Colliding and interacting microbiomes and microbial communities - consequences for human health

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Human Health
• Ecology

Background:

• The human microbiome is essential for physiological functions but is susceptible to alterations from various factors.
• Declining human microbiota diversity in developed nations correlates with increased non-communicable and inflammatory diseases.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore how external microbiomes and microbial communities impact the host microbiome and overall health.
• To introduce the concept of microbiome collisions and interactions.
• To discuss strategies for enhancing beneficial microbiome interactions.

Main Methods:

• Minireview of existing literature on microbiome interactions.
• Conceptual framework development for microbiome collisions.
• Analysis of factors influencing microbiome composition and host response.

Main Results:

• External microbial communities can alter host microbiome composition and function.
• Microbiome collisions and interactions can lead to significant host responses.
• Increased exposure to diverse microbial communities may mitigate the loss of microbial diversity.

Conclusions:

• Understanding microbiome interactions is crucial for maintaining host health.
• Environmental strategies promoting diverse microbiome exposure can enhance health benefits.
• Host microbiomes can potentially influence the health of close contacts.