The Human Microbiota in Health and Disease: An Ecological and Community-based Approach delves into the intricate relationship between human beings and their microbial communities, collectively known as the “microbiota” or “microbiome.” Authored by Michael Wilson, this book explores how these microbial communities vary across different body sites due to distinct environmental conditions. Each community is composed of bacteria, fungi, viruses, and in some cases, archaea and protozoa.

The text highlights the growing recognition that the indigenous microbiota plays a crucial role in maintaining human health. However, it also examines how changes in microbial composition can lead to disease or adverse outcomes. This comprehensive work offers an ecological perspective on the microbial community’s composition at specific body sites and discusses the factors that can shift these communities from eubiotic (healthy) states to dysbiotic (disease-prone) ones.

Key topics include:

• The nature of various human microbial communities
• The roles of these communities in health and disease
• Techniques for determining microbial community composition
• The many factors underlying the mammalian-microbe symbiosis

By adopting an ecological approach, this book provides a unique perspective on understanding the dynamic interactions within human microbiota. It is essential reading for researchers, students, and professionals interested in microbiology, immunology, and human health.

Publication Date: September 3, 2018

ISBN-13: 978-1351068352