The seminal microbiome in health and disease

Owing to the fact that there are more microbial than human cells in our body and that humans contain more microbial than human genes, the microbiome has huge potential to influence human physiology, both in health and in disease. The use of next-generation sequencing technologies has helped to eluci...

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Veröffentlicht in:Nature reviews. Urology 2019-12, Vol.16 (12), p.703-721
Hauptverfasser: Altmäe, Signe, Franasiak, Jason M., Mändar, Reet
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Sprache:eng
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Zusammenfassung:Owing to the fact that there are more microbial than human cells in our body and that humans contain more microbial than human genes, the microbiome has huge potential to influence human physiology, both in health and in disease. The use of next-generation sequencing technologies has helped to elucidate functional, quantitative and mechanistic aspects of the complex microorganism–host interactions that underlie human physiology and pathophysiology. The microbiome of semen is a field of increasing scientific interest, although this microbial niche is currently understudied compared with other areas of microbiome research. However, emerging evidence is beginning to indicate that the seminal microbiome has important implications for the reproductive health of men, the health of the couple and even the health of offspring, owing to transfer of microorganisms to the partner and offspring. As this field expands, further carefully designed and well-powered studies are required to unravel the true nature and role of the seminal microbiome. Emerging evidence suggests that the seminal microbiome has implications for the reproductive health of men, their partner, and even the health of their offspring. In this Review, the authors describe the current evidence for a seminal microbiome and consider what the future holds for this field of research. Key points Semen has a unique microbiome; however, its origin and function need to be further investigated in order to understand its role in health and disease. Alterations in the bacterial composition of semen have been linked to a variety of disorders, including subinfertility and poor semen quality, prostatitis and HIV infection. The seminal microbiome might influence a couple’s health and even that of their offspring, as well as affecting pregnancy outcomes. When studying the male seminal microbiome, the partner’s reproductive tract microbiome and the sexual behaviours of both partners should also be considered. Study of the seminal microbiome is still in its infancy, and further well-designed, large-cohort, functional studies are required.
ISSN:1759-4812
1759-4820
DOI:10.1038/s41585-019-0250-y