Reviews In The Impact Of Gut Microbiota In Health And Disease

Download Reviews In The Impact Of Gut Microbiota In Health And Disease full books in PDF, epub, and Kindle. Read online Reviews In The Impact Of Gut Microbiota In Health And Disease ebook anywhere anytime directly on your device. Fast Download speed and no annoying ads. We cannot guarantee that every ebooks is available!

Microbiome in Human Health and Disease

Author : Pallaval Veera Bramhachari
Publisher : Springer Nature
ISBN 13 : 9811631565
Total Pages : 306 pages
Book Rating : 4.8/5 (116 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!

Book Synopsis Microbiome in Human Health and Disease by : Pallaval Veera Bramhachari

Download or read book Microbiome in Human Health and Disease written by Pallaval Veera Bramhachari and published by Springer Nature. This book was released on 2021-10-18 with total page 306 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The book provides an overview on how the microbiome contributes to human health and disease. The microbiome has also become a burgeoning field of research in medicine, agriculture & environment. The readers will obtain profound knowledge on the connection between intestinal microbiota and immune defense systems, medicine, agriculture & environment. The book may address several researchers, clinicians and scholars working in biomedicine, microbiology and immunology. The application of new technologies has no doubt revolutionized the research initiatives providing new insights into the dynamics of these complex microbial communities and their role in medicine, agriculture & environment shall be more emphasized. Drawing on broad range concepts of disciplines and model systems, this book primarily provides a conceptual framework for understanding these human-microbe, animal-microbe & plant-microbe, interactions while shedding critical light on the scientific challenges that lie ahead. Furthermore this book explains why microbiome research demands a creative and interdisciplinary thinking—the capacity to combine microbiology with human, animal and plant physiology, ecological theory with immunology, and evolutionary perspectives with metabolic science.This book provides an accessible and authoritative guide to the fundamental principles of microbiome science, an exciting and fast-emerging new discipline that is reshaping many aspects of the life sciences. These microbial partners can also drive ecologically important traits, from thermal tolerance to diet in a typical immune system, and have contributed to animal and plant diversification over long evolutionary timescales. Also this book explains why microbiome research presents a more complete picture of the biology of humans and other animals, and how it can deliver novel therapies for human health and new strategies.

The Gut Microbiome in Health and Disease

Author : Dirk Haller
Publisher : Springer
ISBN 13 : 3319905457
Total Pages : 355 pages
Book Rating : 4.3/5 (199 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!

Book Synopsis The Gut Microbiome in Health and Disease by : Dirk Haller

Download or read book The Gut Microbiome in Health and Disease written by Dirk Haller and published by Springer. This book was released on 2018-07-27 with total page 355 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The book provides an overview on how the gut microbiome contributes to human health. The readers will get profound knowledge on the connection between intestinal microbiota and immune defense systems. The tools of choice to study the ecology of these highly-specialized microorganism communities such as high-throughput sequencing and metagenomic mining will be presented. In addition the most common diseases associated to the composition of the gut flora are discussed in detail. The book will address researchers, clinicians and advanced students working in biomedicine, microbiology and immunology.

The Human Microbiome, Diet, and Health

Author : Food Forum
Publisher : National Academies Press
ISBN 13 : 030926586X
Total Pages : 197 pages
Book Rating : 4.3/5 (92 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!

Book Synopsis The Human Microbiome, Diet, and Health by : Food Forum

Download or read book The Human Microbiome, Diet, and Health written by Food Forum and published by National Academies Press. This book was released on 2013-02-27 with total page 197 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The Food Forum convened a public workshop on February 22-23, 2012, to explore current and emerging knowledge of the human microbiome, its role in human health, its interaction with the diet, and the translation of new research findings into tools and products that improve the nutritional quality of the food supply. The Human Microbiome, Diet, and Health: Workshop Summary summarizes the presentations and discussions that took place during the workshop. Over the two day workshop, several themes covered included: The microbiome is integral to human physiology, health, and disease. The microbiome is arguably the most intimate connection that humans have with their external environment, mostly through diet. Given the emerging nature of research on the microbiome, some important methodology issues might still have to be resolved with respect to undersampling and a lack of causal and mechanistic studies. Dietary interventions intended to have an impact on host biology via their impact on the microbiome are being developed, and the market for these products is seeing tremendous success. However, the current regulatory framework poses challenges to industry interest and investment.

