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Related Concept Videos

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...
The Skin Microbiota01:27

The Skin Microbiota

The human skin serves as a complex ecosystem inhabited by a diverse community of microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, and viruses. This microbiome plays a critical role in maintaining skin health and defending against pathogenic invaders. The composition of microbial communities varies significantly across different regions of the body, influenced primarily by the local levels of moisture and sebum.Regional Variation in Skin MicrobiotaCutibacterium acnes predominantly colonizes sebaceous...
Development of Human Microbiota01:30

Development of Human Microbiota

The human microbiota begins developing at birth and undergoes continual change as we age. Infancy marks a critical period of microbial sensitivity, offering a “window of opportunity” during which beneficial microbes help mature the immune system. By age three, children typically develop a more stable and diverse microbial community. Newborns acquire microbes from their immediate environment; vaginal delivery favors maternal vaginal microbes, while cesarean births favor microbes from the skin...
The Oral Microbiota01:27

The Oral Microbiota

The oral microbiome includes a complex ecosystem comprising over 700 microbial species, identified through genomic sequencing and culture-based analyses to date. This community includes a core microbiome, found universally among individuals, and a variable component influenced by environmental factors such as diet, lifestyle, and host genetics. Site-specific conditions, including oxygen gradients, pH levels, and nutrient availability, determine the spatial distribution of these microorganisms...
Development of the Oral Microbiota01:28

Development of the Oral Microbiota

The establishment of the oral microbiome begins before birth, challenging the long-held belief that the fetal oral cavity is sterile. The presence of oral microbes such as Streptococcus and Fusobacterium in amniotic fluid suggests that microbial exposure may occur in utero, potentially through translocation from the maternal oral or gastrointestinal tract. This early colonization primes the neonatal immune system and sets the stage for subsequent microbial succession. Maternal health,...
Microbiome of the Eye01:22

Microbiome of the Eye

The human eye has a specialized microbiota that reflects its unique anatomical and immunological environment. This low-biomass microbial community predominantly colonizes the conjunctiva and eyelid margins, playing a vital role in ocular surface homeostasis and defense. Despite its proximity to the richly colonized facial skin, the ocular surface maintains a distinct microbial profile due to continuous mechanical and biochemical defense mechanisms.The conjunctival surface hosts fewer microbial...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 26, 2026

Microbiota Analysis Using Two-step PCR and Next-generation 16S rRNA Gene Sequencing
11:22

Microbiota Analysis Using Two-step PCR and Next-generation 16S rRNA Gene Sequencing

Published on: October 15, 2019

Skin microbiome: looking back to move forward.

Heidi H Kong1, Julia A Segre

  • 1Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, USA. konghe@maiI.nih.gov

The Journal of Investigative Dermatology
|December 23, 2011
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

The skin microbiome, a vast community of microorganisms, is explored, revealing distinct populations and their roles. Future research will focus on how these microbes and antimicrobial therapies impact human health.

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Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Dermatology
  • Genomics

Background:

  • The skin surface hosts trillions of diverse microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, and viruses, collectively known as the skin microbiome.
  • Historically, microbes were categorized as transient or resident, and as beneficial or pathogenic, influencing early research approaches.
  • Traditional culturing methods and modern direct sequencing have identified distinct microbial populations across different skin sites.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the historical classification of skin microbes.
  • To present findings from the current era of molecular sequencing.
  • To discuss the future of research on the skin microbiome and its interaction with antimicrobial therapy and human health.

Main Methods:

  • Historical literature review.
  • Analysis of findings from molecular sequencing studies.
  • Exploration of current research trends and future directions.

Main Results:

  • Distinct microbial populations inhabit various skin surface sites.
  • Molecular sequencing has revolutionized the understanding of skin microbial diversity.
  • The interplay between the skin microbiome and antimicrobial treatments is a key area of investigation.

Conclusions:

  • The skin microbiome is a complex ecosystem with significant implications for human health.
  • Advances in sequencing technologies have provided unprecedented insights into skin microbial communities.
  • Understanding the skin microbiome is crucial for developing effective antimicrobial therapies and promoting skin health.