Over the past few years, much attention has been directed to the role of the human gut microbiota as it relates to human health.  In addition, there have been a number of studies to indicate that these microbial communities are affected by the foods, i.e., nutrition, toxins, and associated microbes present, we consume. This symposium is intended to address several facets on this developing area of research and interest. These include topics as (1) foods provide nutrition to humans as well as introducing whatever microbial population that is present in that commodity, whether beneficial, neutral or pathogenic; (2) the affect of antimicrobials on the microbiota and the metabolism of antimicrobials by the microbiota in an individual; (3) how the microbial communities in the human play a major role in the host-pathogen interactions; (4) present some of the current technologies used in microbiome research; (5) the analysis of the gut microbiome by food additives and probiotics; and (6) where we are in regard to the current and future state of microbiome studies.

Presentations