The Human Microbiome Flashcards
(23 cards)
What is the goal of the human microbiome project?
To identify and characterise the micro organisms found in both healthy and diseased individuals
Define microbiota.
The microbial taxa of organisms that reside in and on the host
Define microbiome
The collective genomes of all organisms
What are the aims of phase 2 of the human microbiome project?
To characterise the host and microbiome via community composition, microbial pathways, virome profiles, Antibody profiles, cytokine profiles, metabolomics, epigenome profiles, metaproteomics, metatranscriptomics, host genomes
On the body, where are the hotspots for microbial life?
The nasal tract, oral tract, skin, GI tract, urogenital tract
Which maternal factors may influence the origins of microbiota?
The microbiotic of the mother, vaginal infection, tooth decay
During bath, which factors may affect the origins of microbiota?
Whether or not the birth was natural or via C section
What postnatal factors may affect the origins of microbiota?
Antibiotics, breastfeeding, host genetics, environment
Which factors during infancy may affect the origins of microbiota?
Milk consumption, solid food introduction
As a toddler, what is the main factor that may affect microbiota?
Diet
What are the features of bacteriodetes?
They are gram-negative, anaerobic, non-spore forming, and specialists for degradation.
What are the features of firmicutes?
Gram-positive, cocci or rod shaped, have oxygen sensitivities, produce short chain fatty acids
What are the features of actinobacteria?
Gram-positive, found in nature, source of bioactive molecules, widely used as a probiotic
What are the features of fusobacteria?
Gram-negative, anaerobic, non-spore forming, reside in mucus membranes of mammals, may be pathogenic
What are the features of proteobacteria?
Gram-negative, found in nature, human pathogens such as E. coli and salmonella
What are the features of verrucomicrobia?
Gram-negative, rod or cocci shaped, unusual cellular organisation, found in soil, utilise cellulose for energy
What are the features of cyanobacteria?
Gram-negative, phototrophs and nitrogen fixers, produce toxins, found in nature
What are the natural defences found in the nose and the microbes present there?
Mucus.
Actinobacteria and firmicutes
What are the natural defences found in the mouth and the microbes present there?
Mucus, saliva
Firmicutes, proteobacteria, bacteriodetes
What are the natural defences found on the skin and the microbes present there?
Sweat
Actinobacteria and firmicutes
What are the natural defences found in the intestine and the microbes present there?
Low pH, bile
Bacteriodetes, firmicutes
What are the natural defences found in the urogenital tract and the microbes present there?
Urine
Firmicutes
What are the health conditions related to bacterial imbalance within the body
Psoriasis, reflux oesophagitis, obesity, childhood onset asthma, IBS, functional bowel disease, cardiovascular disease
