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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...
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 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...
Microbiome of the Eye01:22

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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...
Microbiota of the Respiratory Tract01:29

Microbiota of the Respiratory Tract

The human respiratory tract, comprising the upper and lower segments, serves as a critical interface with the external environment. The upper respiratory tract (URT)—including the nostrils, sinuses, pharynx, and oropharynx—is heavily colonized by microbes, while the lower respiratory tract (LRT), composed of the larynx, trachea, bronchi, and lungs, was long thought to be sterile. However, recent molecular studies have revealed that the lungs are not devoid of microbes but act more like...
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The human urogenital system, once thought to be sterile in healthy individuals, is now recognized as a complex microbial habitat. Advancements in molecular sequencing techniques have revealed that even in healthy adults, the kidneys and bladder harbor microbial populations similar to those found in the distal urethra, albeit in much lower abundance. These resident microorganisms, while generally innocuous, can become opportunistic pathogens under conditions that alter the urogenital...

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Updated: Jul 1, 2026

Oral Biofilm Sampling for Microbiome Analysis in Healthy Children
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Exploring the Healthy Eye Microbiota Niche in a Multicenter Study.

Davide Borroni1,2, Andreu Paytuví-Gallart3, Walter Sanseverino3

  • 1Department of Doctoral Studies, Riga Stradins University, LV-1007 Riga, Latvia.

International Journal of Molecular Sciences
|September 23, 2022
PubMed
Summary

Healthy eye microbiota is dominated by Staphylococcus, with low overall diversity. This research enhances understanding of the eye microbiome for improved health and disease diagnosis.

Keywords:
16OSDIeyehealthymetagenomicsmicrobiome

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Area of Science:

  • Ophthalmology
  • Microbiology
  • Genomics

Background:

  • The ocular surface harbors a complex microbial community.
  • Characterizing the healthy eye microbiome is crucial for understanding ocular health and disease.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore and characterize the microbial composition of the healthy human eye.
  • To establish a baseline for the healthy eye microbiota.

Main Methods:

  • Descriptive cross-sectional study of healthy subjects (>18 years).
  • Sample collection using eSwab with Liquid Amies Medium.
  • DNA extraction, library preparation, PCR amplification, and sequencing on Ion Torrent S5 system.
  • Bioinformatic analysis of raw reads using GAIA (v 2.02).

Main Results:

  • Healthy eye microbiota exhibits low diversity (average Shannon index of 0.65).
  • The predominant genus across 137 samples was Staphylococcus.
  • Other genera like Bacillus, Pseudomonas, and Corynebacterium were found in fewer samples.
  • An average of 88 genera were identified per sample.

Conclusions:

  • Nine different ocular surface microbiomes (ECSTs) were identified.
  • Understanding healthy eye microbiota aids in disease diagnosis.
  • Provides a foundation for developing personalized health regimens.