The Human
Microbiome is the collection of microbes living in and on our bodies, the
number of microbes greatly outnumber the amount of human cells in the body.
Since there are so many microbes in our bodies we are always constantly
learning new things about the microbes that inhabit our bodies. In this article
researchers discovered that our immune system influences the
types of microbes that live on our skin and thus potentially prevents disease.
This meaning that the immune system of a healthy person will harbor different
types of bacteria and fungi on the skin, compared to people with primary
immunodeficiencies with eczema-like skin conditions. The study observed
patients with reduced immune function as a result of rare genetic defects, in
which they all had an eczema-like skin condition and compared them to healthy
individuals to see what type of bacteria and fungi are growing. They concluded
that the immune system plays a major role in dealing with what types of
microbes your skin has, and that patients with the skin condition have
different types of microbes present. In the study they also found that different
areas of the body tend to have more or less microbes depending on the area. For
example the skin at the elbow crease has very few microbes compared to the skin
behind your ear. Although this article was interesting it was hard to follow
and understand all the details. They also did not mention specific ways in
which the study can actually help patients with the rare genetic disorders,
they just gave a brief explanation that this research may have implications,
which left me curious and with some unanswered questions.
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/10/131029133542.htm
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| Patient with an eczema-like skin rash. |
In the beginning of the semester, we knew that more microbes are present in some parts of the skin than other parts. I don't know how eczema works, but it is probably because that persons immune system isn't strong enough to handle the virus and causes the skin to break out. Also, the article should explain if there is a potential cure or treatment for eczema and how to treat some other disorders.
ReplyDeleteThroughout the semester we have learned that we all carry different microbes in and on our bodies but I found it interesting that our level of health plays a part in the kinds of microbes that live on us. I wonder if the microbes that live on healthy people are "passive riders" or if they play a positive role in keeping them healthy or vice versa.
ReplyDeleteCristian...what else could the author have done to make this article more relatable to its audience? What strategies could they have employed?
ReplyDelete