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Microbial symbiosis can occur through interactions between hosts and microbial organisms that are beneficial to both parties. This symbiotic relationship, called mutualism, is constantly taking place throughout a host human or animal's body. Microflora takes such a large part in supporting the host’s immunity to harmful pathogens, that it becomes vital to the host's health.

Microbial Symbiosis in the Gastrointestinal Tract

The gut is home to an extremely complex microbiome of healthy and unhealthy bacteria. The immune system’s primary home is in the gut; so gastrointestinal microbiota has a direct effect on the body’s immune responses. Without a regular microbiota, the body is more susceptible to infectious and non-infectious diseases. A great diversity of symbiotic bacteria is necessary for animals to have fundamental nutrients, digest certain compounds, protect against outside pathogens, and create a healthy intestinal structure. An equilibrium of symbionts and pathobionts is critical to fight off outside pathogens and avoid inflammatory bowel disease. As we understand more about the roles of microbes in the gut, researchers will be able to discover more treatments like probiotics that can fill in niches of good bacteria to increase intestinal health and improve the immune system. Heightening the robustness and diversity of bacteria flora in the gut aids in averting allergies, autoimmune disease, and cancer. There is still much to learn about the details of interactions between microbes and hosts in the gastrointestinal tract, but research on symbionts like Lactobacillus reuteri help us understand how changes in the gastrointestinal microbiome can promote health.

Microbial Symbiosis on the Epidermis

Natural cutaneous microbiota on human skin is vital for the epidermis to fulfill its role as a line of defense against infection. Important microflora that live on the skin, such as Staphylococcus epidermidis produce antimicrobial peptides (AMPs). These AMPs signal immune responses and maintain an inflammatory homeostasis by reducing the release of extra cytokine. Staphylococcus epidermidis and other important microflora work similarly to support homeostasis and general health in areas all over the human body such as the oral cavity, vagina, gastrointestinal tract, and oropharynx.