Reviews in the Impact of Gut Microbiota in Health and Disease

Author : Junling Shi
Publisher : Frontiers Media SA
ISBN 13 : 2832533485
Total Pages : 235 pages
Book Rating : 4.8/5 (325 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!

Book Synopsis Reviews in the Impact of Gut Microbiota in Health and Disease by : Junling Shi

Download or read book Reviews in the Impact of Gut Microbiota in Health and Disease written by Junling Shi and published by Frontiers Media SA. This book was released on 2023-11-10 with total page 235 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Frontiers in Microbiology is delighted to present the ‘Reviews in the Impact of Gut Microbiota in Health and Disease’ series of article collections. Reviews in the Impact of Gut Microbiota in Health and Disease will publish high-quality scholarly review papers on key topics in the Impact of Gut Microbiota in Health and Disease. It aims to highlight recent advances in the field, whilst emphasizing important directions and new possibilities for future inquiries. We anticipate the research presented will promote valuable discussion regarding the impact of gut microbiota in health and disease that will translate to best practice applications in clinical, public health and policy settings.

Gut Microbiota in Neurologic and Visceral Diseases

Author : Tahira Farooqui
Publisher : Academic Press
ISBN 13 : 0128210400
Total Pages : 388 pages
Book Rating : 4.1/5 (282 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!

Book Synopsis Gut Microbiota in Neurologic and Visceral Diseases by : Tahira Farooqui

Download or read book Gut Microbiota in Neurologic and Visceral Diseases written by Tahira Farooqui and published by Academic Press. This book was released on 2021-03-11 with total page 388 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Gut Microbiota in Neurologic and Visceral Diseases presents readers with comprehensive information on the involvement of microbiota in the pathogenesis of neurological disorders. Chapters cover the effect of microbiota on the development of visceral (obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart disease) and neurological disorders (Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's, depression, anxiety, and autism). Sections focus on the molecular mechanisms and signal transduction processes associated with the links among microbiota-related visceral and neurological disorders. It is hoped that this discussion will not only integrate and consolidate knowledge in this field but will also jumpstart more studies on the involvement of microbiota in the pathogenesis of neurological disorders. - Reviews the relationship between gut microbiome, diseases and disorders - Discusses the relationship between diet, microbiota and inflammation - Includes neurodegenerative, neuropsychiatric and cardiovascular disorders - Covers diabetes, obesity and metabolic disorders - Identifies molecular mechanisms and signal transduction processes - Encompasses dietary fiber, fat, prebiotics and probiotics

Gut Microbiota

Author : Edward Ishiguro
Publisher : Academic Press
ISBN 13 : 0128105429
Total Pages : 210 pages
Book Rating : 4.1/5 (281 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!

Book Synopsis Gut Microbiota by : Edward Ishiguro

Download or read book Gut Microbiota written by Edward Ishiguro and published by Academic Press. This book was released on 2018-01-02 with total page 210 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Gut Microbiota: Interactive Effects on Nutrition and Health focuses on the fascinating intestinal microbiome as it relates to nutrition. The book covers the core science in the microbiome field and draws links between the microbiome and nutrition in medicine. Reflecting the most current state of evidence available in the field, the early chapters introduce key concepts about the microbiome, and the latter focus on the application of the gut microbiome and nutrition science. Both human studies and animal studies (where appropriate) are discussed throughout the work. Addressing topics such as gut microbiota throughout the lifespan, gut microbiota in health and disease, and genetic and environmental influences on gut microbiota, this book will provide scientists and clinicians who have an interest in the microbiome with an understanding of the future potential and limitations of this tool as they strive to make use of evidence-based diet information for the maintenance of good health. - Explores how diet influences gut microbiota - Consolidates new research on how gut microbiota affects nutrition - Identifies how the research applies to food science - Provides practical diet suggestions for improving health

Probiotics and Prebiotics

Author : Koen Venema
Publisher : Caister Academic Press Limited
ISBN 13 : 9781910190098
Total Pages : 0 pages
Book Rating : 4.1/5 (9 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!

