Biology of Enteric Viruses, Institut Pasteur, 25 rue du Dr Roux, 75724 Paris cedex 15, France. fcolbere@pasteur.fr
The structure and function of the intestinal epithelium is briefly described, with the principal mechanisms involved in diarrhea. Human enteric viruses and probiotics are presented. We then review how probiotic bacteria could interfere with virus-induced pathology, we present our own view and describe specific interactions that would be valuable targets for future studies.