Viral Microbiota

This page serves as a redirect and cross-reference point for the comprehensive virome concept page, which covers the gut virome, bacteriophage-bacteria interactions, phage therapy, and virome-disease associations in detail.

The term viral microbiota emphasizes that viruses — particularly bacteriophages — are integral members of the gut microbial community, not merely parasites or incidental passengers. The gut virome is dominated (~90%) by bacteriophages that shape bacterial community composition through selective lysis, horizontal gene transfer, and modulation of bacterial fitness.

For full coverage including disease-specific virome signatures, phage-mediated dysbiosis, and therapeutic applications, see virome.

Key Cross-References

  • virome — comprehensive concept page (18 sources)
  • colorectal cancer — CRC virome alterations and network connectivity
  • schizophrenia — virome classifier AUC 93.2%, outperforming bacterial models
  • necrotizing enterocolitis — virome convergence 10 days before NEC onset
  • long covid — reduced phage diversity limits natural pathobiont predation
  • obesity — bacteriophage associations with metabolic syndrome

References (3)

  1. Si Xian Ho, Jia-Hao Law, Chin-Wen Png et al. (2024). Alterations in colorectal cancer virome and its persistence after surgery. Scientific Reports. doi:10.1038/s41598-024-53041-z
  2. Patrick A. de Jonge, Koen Wortelboer, Torsten P. M. Scheithauer et al. (2022). Gut virome profiling identifies a widespread bacteriophage family associated with metabolic syndrome. Nature Communications. doi:10.1038/s41467-022-31390-5
  3. Ren Y, Zhang P, Yu H et al. (2025). Metagenome-Based Characterization of the Gut Virome in Patients with Schizophrenia. Journal of Translational Medicine. doi:10.1186/s12967-025-06923-3