Book Synopsis Probiotics and Prebiotics by : Koen Venema

Download or read book Probiotics and Prebiotics written by Koen Venema and published by Caister Academic Press Limited. This book was released on 2015 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Composed of nearly a thousand different types of microorganisms - some beneficial, others not - the human gut microbiota plays an important role in health and disease. This is due to the presence of probiotic or beneficial microbes, or due to the feeding of prebiotics that stimulate the endogenous beneficial microbes (these promote health by stimulating the immune system, improving the digestion and absorption of nutrients, and inhibiting the growth of pathogens). The notable health benefits of probiotic organisms have prompted much commercial interest, which in turn has led to a plethora of research initiatives in this area. These range from studies to elucidate the efficacy of the various health benefits to analyses of the diet-microbe interaction as a means of modulating the gut microbiota composition. Research in this area is at a very exciting stage. With state-of-the-art commentaries on all aspects of probiotics and prebiotics research, this book provides an authoritative and timely overview of the field. Written by leading international researchers, each chapter affords critical insight to a particular topic, reviews current research, discusses future direction, and stimulates discussion. Topics range from the different microorganisms used as probiotics (lactobacilli, bifidobacteria, yeast, etc.), and the techniques and approaches used (metagenomics, etc.), to the reviews of the clinical and medical aspects. The provision of extensive reference sections positively encourages readers to pursue each subject in greater detail. *** Librarians: ebook available on ProQuest and EBSCO [Subject: Microbiology, Life Science]

Gut Microbiome and Its Impact on Health and Diseases

Author : Debabrata Biswas
Publisher : Springer Nature
ISBN 13 : 3030473848
Total Pages : 288 pages
Book Rating : 4.0/5 (34 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!

Book Synopsis Gut Microbiome and Its Impact on Health and Diseases by : Debabrata Biswas

Download or read book Gut Microbiome and Its Impact on Health and Diseases written by Debabrata Biswas and published by Springer Nature. This book was released on 2020-08-27 with total page 288 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book provides a comprehensive examination of the role of gut microbiome/microflora in nutrition, metabolism, disease prevention and health issues, including farm animal health and food value, and human gastrointestinal health and immunity. Indigenous microbiotas, particularly the gut microflora/microbiome, are an essential component in the modern concept of human and animal health. The diet and lifestyle of the host and environment have direct impact on gut microflora and the patterns of gut microbial colonization associated with health and diseases have been documented. Contributing authors cover the impact of gut microbiome in farm animal health, and explore the possibility of modulating the human gut microbiome with better animal products to prevent human diseases, including endemic and emerging diseases such as obesity, cancer and cardiac diseases. Dieting plan and control methods are examined, with attention paid to balance dieting with natural food and drink components. In addition, the role of gut microbiota in enteric microbial colonization and infections in farm animals is also discussed. The volume also explores the possibility of improving human health by modulating the microbiome with better food, including bio-active foods and appropriate forms of intake. Throughout the chapters, authors examine cutting edge research and technology, as well as future directions for better practices regarding emerging issues, such as the safety and production of organic food.

Environmental Chemicals, the Human Microbiome, and Health Risk

Author : National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine
Publisher : National Academies Press
ISBN 13 : 0309468698
Total Pages : 123 pages
Book Rating : 4.3/5 (94 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!

