The gut microbiome refers to the trillions of bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other microorganisms colonizing the gastrointestinal tract, which together inhabit the human body and form the microbial community collectively known as the human microbiota. This microbial population plays a vital role in maintaining overall health, supporting human development, immunity, digestion, and nutrient absorption.
Alterations in microbial composition, known as dysbiosis, have been associated with the pathogenesis of various inflammatory diseases and infections. Such shifts in microbiome structure and function can contribute to disease susceptibility, highlighting the importance of microbiome modulation to restore balance for health maintenance and disease prevention.