Reference entry
Dysbiosis
Plain-English definitions of microbiome research vocabulary — the terms you'll see across articles, testing services, and probiotic claims.
Glossary context
Defined
in the site-wide microbiome glossary
Definition
An imbalance in the composition or function of the microbiome, typically characterised by reduced diversity, loss of beneficial bacteria, or overgrowth of potentially harmful species.
Related terms
Eubiosis
A balanced, healthy state of the microbiome with high diversity and appropriate proportions of bacterial species. The opposite of dysbiosis.
Microbiome
The complete collection of microorganisms (bacteria, viruses, fungi, archaea) and their genetic material within a specific environment, such as the human gut.