Blowing Hot and Cold: Body Temperature and the Microbiome

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Physiology
• Host-microbiome interactions

Background:

• The intestinal microbiome is crucial for host health and is influenced by diet and disease.
• Factors driving microbiome variation are not fully understood, despite temperature's role in microbial growth.
• Normal body temperature varies and is affected by circadian rhythms, age, stress, and immunity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the evidence linking body temperature and the intestinal microbiome.
• To explore the implications of temperature variations on microbiome function.
• To highlight the effects of hypothermia, heat stress, and fever on gut microbiota.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies investigating body temperature and gut microbiota.
• Analysis of research on hypothermia, hyperthermia, and fever effects on animal gut microbiota.
• Examination of indirect effects of body temperature on host factors influencing the microbiome.

Main Results:

• Body temperature changes (hypo- and hyperthermia) consistently affect gut microbial diversity and stability in animals.
• Temperature directly impacts gastrointestinal pathogen growth and virulence.
• The effects of temperature on gut commensals are less understood than on pathogens.

Conclusions:

• Body temperature is a significant, yet understudied, factor influencing the intestinal microbiome.
• Understanding temperature's role is vital for comprehending microbiome function during physiological stress.
• Further research is needed on temperature's specific effects on gut commensals and overall microbiome health.