Good Bug, Bad Bug: Breaking through Microbial Stereotypes

Cell Host Microbe. 2018 Jan 10;23(1):10-13. doi: 10.1016/j.chom.2017.12.008.

Abstract

Our expanding knowledge of microbial mechanisms is challenging the notion of "good" versus "bad" microbes and encouraging a better understanding of their roles in various contexts before their widespread therapeutic and clinical application. The intestinal microbe Akkermansia muciniphila, a promising probiotic with an emerging cautionary tale, best highlights this challenge.

MeSH terms

  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / microbiology
  • Dyslipidemias / microbiology
  • Gastrointestinal Microbiome / physiology*
  • Humans
  • Intestinal Mucosa / microbiology*
  • Obesity / microbiology
  • Probiotics / therapeutic use*
  • Verrucomicrobia / metabolism*