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Introduction to the Human Microbiota01:22

Introduction to the Human Microbiota

Microorganisms colonize various regions of the human body, including the mouth, nasal passages, throat, stomach, intestines, urogenital tract, and skin. The total number of microbial cells is estimated to range from 10¹³ to 10¹⁴—comparable to, or exceeding, the number of human somatic cells. This host–microbiome relationship has led to the conceptualization of humans as supraorganisms, wherein microbial communities perform vital roles in development, immunity, and disease...
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Parasitism is a form of microbial interaction in which parasitic microbes exploit a host organism for nutrients and shelter, often at the host's expense. Unlike mutualistic relationships, where both organisms benefit, parasitism benefits only the parasite and harms the host.Classification of ParasitesMicrobial parasites are broadly classified based on their location relative to the host.Ectoparasites remain on the host’s surface, such as the skin or outer tissues, drawing nutrients...
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The human gastrointestinal (GI) tract is characterized by distinct physicochemical conditions that shape its microbial communities. Among these, the stomach presents a particularly challenging environment for microbial colonization due to its highly acidic pH, ranging from 1 to 3. This extreme acidity effectively limits microbial density. However, certain acid-tolerant microorganisms are capable of surviving in this niche. Notably, Helicobacter pylori can colonize the gastric mucosa,...
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Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and molds are instrumental in fermenting plant-based foods to enhance preservation and ensure year-round availability. These microbial processes convert plant carbohydrates into organic acids and other metabolites that inhibit spoilage organisms and contribute to the sensory qualities of the final product.In sauerkraut production, cabbage goes through a microbial succession that starts with cocci such as Leuconostoc mesenteroides. These microbes begin fermentation by...
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Probiotics are live, non-pathogenic microorganisms that confer health benefits by modulating the gut microbiota. The human gastrointestinal tract harbors a complex microbial ecosystem, and the balance of this microbiota is crucial for digestive and systemic health. Among the most extensively studied and utilized probiotics are species formerly classified within the genera Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium. These organisms not only naturally colonize the human gut but are also consumed through...

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Methods for Electroporation and Transformation Confirmation in Limosilactobacillus reuteri DSM20016
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Lactobacillus: host-microbe relationships.

John O'Callaghan1, Paul W O'Toole

  • 1Department of Microbiology and Alimentary Pharmabiotic Centre, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland.

Current Topics in Microbiology and Immunology
|November 22, 2011
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Lactobacilli, beneficial bacteria in the human gut, rarely cause infections. Their co-evolution with hosts suggests health benefits and potential for therapeutic applications.

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Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Immunology
  • Human Microbiome Research

Background:

  • Lactobacilli are common in the human gut microbiota, on skin, in food, and the environment.
  • Their non-reactivity by mammalian immune systems suggests a role in immune system evolution.
  • Co-evolution implies potential health benefits, though rare opportunistic infections can occur in compromised hosts.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review human-Lactobacillus interactions.
  • To explore the diversity and distribution of lactobacilli in humans.
  • To identify host responses and molecular interactions involving lactobacilli.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review focusing on human-Lactobacillus interactions.
  • Analysis of microbiological data on Lactobacillus diversity.
  • Examination of host immune responses and molecular mechanisms.

Main Results:

  • Lactobacilli are diverse and found in various human body sites.
  • Host immune systems are generally tolerant to lactobacilli.
  • Rare Lactobacillus infections are linked to severe host immune impairment.

Conclusions:

  • Lactobacilli exhibit complex interactions with humans, often beneficial.
  • Understanding these interactions opens possibilities for therapeutic delivery and mucosal vaccination.
  • Further research into Lactobacillus's role in health and disease is warranted.