What are the implications of the human microbiome?
The Human Microbiome refers to the totality of microorganisms and their genetic interactions within a given niche. Our understanding of the human microbiome has advanced in the second decade of this century through the output of the Human Microbiome Project. While application has primarily been clinical, there are implications for pharmaceuticals and healthcare stemming from the research. For example, in relation to the human skin microbiome, the variation in microbial types and how they relate to different ‘ecological niches’ is important for understanding health and disease (microbiome can influence the human physiological response to pharmaceutical products, thus affecting the intended function of the product); the treatment of those diseases, in terms of drug development and personalized medicines; and with how contamination risks to controlled environments need to be considered. The area of contamination risks impact upon cleanroom gowning, sanitization and hygiene practices, signalling a review of operations in pharmaceutical and healthcare facilities.#
Posted by Dr. Tim Sandle, Pharmaceutical Microbiology
