Pathobiome could enhance species production

Researchers at the University of Exeter have a new concept for the complex interactions of microbes in plants, animals and humans—the “pathobiome.”  “The essence of the pathobiome concept is to provide a framework within which the combined effect of more than one symbiont on host health can be understood, taking into account environmental influences and host response and/or condition. We have shown that pathobiotic systems are diverse in terms of the types and numbers of symbiont involved, and the processes by which their influence manifests. What constitutes a pathogen is strongly context dependent. Similarly, pathobiotic effects vary from the activity of a primary pathogen being modified by other symbionts to truly synergistic activity of multiple symbionts.”   MORE

Image Credit:  University of Exeter