2025/04/16 by Izabela Rybicka, Zuzanna Kaźmierczak · 1 voice · 1 citation
Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology · Environmental Science · #Bacteriophages and microbial interactions #Genomics and Phylogenetic Studies #Microbial Community Ecology and Physiology
paper · doi:10.1128/aem.01788-24
openalex publication_date 2025/04/16 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/31
Bacteriophages (phages) play a crucial role in shaping the composition and diversity of the human microbiome across various body niches. Recent advancements in high-throughput sequencing technologies have enabled comprehensive analysis of the human phageome in different body sites. This review comprehensively analyzes phage populations across major human body niches, examining their distribution and dynamics through recent metagenomic discoveries. We explore how phage-bacteria interactions within different body sites contribute to homeostasis and disease development. Emerging evidence demonstrates that phageome perturbations can serve as early indicators of various disorders, particularly in the gut microbiome. Understanding these complex microbial interactions offers promising opportunities for developing novel diagnostic markers and therapeutic approaches. However, the causal relationship between phages, bacteria, and disease development remains unclear. Further research is needed to elucidate the role of phages in human health and disease and to explore their potential as diagnostic or therapeutic tools. Understanding the intricate interactions between phages, bacteria, and the human host is crucial for unraveling the complexities of the human microbiome and its impact on health and disease.