Book Synopsis Environmental Chemicals, the Human Microbiome, and Health Risk by : National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine

Download or read book Environmental Chemicals, the Human Microbiome, and Health Risk written by National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine and published by National Academies Press. This book was released on 2018-03-01 with total page 123 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: A great number of diverse microorganisms inhabit the human body and are collectively referred to as the human microbiome. Until recently, the role of the human microbiome in maintaining human health was not fully appreciated. Today, however, research is beginning to elucidate associations between perturbations in the human microbiome and human disease and the factors that might be responsible for the perturbations. Studies have indicated that the human microbiome could be affected by environmental chemicals or could modulate exposure to environmental chemicals. Environmental Chemicals, the Human Microbiome, and Health Risk presents a research strategy to improve our understanding of the interactions between environmental chemicals and the human microbiome and the implications of those interactions for human health risk. This report identifies barriers to such research and opportunities for collaboration, highlights key aspects of the human microbiome and its relation to health, describes potential interactions between environmental chemicals and the human microbiome, reviews the risk-assessment framework and reasons for incorporating chemicalâ€"microbiome interactions.

Intestinal Microbiota in Health and Disease

Author : Eduardo J. Schiffrin
Publisher : CRC Press
ISBN 13 : 1482226766
Total Pages : 346 pages
Book Rating : 4.4/5 (822 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!

Book Synopsis Intestinal Microbiota in Health and Disease by : Eduardo J. Schiffrin

Download or read book Intestinal Microbiota in Health and Disease written by Eduardo J. Schiffrin and published by CRC Press. This book was released on 2014-02-11 with total page 346 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Now considered an organ with defensive and metabolic capabilities, the intestinal microbiota plays a major role in the local host immune system development and education. It contributes to the generation of a homeostatic balance characterized by the capacity to react against pathogens while remaining hyperresponsive/tolerant against commensals. This homeostatic response depends on bacteria and bacterial product sensing by innate immune cells and their molecular asset at the intestinal mucosa. This book captures the enormous progress that has been accomplished in this field in recent years.

Human Microbiota in Health and Disease

Author : Bryan Tungland
Publisher : Academic Press
ISBN 13 : 0128146508
Total Pages : 674 pages
Book Rating : 4.1/5 (281 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!

Book Synopsis Human Microbiota in Health and Disease by : Bryan Tungland

Download or read book Human Microbiota in Health and Disease written by Bryan Tungland and published by Academic Press. This book was released on 2018-05-25 with total page 674 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Human Gut Microbiota in Health and Disease: From Pathogenesis to Therapy is a comprehensive discussion of all the aspects associated with gut microbiota early colonization, its development and maintenance, and its symbiotic relationship with the host to promote health. Chapters illustrate the complex mechanisms and metabolic signalling pathways related to how the gut microbiota maintain proper regulation of glucose, lipid and energy homeostasis and immune response, while mediating inflammatory processes involved in the etiology of many chronic disease conditions. Details are provided on the primary etiological factors of chronic disease, the effects of gut dysbiosis and its associated disease conditions, while providing an overview of therapeutic strategies involving dietary fiber and prebiotics, fecal microbiota transplantation therapy and probiotics. Throughout the chapters, a comprehensive review of peer-reviewed animal and human studies is provided as evidence related to the history of human exposure, safety, tolerance, toxicity, nomenclature, and clinical efficacy of utilizing prebiotic fructans, s, as well as probiotic intervention, and dietary modification in the prevention and intervention of chronic disease conditions. With common use today of pharmaceutical medicine in treating symptoms, and frequent overuse of antibiotics in chronic disease within mainstream medical practice, understanding the etiological mechanisms of dysbiosis-induced chronic disease, and natural approaches that offer prevention and potential cures for these diseases is of vital importance to overall human health. - Details the complex relationship between human microbiota in the gut, oral cavity, urogenital tract and skin as well as their colonization, development and impact of factors that influence the relationship - Illustrates the mechanisms associated with dysbiosis-associated inflammation and its role in the onset and progression in chronic disease - Provides the primary mechanisms and comprehensive scientific evidence for the use of dietary modification, and pro- and pre-biotics in preventing and intervening in chronic disease

The Chemistry of Microbiomes

Author : National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine
Publisher : National Academies Press
ISBN 13 : 0309458390
Total Pages : 133 pages
Book Rating : 4.3/5 (94 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!

