Chapter 16 - Perspectives of probiotics in the next-generation sequencing era

Abstract

The interactions of microbes are important factors in determining the physiology of the host. Microbes can have both beneficial and harmful effects on the host. These interactions might lead to host–microbiota for efficient metabolism. This homeostasis mechanism is governed by various biotic and abiotic factors. Probiotic microorganisms, when in sufficient amounts or numbers, are beneficial to the host. They either restore or establish a new microbial equilibrium for normal metabolism in animal and plant hosts. Many human diseases have been addressed by microbiome therapy in recent times. Plant probiotic bacteria are also useful in addressing the problems of yield, stress tolerance in crops, water scarcity, pest resistance, etc. The advent of high-throughput next-generation sequencing methods has accelerated the pace of understanding the relationship among microbiota, plant, and animal hosts. The genomics advancements would provide a path for the better understanding and applications of probiotics.