Vaginal microbes play a crucial role in maintaining genital health by offering powerful defenses against infections. Unlike healthy microbiota in other parts of the body, such as the gastrointestinal tract, the vaginal microbiota is distinctive for its low diversity with lactobacilli comprising nearly 95% of the total bacteria. Lactobacillus crispatus, Lactobacillus gasseri, Lactobacillus jensenii, and Lactobacillus […]
Microbiome Environment
Autism Spectrum Disorder & Gut Microbiota
A complex neurodevelopmental condition, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is rising globally, indicating an urgent need to understand its causes. Decades of research have identified genetics and environmental factors as contributors. Whereas the definitive causes of ASD are unclear, genetic anomalies, nutritional deficiencies, toxins, and infections are strongly implicated. More recently, evidence links gut microbial dysbiosis […]
Probiotics & Neurodevelopment in Preterm Infants
Preterm (also called premature) babies can face a host of complications including neurological problems due to their underdeveloped physiological systems. Recent research shows that gut dysbiosis increases the risk of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) in premature infants. Specific probiotics have been effective in preventing this dangerous condition, which has led researchers to explore if probiotics may […]
New Weight Loss Drugs & Gut Microbiota
A new—and costly—category of weight loss drugs has burst into the market, targeting the nearly 40% of the world’s population who are overweight or obese. Considered by some experts to be a game changer in obesity, GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) receptor agonists are in such high demand that some people with diabetes (the original indication) are […]
Obesity and the Gut Microbiome: Current Insights
Obesity has reached epidemic levels, leading to a global crisis characterized by myriad health issues, premature mortality, and significant economic burdens. The historical approach to weight loss has been fraught with challenges. While lifestyle changes, drugs, and surgery are options that can be effective in the short term, many people fail to keep the weight […]
Microbiome-Based Strategies for Preventing Hospital-Acquired Infections in Critical Care
Nosocomial infections (NI)—meaning hospital-acquired— are common complications and the leading cause of mortality in intensive care unit (ICU) hospitalized patients with serious illness. Severe trauma, complex surgery, antibiotic use, and mechanical ventilation are a few events that make hospitalized patients more susceptible to infections. Moreover, critically ill patients admitted to the ICU demonstrate significant and […]