【Abstract】ObjectiveThere are two main functions of gastrointestinal tract, digestion and absorption, and barrier function. The latter has an important defensive effect, which keeps the body away from the invading and damaging of bacteria and endotoxin. It maintains the systemic homeostasis. Intestinal dysfunction would happen when body suffers from diseases or harmful stimulations. The more serious intestinal disorders would harm the intestinal protective mechanism, or intestinal barrier function, and bacterial/endotoxin translocation, of intestinal failure (IF) would ensue. This article provides a critical review of the evidence indicating that an increase in bacterial translocation is associated with sepsis, and even the multiple organ failure syndrome in critically ill patients. The intransit microorganisms play an essential role in the homeostasis of local and systemic immunity. MethodsAll studies published from 2000 to June 2005 about intestinal permeability, bacterial translocation, and systemic inflammatory response syndrome were located by search of PubMed. ResultsClinical and experimental studies investigating the correlation between bacterial translocation and systemic inflammatory response syndrome, associated with the damage of the gut barrier function . To keep the mucosal barrier function intact is one of the main issues in the prevention of bacterial translocation. This could be achieved by the adequate delivery of oxygen and nutrient supplementation to the gut. Enteral nutrition, probiotic can be a good choice. ConclusionWith a better understanding of the bacteriahost interactions in health and the alterations induced by critical illness, new therapies that improve the environment of both may lead to better recovery rates in intensive care unit patients.