A Latin American perspective on microbiome research

Abstract

The human gut microbiome plays a crucial role in human health, adapting and responding to changes in diet, environment, and lifestyle. However, current microbiome research is heavily biased toward high-income countries, leaving regions such as Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) severely underrepresented. This imbalance limits our global understanding of microbial diversity and hinders the development of region-specific health interventions. In this Perspective, we discuss how LAC offers an exceptional opportunity for microbiome studies due to its unique ethnic diversity, rapid urbanization, distinct dietary traditions, and dual burden of infectious and chronic diseases. We highlight key findings from regional microbiome research, emphasizing the high diversity of ancestral microbial communities and the rapid shifts occurring in response to urbanization and globalization. To address existing disparities, we also introduce the Latinbiota Consortium, a collaborative network formed to strengthen local scientific capacity, ensure ethical and equitable research practices, promote data sovereignty, and foster inclusive participation by LAC researchers within global microbiome science. Through strategic investment and international collaboration, Latinbiota aims to preserve microbial diversity and ensure equitable participation in global microbiome science.