Jove
Visualize
Contact Us
JoVE
x logofacebook logolinkedin logoyoutube logo
ABOUT JoVE
OverviewLeadershipBlogJoVE Help Center
AUTHORS
Publishing ProcessEditorial BoardScope & PoliciesPeer ReviewFAQSubmit
LIBRARIANS
TestimonialsSubscriptionsAccessResourcesLibrary Advisory BoardFAQ
RESEARCH
JoVE JournalMethods CollectionsJoVE Encyclopedia of ExperimentsArchive
EDUCATION
JoVE CoreJoVE BusinessJoVE Science EducationJoVE Lab ManualFaculty Resource CenterFaculty Site
Terms & Conditions of Use
Privacy Policy
Policies

Related Concept Videos

Microbial Interactions: Cooperation01:26

Microbial Interactions: Cooperation

Microbial cooperation involves beneficial interactions in which different species work together for individual or mutual advantage. These interactions can profoundly influence ecological dynamics and evolutionary processes, and they are essential to many pathogenic and symbiotic relationships.Nematode–Bacteria CooperationA striking example is the relationship between the Gram-negative bacterium Xenorhabdus nematophila and the parasitic nematode Steinernema carpocapsae. Juvenile nematodes...
Microbial Interactions: Parasitism01:22

Microbial Interactions: Parasitism

Parasitism is a form of microbial interaction in which parasitic microbes exploit a host organism for nutrients and shelter, often at the host's expense. Unlike mutualistic relationships, where both organisms benefit, parasitism benefits only the parasite and harms the host.Classification of ParasitesMicrobial parasites are broadly classified based on their location relative to the host.Ectoparasites remain on the host’s surface, such as the skin or outer tissues, drawing nutrients...
Microbial Interactions: Competition01:26

Microbial Interactions: Competition

Microbial competition is an ecological interaction in which microorganisms vie for limited resources within shared environments. These resources may include nutrients, space, or light, depending on the system. The intensity and outcome of competition are influenced by the environmental context, such as nutrient availability, spatial constraints, and the diversity of microbial species present. These competitive interactions significantly influence the structure, function, and resilience of...
Microbial Interactions: Mutualism01:25

Microbial Interactions: Mutualism

Mutualism is a symbiotic interaction in which all participating organisms benefit. These relationships can be obligate or facultative and are fundamental to ecosystem functions across diverse biological systems.Plant–Fungi MutualismOne well-known example is the association between plant roots and mycorrhizal fungi, such as Rhizophagus species. The fungal hyphae penetrate the root hairs and the epidermis, forming an extensive hyphal network that establishes a symbiotic association. Through this...
Microbe-Plant Interactions01:09

Microbe-Plant Interactions

Microbe-plant interactions represent a dynamic spectrum of associations shaped by intricate chemical signaling. These interactions can be neutral, beneficial, or detrimental, and profoundly influence plant physiology, growth, and ecosystem function. The plant microbiome, comprising bacteria, fungi, archaea, protists, and viruses, plays a pivotal role in mediating these effects through surface colonization, internal colonization, or systemic symbiosis.Mutualistic associations, particularly with...
Introduction to the Human Microbiota01:22

Introduction to the Human Microbiota

Microorganisms colonize various regions of the human body, including the mouth, nasal passages, throat, stomach, intestines, urogenital tract, and skin. The total number of microbial cells is estimated to range from 10¹³ to 10¹⁴—comparable to, or exceeding, the number of human somatic cells. This host–microbiome relationship has led to the conceptualization of humans as supraorganisms, wherein microbial communities perform vital roles in development, immunity, and disease...

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by
Same author

Post-vaccination syndrome.

Tidsskrift for den Norske laegeforening : tidsskrift for praktisk medicin, ny raekke·2026
Same author

Syndromic Multiplex Polymerase Chain Reaction: The Impact on Microbial Yield in Nonventilator Hospital-Acquired Pneumonia.

Open forum infectious diseases·2026
Same author

Definite neuroborreliosis with atypical antibody-profiles: a case report.

