This book contributes towards a wider perception of the colon in terms of its relevance for human health, as well as underlining its nutritional,physiological and ecological diversity. Containing contributions from a group of internationally recognized authors, the book provides a comprehensive summary of the biological significance of the large intestinal microbiota in terms of its activities, composition and role in host health. The contents include: microbial ecology of the human large intestine; Molecular genetics of intestinal anaerobes; carbohydrate metabolism in the colon; proteolysis and amino acid fermentation; short chain fatty acids; bacterial infections and diarrhoea and the role of intestinal bacteria in etiology and maintenance of inflammatory bowel disease.