Microbiome & Microbiota

The human microbiome refers to the totality of all microorganisms that inhabit the human body, both internally and on the surface. In recent years, it has gained increasing importance through numerous studies, particularly due to its correlation with various diseases. Notably, chronic inflammatory diseases such as Crohn’s disease and hidradenitis suppurativa, as well as common non-communicable conditions like type 2 diabetes and hypertension, have shown growing associations with the bacterial composition of the gut, oral cavity, and skin.

At IMMH, various research projects aim to further elucidate the role of distinct microbial communities in the onset and progression of both infectious and non-infectious diseases. Employing a translational approach, the institute primarily conducts clinical intervention studies that investigate targeted modulation of the microbiome on a taxonomic and functional level. These studies utilize precise nucleic acid extractions from various biomaterials, in combination with a range of next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies.