The Human Microbiota

Unraveling the mysteries of the human microbiome Addressing the latest findings on the microbes that colonize epithelial surfaces in the human body, The Human Microbiota presents a comprehensive review of the microbial diversity found in humans and the role it plays in human health. After an introduction to the pivotal research efforts at the Human Microbiome Project, the book presents cutting-edge methods for studying the human microbiome and links particular microbial communities to various conditions and diseases. It explains in detail how to use animal models, cultivate microbes, and manipulate existing microbiota. Advice on the design of microbiome studies as well as the strengths and weaknesses of different methods is also included. A group of pioneers in microbial ecology contribute authoritative, state-of-the-art chapters on: Characterization and analysis techniques as well as mathematical approaches for describing microbial communities The different microbial populations found in the gut, the respiratory tract, the mouth, and the genital tract Lessons learned from animal models about microbial communities and immune response to the microbiota Novel approaches to cultivating human microbes in the laboratory, including their challenges and benefits The use of prebiotics, probiotics, and synbiotics to enhance human health The Human Microbiota is an invaluable resource for microbiologists, microbial ecologists, physicians, infectious disease specialists, and anyone wishing to learn about the latest tools in molecular biology and what they reveal about this exciting, rapidly evolving field.