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Published on: October 14, 2011
The Pathobiome in Animal and Plant Diseases
David Bass1, Grant D Stentiford2, Han-Ching Wang3
1Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (CEFAS), Barrack Road, The Nothe, Weymouth, DT4 8UB, UK; Sustainable Aquaculture Futures, University of Exeter, Exeter, EX4 4QD, UK; Department of Life Sciences, The Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, London, SW7 5BD, UK.
Abstract:
A growing awareness of the diversity and ubiquity of microbes (eukaryotes, prokaryotes, and viruses) associated with larger 'host' organisms has led to the realisation that many diseases thought to be caused by one primary agent are the result of interactions between multiple taxa and the host. Even where a primary agent can be identified, its effect is often moderated by other symbionts. Therefore, the one pathogen-one disease paradigm is shifting towards the pathobiome concept, integrating the interaction of multiple symbionts, host, and environment in a new understanding of disease aetiology. Taxonomically, pathobiomes are variable across host species, ecology, tissue type, and time. Therefore, a more functionally driven understanding of pathobiotic systems is necessary, based on gene expression, metabolic interactions, and ecological processes.
Insights
The traditional view of single-agent disease is evolving. The pathobiome concept now integrates multiple microbes, host, and environment for a comprehensive understanding of disease, moving beyond the one pathogen-one disease model.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Ecology
- Pathogenesis
Background:
- Growing awareness of microbial diversity (eukaryotes, prokaryotes, viruses) in hosts.
- Recognition that diseases often result from interactions between multiple taxa and the host.
- Primary pathogen effects can be modulated by other symbiotic microbes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce and elaborate on the pathobiome concept.
- To shift understanding from a single-agent model to a multi-factorial view of disease.
- To highlight the need for a functional understanding of pathobiotic systems.
Main Methods:
- Conceptual integration of host-microbe-environment interactions.
- Emphasis on understanding disease aetiology through a systems biology approach.
- Focus on gene expression, metabolic interactions, and ecological processes for functional insights.
Main Results:
- The 'one pathogen-one disease' paradigm is being replaced by the pathobiome concept.
- Pathobiomes are taxonomically variable across different hosts, environments, and tissues.
- A functional understanding is crucial due to the dynamic nature of pathobiomes.
Conclusions:
- Disease aetiology is a complex interplay within the pathobiome.
- Future research should focus on functional aspects like gene expression and metabolism.
- A holistic approach is necessary for a complete understanding of host-microbe interactions in disease.
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