Microbiomes

Microbiomes are communities of microorganisms that are present on and in the human body. These include bacteria, fungi, and viruses, which perform important roles in regulating human health. The gut microbiome is the collection of microbes in the digestive tract and is linked to healthy digestion, nutrient absorption, immune regulation and inflammation. Changes in the microbiome profile have been associated with many chronic diseases, such as metabolic and inflammatory diseases. Studies are now exploring how manipulation of the microbiome can be used to improve health, inform diagnosis and develop new treatments, which could have great potential in the future of medicine.