Bacteriophages of the Human Microbiome

Abstract The human body hosts a great diversity of microbes, including viruses of bacteria termed bacteriophages. Bacteriophages have been traditionally viewed in the context of pathogenesis and molecular biology. Recently, a shift has occurred toward a more comprehensive understanding of phages as important components in both human health and disease. Dysbiosis away from the healthy bacterial and phage community structures is often correlated with disease. This article summarizes our current knowledge of human microbiome bacteriophages and their potential role in human health and disease.