Ch24: Microbial Symbiosis with Humans

LT8

enterotypes

classifications of the human gut microbiome into distinct groups (like Bacteroides, Prevotella, or Ruminococcus dominant) based on the relative abundance of specific bacterial genera, reflecting broad patterns in microbial community structure often linked to long-term diet

dental plaque

a sticky, colorless film of bacteria, food particles, and saliva that constantly forms on teeth

urogenital tract

the combined set of organs involved in both the urinary system (producing and eliminating urine) and the reproductive system (sexual reproduction)

virome

the complete collection of all viruses (including bacteriophages) living in or on a specific organism, ecosystem, or environment, representing the viral component of the microbiome

HMP

project that gave baselin data for healthy microbiomes

infancy

the state or period of babyhood or early childhood

IBD

a chronic condition causing inflammation in the digestive tract, primarily Crohn's disease (can affect any part of GI tract) and Ulcerative Colitis (only large intestine)

probiotics

live microorganisms, like beneficial bacteria and yeasts, that provide health benefits when consumed in adequate amounts, supporting gut health and digestion by balancing the body's natural microbes

prebiotics

indigestible carbohydrates that feed beneficial gut bacteria (e.g., oligosaccharides).

synbiotics

combination of probiotics + prebiotics for synergistic effects