De huidmicrobiota in ziekte en gezondheid

The human skin is colonised by a myriad of microbes, which play a prominent role in health and disease. Traditionally one has considered the microorganisms as causative agents of infectious disease and largely focussed on antimicrobial therapies in the case of disease. In recent years the research of the human microbiota experienced a renaissance which was driven by the development of culture-independent, molecular technologies. Concomitantly, attention has expanded beyond the known pathogenic microorganisms to commensal microbial communities that inhabit the human skin. Under normal, healthy circumstances, these commensals live in homeostasis with their host and sustain mutualistic relationships that support host health. The improvement of our understanding of commensalism and mutualism can fuel novel prophylactic and therapeutic approaches for the prevention and treatment of (skin-) diseases using microbiota-management strategies.