The human microbiome is the collection of bacteria, viruses, and other single-celled organisms that live on and in the human body. Scientists estimate that your body hosts 10 microbe cells for every human cell. Because they are so small, only 1/10 to 1/100 of a human cell, they only weigh about 1% - 3% of your body weight.
The diagram above shows just a few of the many micro-organisms that call us "home". Below are some common residents of the human biome.
Skin
Staphylococcus epidermidis - a common bacteria that makes up 65% - 90%
of the bacteria on the outside of our body. It causes no problems when it is
on your skin, but can cause serious infections if it gets inside of your body
Corynebacterium jeikeium - a rod-shaped bacteria that lives on the skin and
likes the natural oils that the body produces
Mouth
Streptococcus salivarius - these bacteria live in your mouth on your teeth
and tongue. They begin growing there within hours of your birth. You get
them from your mother. They live off of the sugars in your food. They help
your body fight off bad bacteria that may try to enter through your mouth.
People with this bacteria are less likely to get strep throat.
Stomach
Helicobacter pylori - this bacteria lives in the stomach in more than 80% of
the population. It can survive in the acidic stomach and may help with
keeping your stomach healthy. However, if the bacteria gets into the
stomach lining it can cause ulcers.
Link to website about H. pylori.
(click on the words to go there)
Large Intestines
Escherachia Coli (E. Coli) - this bacteria is normally found in the large
intestine. It lives off of the food that we cannot digest. In the process it
produces vitamin K that the body needs. It also fights off bad bacteria that
might try to take over in the large intestine.
9 Questions You Were Too Grossed Out to Ask About Your Microbiome
( click on the words to go there)
Skin
Staphylococcus epidermidis - a common bacteria that makes up 65% - 90%
of the bacteria on the outside of our body. It causes no problems when it is
on your skin, but can cause serious infections if it gets inside of your body
Corynebacterium jeikeium - a rod-shaped bacteria that lives on the skin and
likes the natural oils that the body produces
Mouth
Streptococcus salivarius - these bacteria live in your mouth on your teeth
and tongue. They begin growing there within hours of your birth. You get
them from your mother. They live off of the sugars in your food. They help
your body fight off bad bacteria that may try to enter through your mouth.
People with this bacteria are less likely to get strep throat.
Stomach
Helicobacter pylori - this bacteria lives in the stomach in more than 80% of
the population. It can survive in the acidic stomach and may help with
keeping your stomach healthy. However, if the bacteria gets into the
stomach lining it can cause ulcers.
Link to website about H. pylori.
(click on the words to go there)
Large Intestines
Escherachia Coli (E. Coli) - this bacteria is normally found in the large
intestine. It lives off of the food that we cannot digest. In the process it
produces vitamin K that the body needs. It also fights off bad bacteria that
might try to take over in the large intestine.
9 Questions You Were Too Grossed Out to Ask About Your Microbiome
( click on the words to go there)
Your Microbes Depend on What You Eat
Bacteria: The Good, the Bad, and the Kinda Gross (video)
Test your knowledge of the Human Biome. Take this QUIZ