Ecologically expanding the One Health framework to unify the microbiome sciences

Area of Science:

• Microbiome Science
• Ecology
• Evolutionary Biology
• Public Health

Background:

• The traditional One Health framework primarily addresses microbial threats.
• A broader inclusion of microbial diversity, encompassing beneficial microbes, is needed.
• Current microbiome research often operates in silos.

Purpose of the Study:

• To advocate for an expanded One Health framework incorporating the full spectrum of microbial diversity.
• To promote a shift from microbial threat surveillance to microbial stewardship.
• To accelerate integrative and comparative microbiome science.

Main Methods:

• Conceptual framework development.
• Literature synthesis on microbial ecology and evolutionary biology.
• Analysis of the One Health approach in relation to microbiome science.

Main Results:

• An expanded One Health framework integrating ecological and evolutionary contexts of all microbes is proposed.
• A transition to microbial stewardship is identified as key to unlocking microbiome potential.
• Breaking down research silos will accelerate foundational insights into microbial communities.

Conclusions:

• Integrating the full scope of microbial diversity into the One Health framework is essential.
• Microbial stewardship offers a pathway to enhance global health and ecosystem sustainability.
• An integrative One Health microbiome science approach is crucial for future advancements.