## 4 Discussion  
Age, diet, mode of birth and lactation, environment, circadian rhythm, geographic location, and host genetics, in a complex way, contribute to the individual heterogeneity of the human gut microbiota [1]. The data currently available are mainly from populations living in so-called \"Western\" contexts such as Europe and North America where Bacteroides dominate the gut microbiota. Limited data are available from sub-Saharan rural or semi-urban areas where a predominance of Prevotella in bacteria composition is evidenced. However, the diffusing industrialization and westernization in these regions could influence these patterns [8; 34; 35]. The present study describes the composition of the intestinal microbiota in infants, children, and adults living in the Cote d'Ivoire without neglecting the most common endemic, pathogenic, and commensal microorganisms. This investigation aimed to delineate a potential link between _Blackocystis_, commensal _Entamoeba_ spp., common enteric pathogens, and the gut microbiota [36; 37]. Among adults, two clusters, one dominated by Ruminococcaceae and the other one by Prevotellaceae, could be identified. These species could be either termed \"biomarkers\" as proposed by [PERSON] et al. [38], or \"biomes types\" as indicated by [PERSON] et al. [39]. These species represent consortia of bacteria mostly influenced by genetic and immune host factors, and, above all, dietary and cooking practices [40]. The reduced abundance of Bacteroidetes, in both clusters, was in line with previous data from similar eco-geographical areas, from agricultural societies, and countries with a low level of industrialization [10; 41]. In our sampling area, weaning occurs earlier than in Western societies and the diet mostly includes local and seasonal vegetables (e.g., okra, cassava and cassava leaf, tubers, and plantain) prevailing on the intake of animal-based product (e.g., eggs, poultry, fish). Among the fats, peanuts, and palm oil dominate. Seasonal fruit consumption is not a widespread habit, due to economic reasons and its rapid deterioration and traditional sugary juices (pineapple, passion fruit, hibiscus, ginger) are preferred, therefore reducing the intake of vitamins, mineral salts and healthy fiber. Overall, the present investigation confirmed the different composition of gut microbiota between infants, children, and the high individual variation among adults [4; 42]. Enterobacterialies (Proteobacteria phylum), Bifidobacteriumeatics (Actinobacteria phylum), and Lactobacillus (Firmicutes phylum) showed higher relative abundance in infants, while Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes were the dominant phyla in older individuals, followed by Proteobacteria [43; 44]. In all age groups, _Faecalibacterium_, _Lachospirace_, _Eubacterium rectale_, _Roseburia_, members of Clostridium clusters XIVa and IV, have been detected. These taxa produce crucial metabolites that promote health and maintain gut microbiome colonization resistance [45]. The lack of complete uniformity with previous studies could be attributable to regional and geographical differences [10; 46; 47; 48]. Regarding sex-related microbiota differences, females showed a higher phylogenetic diversity than males. It is possible to hypothesize that puberty in young women could have an impact on alpha diversity compared to males. Additionally, ethnic and social habits related to daily activities could contribute to an exposition of men and women to different environmental factors [49]. A sex-related divergence of _Prerotella_ 9, _Ruminococcaceae_ UCG-002, and _Megasphaera_ was noted in different age groups. In the present cohort, _Megasphaera_ was almost undetectable in both sexes, except in women >18 years of age, which is different from the study by [PERSON] et al. [50], who reported high levels in Japanese adult males. The meaning of these differences will require further detailed investigations.