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Introduction to the Human Microbiota

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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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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 8, 2026

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

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

Published on: October 15, 2019

[The intestinal microbiota and human disease].

¹Department of Pediatrics, Seoul National University Children's Hospital, 101 Daehak-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul 110-744, Korea. kojs@snu.ac.kr

The Korean Journal of Gastroenterology = Taehan Sohwagi Hakhoe Chi

|August 29, 2013

Summary

Advances in sequencing and metagenomics allow us to study the human gut microbiota. Imbalances in this microbial community are linked to diseases, but can be treated through diet, probiotics, or fecal transplants.

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Last Updated: May 8, 2026

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

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

Published on: October 15, 2019

Therapeutic Evaluation of Fecal Microbiota Transplantation in an Interleukin 10-Deficient Mouse Model

Therapeutic Evaluation of Fecal Microbiota Transplantation in an Interleukin 10-Deficient Mouse Model

Published on: April 6, 2022

Area of Science:

Microbiology
Genomics
Human Health

Background:

The human gut harbors a complex microbial community, the gut microbiota.
Gut microbiota plays vital roles in immunity, metabolism, and pathogen protection.
Factors like birth mode, diet, and antibiotics shape early-life gut microbiota composition.

Purpose of the Study:

To explore the significance of human gut microbiota.
To understand the link between gut microbiota and various diseases.
To review therapeutic strategies for microbiota-related disorders.

Main Methods:

Utilizing advancements in sequencing technology.
Employing metagenomic approaches to analyze microbial communities.
Reviewing existing literature on gut microbiota and associated diseases.

Main Results:

Gut microbiota composition is dynamic and influenced by early-life factors.
Altered gut microbiota (dysbiosis) is associated with obesity, inflammatory bowel disease, and other conditions.
Therapeutic interventions aim to restore microbial balance.

Conclusions:

The gut microbiota is crucial for host health.
Dysbiosis is implicated in numerous diseases.
Dietary changes, probiotics, and fecal microbiota transplantation are potential therapeutic avenues.