Podcast
Questions and Answers
Which factor has the LEAST influence on the establishment and composition of an infant's early microbiome?
Which factor has the LEAST influence on the establishment and composition of an infant's early microbiome?
- The environment in which the infant is raised.
- The mode of delivery (vaginal vs. cesarean section).
- The method of infant feeding, such as breastfeeding versus formula.
- The infant's diet following weaning. (correct)
What mechanism allows the skin microbiome to bolster the skin's physical integrity?
What mechanism allows the skin microbiome to bolster the skin's physical integrity?
- Reinforcement of tight junctions between skin cells by certain bacterial metabolites. (correct)
- Direct communication with and activation of the adaptive immune system.
- Secretion of antimicrobial chemicals that directly kill pathogens.
- Digestion of oily substances to create an alkaline environment.
In the context of the human microbiome, what does 'dysbiosis' primarily refer to?
In the context of the human microbiome, what does 'dysbiosis' primarily refer to?
- The interaction between microbes and the host's immune system.
- A state of microbial imbalance that can lead to disease. (correct)
- The process by which microbes produce essential nutrients for the host.
- The normal, balanced state of microbial communities within the body.
What is the primary function of regulatory T cells in the context of the skin microbiome?
What is the primary function of regulatory T cells in the context of the skin microbiome?
How do commensal bacteria like Staphylococcus epidermidis contribute to the skin's defense against pathogens?
How do commensal bacteria like Staphylococcus epidermidis contribute to the skin's defense against pathogens?
What is a key difference between traditional antibiotic treatments for acne and emerging probiotic therapies?
What is a key difference between traditional antibiotic treatments for acne and emerging probiotic therapies?
What is a significant implication of the discovery that different strains of Cutibacterium acnes have varying effects on acne development?
What is a significant implication of the discovery that different strains of Cutibacterium acnes have varying effects on acne development?
Certain strains of commensal staphylococci produce an antimicrobial peptide that hampers the growth of dangerous Staphylococcus aureus. What benefit has been seen from transplanting antimicrobial strains?
Certain strains of commensal staphylococci produce an antimicrobial peptide that hampers the growth of dangerous Staphylococcus aureus. What benefit has been seen from transplanting antimicrobial strains?
What is a key mechanism by which endemic flora benefit the host?
What is a key mechanism by which endemic flora benefit the host?
How does the skin microbiome contribute to the training of the immune system shortly after birth?
How does the skin microbiome contribute to the training of the immune system shortly after birth?
Flashcards
Human Microbiome
Human Microbiome
The collection of all microorganisms living in association with the human body, including eukaryotes, archaea, bacteria, and viruses.
Functions of the Human Microbiome
Functions of the Human Microbiome
Microbial communities produce vitamins, break down food, train the immune system, reduce inflammation, and modulate neurological disorders.
Dysbiosis
Dysbiosis
The dysregulation of microbial communities in the human body, which is linked to numerous disease states.
Endemic (Normal) Flora Benefits
Endemic (Normal) Flora Benefits
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Skin Microbiome
Skin Microbiome
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Cutibacterium and Skin Acidity
Cutibacterium and Skin Acidity
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Staphylococcus epidermidis
Staphylococcus epidermidis
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S. epidermidis and Immune Training
S. epidermidis and Immune Training
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Acne
Acne
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Eczema
Eczema
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Study Notes
- The human microbiome is the collection of all microorganisms living in association with the human body.
- The human microbiome includes microbial communities such as eukaryotes, archaea, bacteria, and viruses.
- These communities produce vitamins, break down food, train the immune system, reduce inflammation & modulate neurological disorders.
- The human body has 10 times more bacteria than human cells.
- Microbes make up around 1-3% of body mass, which is 2-6 pounds of bacteria in a 200-pound adult.
- Dysregulation of these microbial communities is linked to numerous disease states.
- Manipulation of these communities can be used as a treatment option.
- Microbiota is active in its relationship with the host.
- The composition of the microbiota is influenced by stress, diet, pre and probiotics, drugs, and antibiotics.
- Dysbiosis can lead to disease
Endemic or Normal Flora
- Facilitate antibody production
- Protect the host from pathogens.
- Maintain homeostasis among microbes.
- Help in producing essential nutrients.
- Provide several benefits beyond digestive health
Development of Infant Microbiome
- Dependent on various factors such as infant feeding method, diet and the environment.
- Mode of delivery affects the early life microbiome (vaginal or C-section).
- Transfer of bacteria from mother to infant is important for colonization of the early microbiome
Skin Microbiome
- Consists of billions of diverse bacteria, archaea, fungi, and viruses.
- Bacteria make up the vast majority.
Skin Microbiome as Defense
- The skin is the first line of defense against pathogens.
- Commensal microbes like Cutibacterium acnes digest oily substances to create an acidic environment that makes it hard for pathogens to colonize
- Staphylococcus epidermidis secretes antimicrobial chemicals, killing invaders and reinforcing tight junctions between skin cells
Staphylococcus epidermidis
- Produces chemicals which help reinforce the tight junctions between skin cells and protect the skin's physical integrity
- Communicates with regulatory T-cells, effectively training the immune system to tolerate commensal skin microbes while remaining alert against invaders
Acne
- Inflammatory condition affecting up to 90% of teenagers.
- During puberty, the sebaceous glands produce more oil.
- Antibiotics indiscriminately target all Cutibacterium strains, including the commensal ones
Probiotics Application
- Clinical trials have shown the potential of friendly bacteria that can hamper the virulent strains and restore the balance of the community
- One study showed a 50% reduction in the number of inflamed spots following a probiotic treatment
Eczema
- Inflammatory disease associated with disruption to the Healthy Skin microbiome.
- Commonly associated with skin infections of Staphylococcus aureus.
- Thought that these bacteria are able to disrupt the tight junctions between epidermal cells, gaining entry to the dermal level and exacerbating the inflammation
Staphylococcus
- Certain strains of commensal staphylococcus produce an antimicrobial peptide that hampers the growth of dangerous Staphylococcus aureus
- Transplants of these antimicrobial strains seemed to restore the balance of their skin's microbiome.
- It may be possible to develop further therapeutic strategies to restore its balance and combat many other diseases that affect the skin
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