The human microbiome: translation to nurse practitioner practice

Abstract

The Human Microbiome is a diverse and complex microbial community that resides in our gastrointestinal tracts and has been coined a forgotten target metabolic “organ”. With the advent and application of next generation gene sequencing, the microbiome has become appreciated as integral to a number of physiological functions including endocrine, neurology and acquisition of nutrition, and immunity. The state of a healthy biome is a function of diversity and compositional balance. Dynamic alterations to the microbiome have been attributed to a number of factors such as diet, environmental toxins, and medication such as antibiotics. A state of dysbiosis is the abnormal microbial colonization of the intestine, where changes in quantity (diversity) and quality (ratios) of flora become pathological and harmful. Dysbiosis has been attributed to significantly impact on health and multiple chronic disease states. There are many implications to understanding this relatively new area of research and the potential for future treatment approaches and options. This presentation is a starting point in defining the human microbiome (MB), identifying what is known and what continues to be further studied for clinical significance and potential application for human health and disease. Presented is a case study representing a patient’s chronic state of sustained hyperglycaemia, “metainflammation” and downstream sequelae. Application of this presentation is for the clinician (participants) taking care of patients presenting with multiple morbidities. Participants will have an improved understanding of the general principles of the MB and the drivers of “metainflammation”. Discussion will focus on the non pharmacological and pharmacological treatment considerations related to; type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, inflammatory bowel disease and antibiotic use.