Comparison of Human gut Microbiota with other Animals

The gastrointestinal tract of humans has trillions of bacteria, which are of vital importance to the proper functioning of the body. They are not only essential for the digestion and absorption of nutrients, but even play a part in the immune system and metabolism of humans. For instance, it has been observed that the microbiome of healthy individuals is significantly different from those of diseased individuals. Across all species, the commonly occurring bacterial phyla in the GI tract are Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes and Proteobacteria. However, the proportion of these phyla have great diversity across species. In this review, we examine the similarities and differences between human gut microbiota with those of other animals and also the reasons for gut microbiota diversity, observing factors such as age, diet, and disease. By analyzing and observing such variations, effective treatments for GI diseases can be developed, common evolutionary history between species can be ascertained and developing healthy gut microbial environments may be possible.