Microbial Ecology in States of Health and Disease. Workshop Summary. Held in Washington, DC on March 18-19, 2013.

摘要

Individually and collectively, resident microbes play important roles in host health and survival. Shaping and shaped by their host environments, these microorganisms form intricate communities that are in a state of dynamic equilibrium. This ecologic and dynamic view of hostmicrobe interactions is rapidly redefining our view of health and disease. On March 18 and 19, 2013, the Institute of Medicines (IOMs) Forum on Microbial Threats hosted a public workshop, in Washington, DC, to explore the scientific and therapeutic implications of microbial ecology in states of health and disease. Participants explored hostmicrobe interactions in humans, animals, and plants; emerging insights into how microbes may influence the development and maintenance of states of health and disease; the effects of environmental change(s) on the formation, function, and stability of microbial communities; and research challenges and opportunities for this emerging field of inquiry.