From germ theory to germ therapy

Abstract

Germ theory of disease and Koch's postulates has been governing our understanding of the role of microbes in human health since 19th century. The discovery of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) and H. pylori associated diseases has typically represented the concept and framework of Koch's postulates. Eradication of H. pylori to prevent peptic ulcers recurrence and gastric cancer is the triumph of this microbiology paradigm. Advances of next generation sequencing provide great insight into the unculturable microbes and show trillions of microbes have evolved with human beings. Research into the microbiome—the microbial communities (microbiota) and the host environment that they inhabit—has changed our understanding about microbes in human health and disease. The gut microbiota, the largest reservoir of the microbiome in human, plays a critical role in our catabolic‐metabolism and immunity. This review will show the changes of the view of microbes on human health. We will briefly discuss dysbiosis, the disruption of symbiotic relationship between the host and microbiota, and the associated diseases. This leads to an idea to manipulate the microbiota, either by restoring missing functions or by eliminating harmful functions, to prevent or treat a variety of diseases. Current evidences of two common germ therapies, fecal microbiota transplantation and probiotics, in treating diseases will be reviewed.

Possible opportunities and challenges for traditional Chinese medicine research in 2035

“…Its development is inextricably linked to technological progress and theoretical innovation. Classic drug development theories, such as receptor theory (Maehle et al, 2002), neurotransmitter theory (Snyder, 1984), and germ theory (Chen et al, 2019), have profoundly influenced drug development, resulting in numerous medications and therapeutic approaches. For instance, beta-blockers are based on receptor theory (Oliver et al, 2019), dopamine replacement therapy based on neurotransmitter theory (Wu C. et al, 2024), and antibiotics based on germ theory (Schofield, 2012).…”

Dose-Dependent Relationship between Protection of Thioacetamide-Induced Acute Liver Injury and Hyperammonemia and Concentration of Lactobacillus salivarius Li01 in Mice

“…This could help to determine new treatments for some intractable diseases. Among these new practices, viable and successful ones remain limited, with probiotics and fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) being the most common germ therapies to date ( 3 ). According to the relevant literature, the two most common indications for FMT are Clostridium difficile infection and antibiotic-associated diarrhea ( 4 ).…”

Dietary supplementation with phytochemicals improves diversity and abundance of honey bee gut microbiota

“…2013; Chen et al . 2019). In honey bees, the gut microbiome produces myriad metabolites that enable antimicrobial activity, assist in nutrient acquisition and foster increased pathogen tolerance (Powell et al .…”