Human microbiota in health and disease Flashcards
Define pharmaceuticals produced by microbiota:
Antibiotics
What is the difference between eubiosis and dysbiosis?
Eubiosis: good coexistence between the host and the microflora (symbiosis). Can include protection of the host digestive tract, antagonism against bad microbes, protein synthesis, vitamin synthesis, nutrient digestion, and maturation of the host immune system.
Dysbiosis: Bad coexistence between host and microflora. Damage, toxic substances produced, increased gas production, weakening of immune system, and immune reactions causing increased needs for energy.
What is HMP?
The Human Microbiome Project, where 242 adults were screened and then had samples taken to map the types and metabolisms of bacteria located throughout their bodies.
What are some factors influencing origin and development of microbiota?
Infant’s microbiota: First inoculum, mode of delivery, mother’s microbiota, method of feeding, environment, weaning habits, antibiotic use.
What are the types of bacteria that you see in the intestinal tract, and what pattern of CFU’s do you see here?
Lactobacillus, Heliobacter, Streptococcus, Candida, Clostridium, Bacterioids, Actinomycinae, etc. As you move from the stomach through the duodenum, jejunum, ileum, and into the colon, the CFU’s increase from 10^2 to 10^12
What is the most prevalent bacteria in the stool/colon?
Bacteroids.
What is the most prevalent bacteria in the mouth?
Streptococcus.
What is the most prevalent bacteria in the vaginal area?
Lactobacillus.
What are some factors affecting the intestinal composition of intestinal microbiota?
Antibiotics and other drug intake, diet, environment, chronic diarrhea, stress, and microbial infections.
What is the impact of the intestinal microflora on health and disease?
Microflora is important in appropriate nutritional response, expected response to medication, and correct immune response. Imbalance can lead to early aging, cancer, discomfort, and increased susceptibility to infection.
Define IBS and IBD
IBS - Irritable bowel syndrome. Genetic and environmental factors that lead to symptoms, behavioral changes, and altered flora.
IBD - Irritable bowel disease - Genetic factors that cause inappropriate inflammatory response that cause a decrease in microflora. Can cycle and cause more damage. Inflammation can lead to ulceration, fibrosis, and cancer.
What are prebiotics, probiotics, and synbiotics?
Prebiotics are food for bacteria, not the human host. They are non-living, and can withstand temperature changes (examples are tomatoes, artichokes, onions, berries). Probiotics are live cultures of bacteria that are sensitive to heat and fight the harmful gut bacteria (examples are yogurt and sour milk). Synbiotics are a combination of both.
