Fig. 2.

Overview of the human gut virome and factors influencing its composition. The adult gut virome predominantly comprises phages (> 90 %) and eukaryotic RNA and DNA viruses. Virome diversity and composition change across life stages, with high phage diversity in neonates, increasing bacterial diversity in infants, homeostasis in adults, and decreased diversity in aging [56]. Key factors influencing the gut virome are highlighted in red and include diet, infections, age, lifestyle, geographic and environmental exposure, antibiotic use, mode of delivery, and feeding practices. Maternal components, such as mucin, cytokines, and microRNAs, are critical in shaping the neonatal gut virome. Abbreviation: VLPs, virus-like particles.