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Updated: May 20, 2026
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Determination of Biofilm Initiation on Virus-infected Cells by Bacteria and Fungi
Published on: July 6, 2016
The domain Archaea in human mucosal surfaces.
F Matarazzo1, A C Ribeiro, M Faveri
1Department of Microbiology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
Summary
Archaea, distinct from bacteria and eukaryotes, inhabit human body niches like the gut and mouth. Certain methanogens, a type of archaea, may influence mucosal diseases by promoting bacterial growth.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Phylogenetics
- Human Microbiome
Background:
- Archaea represent a distinct domain of life, separate from bacteria and eukaryotes.
- They inhabit diverse environmental niches, including specific locations within the human body such as the intestines and oral cavity.
- Archaea in these human niches are typically limited to a few phylotypes, notably methanogenic archaea.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the unique characteristics of archaea within the tree of life.
- To investigate the presence and role of archaea in human body communities, particularly the gut and oral cavity.
- To explore the potential involvement of methanogenic archaea in the pathogenesis of mucosal diseases.
Main Methods:
- Phylogenetic analysis to establish archaea's position in the tree of life.
- Microbiome analysis to identify archaeal phylotypes in human intestinal and oral samples.
- Correlation studies to assess the relationship between methanogen abundance and mucosal disease establishment.
Main Results:
- Archaea are confirmed as a fundamental branch of life with unique biological features.
- Human gut and oral microbiomes contain limited archaeal diversity, dominated by methanogens.
- Evidence suggests methanogens may act as symbionts but can also promote bacterial growth, potentially contributing to mucosal diseases.
Conclusions:
- Archaea possess distinct biological and phylogenetic properties.
- Methanogenic archaea are key members of the human gut and oral microbiomes.
- Methanogens may play a dual role in human health, potentially influencing the development of mucosal diseases.
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