The Human Microbiome

A microbiome is a very important community of microbes that live in and on the organs of the human body. Microbes living on your organs sounds like cause for concern but the human microbiome is actually very important in both defending the body against disease maintaining normal bodily functions such as digestion. Microbiomes change often, however, if the balance of populations of microbes in the human body are disrupted, then disease may follow. Microbes start to colonize every inch of the body as soon as you are born; the first batch of microbes comes from your mother. If you are born vaginally, you would be covered in your mother’s vaginal microbes. If you are born via a cesarean section, then you would be covered in skin microbes; a different type of microbe entirely. Some microbes in the birth canal actually help an infant digest its first meal. Functions like digestion are not the only purpose of the microbiome. The microbiome also protects you from harmful bacteria and one example of this is acne. Acne is caused by a bacteria called P. acne, that if more prevalent than good microbes, will cause the widespread blemishes observed in people with acne. These imbalances of microbes can be seen in more communities of organisms besides those residing on the face, which is why it is important to remain mindful. Antibiotics, drugs designed to kill bacteria, can be a problem for the balance of healthy microbes. While antibiotics are effective at ridding the body of harmful bacteria, they also kill beneficial bacteria. This collateral damage can often lead to declines in the immune system, especially in children with developing microbiomes. The nuances of the microbiome are becoming a more prevalent research field as we continue to uncover the importance of the film of protective bacteria covering our bodies.