The role of the human microbiome in otolaryngology-head and neck surgery: A contemporary review

Objectives/Hypothesis The human microbiome represents the collective genomes and gene products of microbes living within and on humans. The objective of this review is to provide a summary of the current microbiome literature pertaining to otolaryngology–head and neck surgery. Data Source Ovid MEDLINE. Methods Scientific publications with clinical correlates. Results Human microbiome studies have been facilitated by culture‐independent, high‐throughput sequencing methods. Data from the Human Microbiome Project has shown that the composition of the human microbiome is specific to each body site and that each individual has a unique microbiome. Alterations in the human microbiome are associated with some disease states; thus, novel therapeutic strategies are being developed based on concepts and findings stemming from microbiome research. Conclusions Although a growing body of research shows potential significance of the human microbiome for human health and disease, there is a paucity of microbiome studies in otolaryngology. More studies are required to increase our understanding of the indigenous microbiota and their effects on diseases of the head and neck. Level of Evidence Laryngoscope, 124:1352–1357, 2014