Under normal conditions, the intestinal flora and the body are in dynamic equilibrium. When the barrier function of the intestinal tract is damaged due to various reasons, changes in the number and proportion of bacteria or spatial displacement result in bacterial translocation (BT), which ultimately leads to multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS). Endogenous infections and endotoxemia caused by intestinal flora and endotoxin translocation are the origins of inflammatory responses, and the intestinal tract is the organ in which MODS both initiates and targets. Only by ensuring the integrity of the intestinal mucosal barrier can intestinal BT be effectively prevented. Elimination of the primary disease and maintaining blood and oxygen supply to the intestine is the most basic treatment. Early initiation of the intestinal tract, establishment of enteral nutrition, and selective digestive decontamination are also highly effective treatments. Early diagnosis, intervention, or prevention of BT may be a new avenue or important connection in the treatment of various diseases. The mechanism of BT, detection techniques, prevention and treatment, and its interaction with parenteral diseases were reviewed.