The noncolonic microbiome: does it really matter?
About 100 trillion microorganisms compose the microbiome of the gastrointestinal tract and are predominantly found within the colon. Until recently, few bacteria were thought to inhabit the normal healthy esophagus and stomach. However, contemporary studies using molecular techniques have contradicted these assumptions. In this review, we summarize the pertinent findings of these studies that demonstrate established, complex mixed-microbial communities within the foregut in both health and disease. These studies contribute to improved understanding of interactions between the host immunity and the microbiome that may ultimately allow for novel therapeutic targets.
Gastroenterology Division, Naval Medical Center, 34800 Bob Wilson Drive, Suite 301, San Diego, CA 92134-1301, USA. Robert.lawson@med.navy.mil
R Daniel
RD
Lawson
Walter J
WJ
Coyle
D000818:Animals; D001419:Bacteria / Q000235:genetics* / Q000254:growth & development; D004935:Esophageal Diseases / Q000382:microbiology*; D004947:Esophagus / Q000382:microbiology*; D016680:Genome, Bacterial; D006801:Humans; D054892:Metagenome; D012336:RNA, Ribosomal, 16S / Q000032:analysis / Q000235:genetics; D017422:Sequence Analysis, DNA; D013270:Stomach / Q000382:microbiology*; D013272:Stomach Diseases / Q000382:microbiology*
D012336:RNA, Ribosomal, 16S