Commensal human microbiota

Commensal human microbiota refers to the vast ecological community of bacteria, archaea, fungi, viruses, and other microbes inhabiting human tissues and biofluids, including the gastrointestinal tract, skin, and other anatomically-defined sites. These microbes contribute to vital physiological processes including digestion, metabolism, immune regulation, and protection against pathogens. While commensal, many members of the microbiota have mutualistic relationships with the host, meaning both parties benefit. The overall composition is influenced by genetics, diet, age, environment, and health status. Disruption of this ecosystem (dysbiosis) is implicated in numerous diseases, and manipulation of the microbiota through probiotics, antibiotics, or fecal microbiota transplantation has become a therapeutic strategy, especially for recurrent gastrointestinal infections and other chronic conditions. The commensal human microbiota is a collective rather than a single therapeutic target, and current research seeks to define the specific roles and optimal modulation strategies of the myriad species that comprise it

Other names

normal floranormal microbiotacommensal microbiomebeneficial microbiota

Additive: supplementing with beneficial microbes (probiotics, FMT); Subtractive: elimination of pathogenic or undesired microbes (antibiotics, phage therapy); Modulatory: altering activity/composition via diet, prebiotics, or other agents