Shifting the Paradigm from Pathogens to Pathobiome: How Microbial Communities Contribute to Disease

Presentation Description / Summary: Traditionally, infectious disease research has demonstrated Koch and Hill’s postulates of “one microbe – one disease”. However, this infectious disease principle has its limitations. Evidence is mounting that many pathogens interact with diverse host microbial communities (including bacteria, protozoa, fungi, and phage), and through complex interactions pathogenesis can be influenced. Therefore, a paradigm shift is needed in veterinary infectious disease in order to consider pathogens within the context of their interactions with host microbial communities. Additionally, consortiums of microbes can in of themselves result in disease. During this session, we will review the concept of the “pathobiome” and how complex microbial communities can influence disease pathogenesis.