Understanding Microbiome Modulation for Health Benefits

Microbiome modulation involves techniques aimed at altering the composition and activity of the microbiome, the community of microorganisms living in and on the human body, to promote health and treat certain conditions.

Microbiome Modulation FAQ

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What is gut microbiota modulation?

Modulation of the gut microbiota is clinically important to treat all diseases related to imbalances in gut microbiota, and methods for modulating that balance include probiotics, prebiotics, and FMT. Probiotics are living microorganisms that, when taken in appropriate doses, protect human health ( Kristensen et al., 2016 ).

Could gut microbiome modulation treat or prevent diseases?

From an ever-increasing recognition of the many roles of the gut microbiome in health and disease comes the expectation that its modulation could treat or prevent these very same diseases.

Does gut microbiota modulation cause dysbiosis?

Notably, some of the diseases being treated by gut microbiota modulation have a profound dysbiosis (such as CDI), whereas others have a more subtle disruption of gut microbes, which has implications for choosing the appropriate strategy for gut microbiota modulation.

What is targeted microbiome modulation?

The increasing functional understanding of the microbiome begins to be translated into practice, in the form of targeted microbiome modulation. Most attempts at in vivo microbiome modulation are of therapeutic intent: researchers aim to improve the wellbeing of patients, by proxy of the microbiome.

Why is microbiome modulation important?

Information stored within microbiomes may therefore enable early detection and prognostic assessment of disease in at-risk populations, whereas microbiome modulation may constitute an effective and safe treatment tailored to the individual.

Are microbiome modulations a response to microbial inoculants?

Microbiome modulations are an important response to microbial inoculants, which should be considered in terms of the impact on plants and pathogens (Figure 1). Open in a separate window FIGURE 1

What is a microbiota modulation?

In theory, the goal of modulation could be to restore a disrupted or depleted microbiota or transform the existing status quo to induce a “healthier” bacterial community.