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Human microbiota are site-specific communities of microorganisms (bacteria, viruses, fungi, archaea) found across multiple body regions.
Human microbiota are microorganisms—including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and archaea—that live in specific environments of the human body. They occur in many body sites such as the stomach, intestines, skin, genitals, and other regions, and different body parts host different microbial communities. Some microbes are restricted to particular locations, while others are found across multiple microbiomes. The article notes that a typical 70 kg human body contains an estimated ~39 trillion bacteria, spanning roughly 10,000 microbial species (with many more taxa possible). Microbes can be grouped by morphology, such as cocci (ball-shaped, non-motile), bacilli (rod-shaped), and spirochetes (spiral-shaped). Examples of human-associated microbes include Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Escherichia coli, Treponema pallidum, and Leptospira borgpetersenii. Examples by body site include the oral microbiota (mouth), which includes organisms such as Streptococcus mutans, Porphyromonas gingivalis, and Staphylococcus; the vaginal microbiota, where Lactobacillus species help protect against harmful pathogens by producing lactic acid; and reproductive tract microbiota, including uterine, ovarian follicle, and male reproductive tract (seminal fluid) communities. The composition of these microbiota can change with factors like puberty, pregnancy, and menopause, and disruptions (dysbiosis) are linked to conditions such as bacterial vaginosis and other infections.
Human microbiota are site-specific communities of microorganisms (bacteria, viruses, fungi, archaea) found across multiple body regions.
Microbes can be categorized by shape (cocci, bacilli, spirochetes), and many species have been identified as part of human microbiomes.
Examples include oral microbiota (e.g., Streptococcus mutans), vaginal microbiota shaped by hormones and protected by Lactobacillus, and reproductive tract microbiota that vary with reproductive context and health outcomes.
Microorganisms (bacteria, viruses, fungi, and archaea) that inhabit specific environments on or within the human body.
The collection of microorganisms living in the mouth, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa, which influence oral and overall health.
An imbalance in the vaginal microbiota that can increase susceptibility to infections such as bacterial vaginosis and related sexually transmitted diseases.
A disruption of the normal microbial community structure that can contribute to disease or inflammation.
Ball-shaped bacteria that are typically round, can form clusters, and are usually non-motile.
Rod-shaped bacteria characterized by a cylindrical form.
Spiral-shaped bacteria that move using axial filaments.
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