Book Synopsis The Chemistry of Microbiomes by : National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine

Download or read book The Chemistry of Microbiomes written by National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine and published by National Academies Press. This book was released on 2017-07-19 with total page 133 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The 21st century has witnessed a complete revolution in the understanding and description of bacteria in eco- systems and microbial assemblages, and how they are regulated by complex interactions among microbes, hosts, and environments. The human organism is no longer considered a monolithic assembly of tissues, but is instead a true ecosystem composed of human cells, bacteria, fungi, algae, and viruses. As such, humans are not unlike other complex ecosystems containing microbial assemblages observed in the marine and earth environments. They all share a basic functional principle: Chemical communication is the universal language that allows such groups to properly function together. These chemical networks regulate interactions like metabolic exchange, antibiosis and symbiosis, and communication. The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine's Chemical Sciences Roundtable organized a series of four seminars in the autumn of 2016 to explore the current advances, opportunities, and challenges toward unveiling this "chemical dark matter" and its role in the regulation and function of different ecosystems. The first three focused on specific ecosystemsâ€"earth, marine, and humanâ€"and the last on all microbiome systems. This publication summarizes the presentations and discussions from the seminars.

Microbiota of the Human Body

Author : Andreas Schwiertz
Publisher : Springer
ISBN 13 : 3319312480
Total Pages : 160 pages
Book Rating : 4.3/5 (193 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!

Book Synopsis Microbiota of the Human Body by : Andreas Schwiertz

Download or read book Microbiota of the Human Body written by Andreas Schwiertz and published by Springer. This book was released on 2016-05-09 with total page 160 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Microbes can now be found in nearly every niche the human body offers. However, the complexity of the microbiota of a given site depends on the particular environmental condition thereof. Only microbes which are able to grow under these conditions, will prevail. Recent publications imply that the microorganisms do not only have multiple, critical consequences for host physiological processes such as postnatal development, immunomodulation and energy supply, but also effects on neurodevelopment, behavior and cognition. Within this book we will focus on the techniques behind these developments, epigenomics and on the various parts of the human body which are inhabited by microorganism such as the mouth, the gut, the skin and the vagina. In addition, chapters are dedicated to the possible manipulations of the microbiota by probiotics, prebiotics and faecal transplantation.

The Gut-Brain Axis

Author : Niall Hyland
Publisher : Academic Press
ISBN 13 : 0128025441
Total Pages : 512 pages
Book Rating : 4.1/5 (28 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!

Book Synopsis The Gut-Brain Axis by : Niall Hyland

Download or read book The Gut-Brain Axis written by Niall Hyland and published by Academic Press. This book was released on 2016-05-13 with total page 512 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The Gut-Brain Axis: Dietary, Probiotic, and Prebiotic Interventions on the Microbiota examines the potential for microbial manipulation as a therapeutic avenue in central nervous system disorders in which an altered microbiota has been implicated, and explores the mechanisms, sometimes common, by which the microbiota may contribute to such disorders. - Focuses on specific areas in which the microbiota has been implicated in gut-brain communication - Examines common mechanisms and pathways by which the microbiota may influence brain and behavior - Identifies novel therapeutic strategies targeted toward the microbiota in the management of brain activity and behavior

The Human Microbiota and Chronic Disease

Author : Luigi Nibali
Publisher : John Wiley & Sons
ISBN 13 : 1118982878
Total Pages : 564 pages
Book Rating : 4.1/5 (189 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!

