The Microbiome and Medicine: The Relationship between Early-life Colonization and Health Outcomes such as Asthma and Allergies

Bacteria inhabit all surfaces of our bodies, and this symbiotic relationship is critical for our survival. The human gut, is colonized by bacteria who aide in digestion and other functions within our immune system. A healthy gut environment is characterized by a rich and diverse microbial ecosystem. The microbiome is fundamental in the proper functioning of our immune system and can influence many health outcomes. The gut microbiome has an essential role in infant health and development. In recent years, this long established relationship between beneficial bacteria and humans has been disrupted by environmental factors, antibiotics, maternal diet, delivery mode, breastfeeding. Early-life colonization is critically important for the establishment of diverse communities that impact short-term and long-term health outcomes. The immune system specifically is tied to the gut microbiome, and there are strong associations between immune development facilitated by microbes, and asthma and allergies.