Tiermikrobiom

Tiermikrobiom refers to the collection of microorganisms, including bacteria, archaea, fungi, and viruses, that live in and on a particular animal. These microbial communities inhabit various sites on the animal's body, with the gastrointestinal tract being one of the most densely populated and extensively studied. The skin, respiratory tract, and reproductive organs also host significant microbial populations.

The composition and function of the tiermikrobiom are influenced by numerous factors, such as the animal's diet, genetics, age, environment, and health status. A symbiotic relationship often exists between the animal host and its resident microbes. These microorganisms play crucial roles in host physiology, including aiding in digestion and nutrient absorption, synthesizing vitamins, metabolizing xenobiotics, and developing and modulating the immune system. They also act as a barrier against colonization by pathogenic microorganisms.

Disruptions to the tiermikrobiom, known as dysbiosis, can have significant implications for animal health. Dysbiosis has been linked to a range of conditions, including inflammatory bowel diseases, allergies, obesity, and metabolic disorders. Research into the tiermikrobiom is an active and expanding field, with ongoing efforts to understand its complex interactions with the host and to explore potential therapeutic interventions, such as probiotics and prebiotics, to restore microbial balance and improve animal well-being.