Phylogeny
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The history of organismal lineages as they change through time. It implies that different species arise from previous forms via descent, linking all forms of life. |
Dysbiosis
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A term generally used in relation to the bowel biome indicating an imbalance in the composition of the microbiota. |
Firmicutes
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A phylum of bacteria, most of which have gram-positive cell wall structure. The principal genera detected in human faeces are Clostridium, Eubacterium, Anaerostipes, Coprococcus, Dorea, Lachnospira, Roseburia, Faecalibacterium, Ruminococcus, Subdoligranulum, and Coprobacillus. |
Bacteroidetes
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A phylum of bacteria that have gram-negative cell wall structure. The principal genera detected in human faeces are Bacteroides, Parabacteroides, and Alistipes. |
Actinobacteria
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A phylum of gram-positive bacteria that includes, amongst others, the genera Bifidobacterium and Collinsella that are often detected as members of the bowel microbiota of humans. |
Proteobacteria
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A phylum of bacteria that includes Escherichia coli, a common facultatively anaerobic species in the bowel. |
Bacteroides-Prevotella cluster |
A broad phylogenetic classification comprising gram-negative, anaerobic species forming a major portion of the bowel microbiota. |
Clostridial cluster XIVa. |
A broad phylogenetic classification comprised of several genera and species of gram-positive bacteria, not exclusively clostridia. |
Clostridial cluster IV |
A broad phylogenetic classification comprised of several genera and species of gram-positive bacteria, not exclusively clostridia. |
Enrichment culture
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An understanding of the environmental conditions favored by an organism, together with genetic clues about the microbe's abilities is used to guide the design of culture media and conditions. |
Probiotic
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Live microorganisms which when administered in adequate amounts confer a health benefit on the host. |
Prebiotic
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A dietary supplement of nondigestible carbohydrate (inulin and fructo-oligosaccharides are the best known) that can be metabolized by particular bacteria in the human colon. |