Microbiome Interconnectedness throughout Environments with Major Consequences for Healthy People and a Healthy Planet

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Ecology
• Environmental Science

Background:

• Microbiomes are essential for ecosystem functions like nutrient cycling and climate regulation.
• Microbiomes are integral to the health of hosts, including humans, animals, and plants.
• Current understanding of microbiome transfer and connectivity between systems remains limited.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review microbiome connections within and transfers between diverse habitats.
• To discuss the functional implications of these microbiome interconnections.
• To highlight the positive impacts of microbiome transmission on planetary and human health.

Main Methods:

• Literature review synthesizing current research on microbiome transfer.
• Analysis of abiotic and biotic environments for microbiome connectivity.
• Examination of vectors and direct interactions facilitating microbiome transmission.

Main Results:

• Microbiome transfer occurs between and within abiotic (air, soil, water) and biotic environments.
• Transmission can be mediated by vectors (insects, food) or direct interactions.
• Transfer processes can involve pathogens or antibiotic resistance genes, but also beneficial microbes.

Conclusions:

• Microbiome transmission is a key process shaping ecosystems and host health.
• Understanding microbiome connectivity is vital for predicting ecosystem adaptation.
• Transmitted microbes can introduce novel functions, benefiting planetary and human health.