Human associated Archaea: a neglected microbiome worth investigating.

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Human Microbiome Research
• Archaea

Background:

• Human microbiota research has primarily focused on bacteria and fungi.
• The human archaeome remains understudied despite its potential health implications.
• Archaea inhabit diverse human body sites, including the gut, skin, and oral cavity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the under-exploration of the human archaeome.
• To discuss the colonization routes and potential roles of archaea in human health.
• To emphasize the need for further investigation into archaea's involvement in diseases.

Main Methods:

• Literature review and synthesis of existing knowledge on human archaea.
• Identification of human body sites colonized by archaea.
• Exploration of archaeal transmission routes and potential pathogenic mechanisms.

Main Results:

• Archaea colonize numerous human body sites, suggesting widespread presence.
• Transmission occurs via vertical transfer (breast milk, colostrum) and diet (dairy, fermented foods).
• Archaea may contribute to diseases like periodontitis through toxin production or pathogen growth modulation.

Conclusions:

• The human archaeome is a significant, yet neglected, component of the human microbiome.
• Understanding archaea's role is crucial for advancing human health and disease research.
• Further studies are essential to elucidate the mechanisms underlying archaea's impact on human health.