How the Pediatric Microbiome has a Net Non-Inflammatory Effect on Children

Abstract Recent technological advances have precipitated a great deal of growth toward a better understanding of the human microbiome. This review will highlight some important recent findings in this area of research, specifically as it pertains to the pediatric population. Research has been conducted on the structural and functional capacity of the bacterial microbiome in the healthy state as well as in a variety of diseases. Emerging technologies derived largely from the Human Genome Project and the NIH-funded Human Microbiome Project (HMP) have been applied over the past few years to evaluate the interstitial microbiota. As the functional interactions between the host and its microbiome are analyzed in more detail, we are starting to better understand these interactions and how they impact overall health. A better understanding of the role of the microbiome in health and disease will be achieved with ongoing study to further characterize the functions of the microbiome and the host-microbe mechanistic interactions (Shreiner, Kao & Young, 2015). Keywords: Microbiome Microbiota Pediatric Inflammation Introduction The host/intestinal microbiota relationship is typically symbiotic in nature. It is an intricate system promoting health and modulating the immune response (Torrazza and Neu, 2011). The human microbiome is composed of bacteria, viruses, archaea, and eukaryotic microbes which contribute to metabolic functions, protect against pathogens, and educate the immune system. In recent years, the human microbiome has been found to play a significant role on the physiology of health and disease (Shreiner, Kao & Young, 2015). Discussion Functions of the intestinal microbiota The important roles of the intestinal microbiota include: metabolism, nutrition, immunological functions, and defense against pathogens. Thus, it is easy to understand that alterations in the microbiota can often lead to dysbiosis and disease in both infancy, as well as late in childhood (Table 1) (Torrazza and Neu, 2011). Intestinal bacterial play a key role in promoting the early development of the gut’s mucosal immune system, in terms of its physical components and function, as well as in continued role in later life. Gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT) is stimulated by bacteria to produce antibodies to pathogens. These antibodies then allow the immune system to recognize and fight against the harmful bacteria, without reacting against the helpful bacteria species. Toll-like recept