Sepsis is the body’s overwhelming response to an infection. It is characterized by damage to the organs that may be irreversible and life-threatening. The gastrointestinal microbiome regulates a series of homeostatic mechanisms in the host, such as the immune function and the protection of the intestinal barrier, and the loss of normal intestinal microbial structure and function. Moreover, it has been associated with the onset of diseases of diverse characteristics. Recent evidence has shown a link between the gastrointestinal microbiome and sepsis: the alteration of the gastrointestinal microbiome increases the susceptibility to sepsis through various mechanisms, including the expansion of pathogenic intestinal bacteria, marked pro-inflammatory response and decreased production of beneficial microbial products such as short-chain fatty acids. Once sepsis is established, the alteration...