Book Synopsis The Human Microbiota and Chronic Disease by : Luigi Nibali

Download or read book The Human Microbiota and Chronic Disease written by Luigi Nibali and published by John Wiley & Sons. This book was released on 2016-10-03 with total page 564 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Microbiota-associated pathology can be a direct result of changes in general bacterial composition, such as might be found in periodontitis and bacterial vaginosis, and/or as the result of colonization and/or overgrowth of so called keystone species. The disruption in the composition of the normal human microbiota, or dysbiosis, plays an integral role in human health and human disease. The Human Microbiota and Human Chronic Disease: Dysbioses as a Cause of Human Pathology discusses the role of the microbiota in maintaining human health. The text introduces the reader to the biology of microbial dysbiosis and its potential role in both bacterial disease and in idiopathic chronic disease states. Divided into five sections, the text delineates the concept of the human bacterial microbiota with particular attention being paid to the microbiotae of the gut, oral cavity and skin. A key methodology for exploring the microbiota, metagenomics, is also described. The book then shows the reader the cellular, molecular and genetic complexities of the bacterial microbiota, its myriad connections with the host and how these can maintain tissue homeostasis. Chapters then consider the role of dysbioses in human disease states, dealing with two of the commonest bacterial diseases of humanity – periodontitis and bacterial vaginosis. The composition of some, if not all microbiotas can be controlled by the diet and this is also dealt with in this section. The discussion moves on to the major ‘idiopathic’ diseases afflicting humans, and the potential role that dysbiosis could play in their induction and chronicity. The book then concludes with the therapeutic potential of manipulating the microbiota, introducing the concepts of probiotics, prebiotics and the administration of healthy human faeces (faecal microbiota transplantation), and then hypothesizes as to the future of medical treatment viewed from a microbiota-centric position. Provides an introduction to dysbiosis, or a disruption in the composition of the normal human microbiota Explains how microbiota-associated pathology and other chronic diseases can result from changes in general bacterial composition Explores the relationship humans have with their microbiota, and its significance in human health and disease Covers host genetic variants and their role in the composition of human microbial biofilms, integral to the relationship between human health and human disease Authored and edited by leaders in the field, The Human Microbiota and Human Chronic Disease will be an invaluable resource for clinicians, pathologists, immunologists, cell and molecular biologists, biochemists, and system biologists studying cellular and molecular bases of human diseases.

The Human Microbiota

Author : David N. Fredricks
Publisher : John Wiley & Sons
ISBN 13 : 1118409809
Total Pages : 348 pages
Book Rating : 4.1/5 (184 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!

Book Synopsis The Human Microbiota by : David N. Fredricks

Download or read book The Human Microbiota written by David N. Fredricks and published by John Wiley & Sons. This book was released on 2013-02-22 with total page 348 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The Human Microbiota offers a comprehensive review of all human-associated microbial niches in a single volume, focusing on what modern tools in molecular microbiology are revealing about human microbiota, and how specific microbial communities can be associated with either beneficial effects or diseases. An excellent resource for microbiologists, physicians, infectious disease specialists, and others in the field, the book describes the latest research findings and evaluates the most innovative research approaches and technologies. Perspectives from pioneers in human microbial ecology are provided throughout.

Microbial Inhabitants of Humans

Author : Michael Wilson
Publisher : Cambridge University Press
ISBN 13 : 9780521841580
Total Pages : 480 pages
Book Rating : 4.8/5 (415 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!

Book Synopsis Microbial Inhabitants of Humans by : Michael Wilson

Download or read book Microbial Inhabitants of Humans written by Michael Wilson and published by Cambridge University Press. This book was released on 2005 with total page 480 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This advanced textbook provides a unique overview of the microbial communities (normal indigenous microbiota) inhabiting those regions of the human body that are exposed to the external environment, including the skin, eyes, oral cavity and the respiratory, urinary, reproductive and gastrointestinal tracts. In order to understand why particular organisms are able to colonise an anatomical region and why the resulting microbial community has a particular composition, an ecological approach is essential. Consequently, the key anatomical and physiological characteristics of each body site are described throughout the book. The crucial roles of the indigenous microbiota in protecting against exogenous pathogens, regulating the development of our immune system and mucosae, and providing nutrients are also discussed. The involvement of these organisms in infections of healthy and debilitated individuals are discussed throughout and methods of manipulating the composition of the indigenous microbiota for the benefit of human health are also described.