Microbiota of the Human Body: Implications in Health and Disease (Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology)

Microbes can now be found in nearly every niche the
human body offers. However, the complexity of the microbiota of a given site
depends on the particular environmental condition thereof. Only microbes which
are able to grow under these conditions, will prevail. Recent publications
imply that the microorganisms do not only have multiple, critical consequences
for host physiological processes such as postnatal development, immunomodulation
and energy supply, but also effects on neurodevelopment, behavior and
cognition.

Within this book we will focus on the techniques
behind these developments, epigenomics and on the various parts of the human body which are inhabited by microorganism such as the mouth, the gut, the skin and
the vagina. In addition, chapters are dedicated to the possible manipulations
of the microbiota by probiotics, prebiotics and faecal transplantation.