to be effective in normalising these conditions and in restoring the generation of the normal indigenous microbiota. An improved understanding of the function and composition of the indigenous microbiota may help in finding further solutions to stabilise the microbiota after kidney transplantation.

Keywords

• kidney transplant
• kidney transplant outcomes
• microbioma
• microbiota
• pathobionts
• pathogens