Journal of medical case reports·2026
Same author

Can a host-response bacterial-viral classifier safely guide antibiotic avoidance in COVID-19? A diagnostic accuracy study in hospitalized adults.

JAC-antimicrobial resistance·2026
Same author

Diagnostic accuracy of a host response test in suspected community-Acquired pneumonia during the COVID-19 era.

International journal of infectious diseases : IJID : official publication of the International Society for Infectious Diseases·2025
Same author

Determinants of non-adherence to antibiotic treatment guidelines in hospitalized adults with suspected community-acquired pneumonia: a prospective study.

Antimicrobial resistance and infection control·2024

Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 23, 2026

Investigation of Microbial Cooperation via Imaging Mass Spectrometry Analysis of Bacterial Colonies Grown on Agar and in Tissue During Infection
09:49

Investigation of Microbial Cooperation via Imaging Mass Spectrometry Analysis of Bacterial Colonies Grown on Agar and in Tissue During Infection

Published on: November 18, 2022

Cooperation and conflict in host-microbe relations.

Elling Ulvestad1

  • 1Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Haukeland University Hospital, The Gade Institute, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway. elling.ulvestad@helse-bergen.no

APMIS : Acta Pathologica, Microbiologica, Et Immunologica Scandinavica
|April 30, 2009
PubMed
Summary

Host-microbe interactions range from symbiotic to pathogenic, requiring cautious defense mechanisms. Social evolution theory offers a framework for understanding these complex host-microbe relationships and their development.

More Related Videos

Studying Microbial Communities In Vivo: A Model of Host-mediated Interaction Between Candida Albicans and Pseudomonas Aeruginosa in the Airways
06:43

Studying Microbial Communities In Vivo: A Model of Host-mediated Interaction Between Candida Albicans and Pseudomonas Aeruginosa in the Airways

Published on: January 13, 2016

High Throughput Co-culture Assays for the Investigation of Microbial Interactions
07:00

High Throughput Co-culture Assays for the Investigation of Microbial Interactions

Published on: October 15, 2019

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jun 23, 2026

Investigation of Microbial Cooperation via Imaging Mass Spectrometry Analysis of Bacterial Colonies Grown on Agar and in Tissue During Infection
09:49

Investigation of Microbial Cooperation via Imaging Mass Spectrometry Analysis of Bacterial Colonies Grown on Agar and in Tissue During Infection

Published on: November 18, 2022

Studying Microbial Communities In Vivo: A Model of Host-mediated Interaction Between Candida Albicans and Pseudomonas Aeruginosa in the Airways
06:43

Studying Microbial Communities In Vivo: A Model of Host-mediated Interaction Between Candida Albicans and Pseudomonas Aeruginosa in the Airways

Published on: January 13, 2016

High Throughput Co-culture Assays for the Investigation of Microbial Interactions
07:00

High Throughput Co-culture Assays for the Investigation of Microbial Interactions

Published on: October 15, 2019

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Evolutionary Biology
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Hosts and microbes engage in diverse interactions, from mutualism to parasitism.
  • Evolutionary pressures have shaped defense mechanisms in both hosts and microbes.
  • The careful regulation of these defenses is crucial for maintaining symbiotic relationships.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review theoretical frameworks and mechanisms governing host-microbe interactions.
  • To emphasize the critical role of host responses in these interactions.
  • To provide a conceptual basis for understanding the evolution of host-parasite relations.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of social evolution theory.
  • Analysis of selected mechanisms in host-microbe interactions.
  • Synthesis of theoretical concepts with empirical observations.

Main Results:

  • Social evolution theory provides a robust framework for studying host-microbe dynamics.
  • Understanding the evolution of cooperative and competitive interactions is key.
  • Cautionary use of defenses is a product of evolutionary balancing acts.

Conclusions:

  • A theoretical approach, particularly social evolution theory, is essential for accurate interpretation of host-microbe interactions.
  • Misinterpretations can arise without a strong theoretical foundation.
  • This work synthesizes arguments on the nature of host-parasite relations.