AIM: Current attempts to modulate the human microbiota and immune responses are based on probiotics or human-derived bacterial transplants. We investigated microbial modulation by soil and plant-based material. MATERIALS & METHODS: We performed a pilot study in which healthy adults were exposed to the varied microbial community of a soil- and plant-based material. RESULTS: The method was safe and feasible; exposure was associated with an increase in gut microbial diversity. CONCLUSION: If these findings are reproduced in larger studies nature-derived microbial exposure strategies could be further developed for testing their efficacy in the treatment and prevention of immune-mediated diseases.

Computational Biology Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences University of Tampere Arvo Ylpön katu 34 33520 Tampere Finland

Department of Internal Medicine Tampere University Hospital Teiskontie 35 33520 Tampere Finland

Department of Pediatrics 2nd Faculty of Medicine Charles University and University Hospital Motol 5 Úvalu 84 Praha 5 150 06 Prague Czech Republic

Department of Virology Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences University of Tampere Arvo Ylpön katu 34 33520 Tampere Finland

Ecosystems and Environment Research Programme Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences University of Helsinki Niemenkatu 73 15140 Lahti Finland

Fimlab Laboratories Pirkanmaa Hospital District Arvo Ylpön katu 4 33520 Tampere Finland

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