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When a pathogen enters the body and reproduces, it can cause an infection, damage body cells, and cause illness symptoms that eventually lead to disease. Therefore, its prevention requires breaking the chain of infection.
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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 15, 2026

Cost-effective Method for Microbial Source Tracking Using Specific Human and Animal Viruses

Cost-effective Method for Microbial Source Tracking Using Specific Human and Animal Viruses

Published on: December 3, 2011

Human polymicrobial infections.

Kim A Brogden¹, Janet M Guthmiller, Christopher E Taylor

¹Department of Periodontics and Dows Institute for Dental Research, College of Dentistry, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA. kim-brogden@uiowa.edu

Lancet (London, England)

|January 18, 2005

Summary

Polymicrobial diseases are increasingly recognized. Microbial interference, like Streptococcus pneumoniae protecting against Staphylococcus aureus, highlights complex interactions impacting health and disease treatments.

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Area of Science:

Microbiology
Infectious Diseases
Immunology

Background:

Polymicrobial diseases, involving multiple pathogens, are increasingly prevalent.
These infections arise from niche creation, host predisposition, or synergistic non-pathogenic organisms.
Microbial interference, where one microbe protects against another, is a key interaction.

Purpose of the Study:

To highlight the growing recognition of polymicrobial diseases.
To emphasize the significance of microbial community interactions in human health.
To discuss the implications for medical therapies and prevention strategies.

Main Methods:

Review of recent literature on microbial interactions.
Analysis of studies on Streptococcus pneumoniae and Staphylococcus aureus carriage.
Examination of the impact of pneumococcal conjugate vaccination on carriage dynamics.

Main Results:

Studies suggest Streptococcus pneumoniae carriage can inhibit Staphylococcus aureus carriage.
Pneumococcal conjugate vaccination has been linked to increased Staphylococcus aureus carriage.
This indicates a disruption of natural microbial interference by vaccination.

Conclusions:

The medical community acknowledges the importance of polymicrobial diseases and microbial interactions.
Understanding these interactions is crucial for developing effective treatments and prevention.
Current therapies are beginning to incorporate the polymicrobial nature of diseases.