Scientist - News - 10-10-2008:
The Body as Bacterial Landlord
Lievendag, R.
For The Wall Street Journal Robert Lee Hotz wrote an interesting article about micro-organisms that inhabit our gut. A great number of this microbes can cause infectious diseases, although others also can protect us from getting ill at the same time (probiotics). When antibiotics were used to eradicate for example the Helicobacter pylori bacteria (which is responsible for stomach ulcers), other diseases increased.
(Photo Researchers: Bacterial colonies growing in a petri dish)
«BackThe Body as Bacterial Landlord
Lievendag, R.
For The Wall Street Journal Robert Lee Hotz wrote an interesting article about micro-organisms that inhabit our gut. A great number of this microbes can cause infectious diseases, although others also can protect us from getting ill at the same time (probiotics). When antibiotics were used to eradicate for example the Helicobacter pylori bacteria (which is responsible for stomach ulcers), other diseases increased.(Photo Researchers: Bacterial colonies growing in a petri dish)
Hotz writes about the research work of Dr. Blaser (microbiologist at New York University) who found out about H. pylori’s probable protective properties. There are several clinical tests going on to prove if he’s right in his assumption.
Many other scientists are investigating the gut and its inhabitants. There is still a lot to learn about the trillions of microbes that call us home, and for which man serves as landlord. Our website keeps you informed about latest developments.
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