Learn all about microbiota

In a nutshell

• It consists of trillions⁷ of microorganisms (sidenote: Microorganisms Living organisms that are too small to be seen with the naked eye. They include bacteria, viruses, fungi, archaea and protozoa, and are commonly referred to as “microbes”. What is microbiology? Microbiology Society. )  that populate your intestines like bacteria, viruses, fungi (including yeasts), and even parasites.
• Each one of us has a unique microbiota, like a fingerprint.⁷
• The gut microbiota can be considered a functional organ of the human body, it works closely with your intestines.
• Some diseases associated with intestinal dysbiosis (sidenote: Dysbiosis Generally defined as an alteration in the composition and function of the microbiota caused by a combination of environmental and individual-specific factors. Levy M, Kolodziejczyk AA, Thaiss CA, et al. Dysbiosis and the immune system. Nat Rev Immunol. 2017;17(4):219-232.   ) are: antibiotic-associated diarrhea,⁸ infantile colic,⁹ gastroenteritis,¹⁰ inflammatory bowel diseases¹¹ (IBS)...
• You have several ways of positively affecting the balance and the diversity of the gut microbiota: diet, prebiotics, probiotics, transplant...

In a nutshell

• The vaginal microbiota is balanced when its diversity is low.⁴
• All women have a microbiota in their vagina, but it is different for each one of us.
• The body evolves throughout life, and so does the vaginal microbiota.
• For women, taking care of our microbiota is more than important. Daily intimate health is crucial to stay away from dysbiosis (sidenote: Dysbiosis Generally defined as an alteration in the composition and function of the microbiota caused by a combination of environmental and individual-specific factors. Levy M, Kolodziejczyk AA, Thaiss CA, et al. Dysbiosis and the immune system. Nat Rev Immunol. 2017;17(4):219-232.   ) and unbalancing the microbiota.

In a nutshell

• The skin acts as a triple protective barrier.^4,12
• The skin microbiota is relatively stable over time^4,13 and only changes at the major stages of life. 
• The skin microbiota also plays a key role in immunity: it stimulates the immune defense mechanisms of the epidermis and the body as a whole and calms inflammation where necessary.¹⁴
• Dysbiosis (sidenote: Dysbiosis Generally defined as an alteration in the composition and function of the microbiota caused by a combination of environmental and individual-specific factors. Levy M, Kolodziejczyk AA, Thaiss CA, et al. Dysbiosis and the immune system. Nat Rev Immunol. 2017;17(4):219-232.   ) is often associated with pathological skin conditions such as acne,¹⁵ atopic dermatitis,¹⁶ psoriasis,¹⁷ seborrheic dermatitis,¹⁸ rosacea,¹⁹ or skin cancer.²⁰

In a nutshell,

• The composition of the pulmonary microbiota is shaped primarily by environment.
• Imbalance (dysbiosis (sidenote: Dysbiosis Generally defined as an alteration in the composition and function of the microbiota caused by a combination of environmental and individual-specific factors. Levy M, Kolodziejczyk AA, Thaiss CA, et al. Dysbiosis and the immune system. Nat Rev Immunol. 2017;17(4):219-232.   ) ) in the pulmonary microbiota may promote the emergence of pathogenic (sidenote: Pathogen A pathogen is a microorganism that causes, or may cause, disease. Pirofski LA, Casadevall A. Q and A: What is a pathogen? A question that begs the point. BMC Biol. 2012 Jan 31;10:6. ) bacteria or fungi, and contribute to the development of chronic respiratory diseases.

In a nutshell

• The composition of urinary microbiota of women is different from the composition of the microbiota of men.²³
• The urinary microbiota acts as a barrier against pathogens (sidenote: Pathogen A pathogen is a microorganism that causes, or may cause, disease. Pirofski LA, Casadevall A. Q and A: What is a pathogen? A question that begs the point. BMC Biol. 2012 Jan 31;10:6. ) .²¹
• Studies published to date have demonstrated the clear role played by the urinary microbiota in urinary tract infections.^24,25

In a nutshell

• The oral microbiota brings together more than 700 bacterial species, which contribute to oral health.
• In the ear canal, the composition of the auricular microbiota is closely related to that of the skin.
• The nasopharyngeal microbiota, which covers the nasal airways and the pharynx, is composed of very different germs.

The essential

• The exposome encompasses all environmental exposures we face from conception to death: diet, air, water, medications, stress, and our social and professional environments.
• It closely interacts with our microbiota, influencing its balance and diversity throughout life.
• When disrupted, the exposome can contribute to chronic diseases, allergies, or mental health disorders by triggering an imbalance in the microbiota (dysbiosis (sidenote: Dysbiosis Generally defined as an alteration in the composition and function of the microbiota caused by a combination of environmental and individual-specific factors. Levy M, Kolodziejczyk AA, Thaiss CA, et al. Dysbiosis and the immune system. Nat Rev Immunol. 2017;17(4):219-232.   ) ).
• But the exposome isn't only a threat: exposure to nature, biodiversity, or the Mediterranean diet helps support the balance of both the microbiota and the immune system.
• Want to learn more? Discover how nature and urban environments shape your microbiota!