Center for the Study of Microbial Ecology and Emerging Diseases

We live in an era of increasing appreciation of the relationship between human health and changes in microbial populations. Microbial ecology is the relationship of microorganisms to each other and their environment; this is often understood in the context of human health as relating to the microbiome and its impact on development, health, and chronic disease. That understanding is certainly correct. However, microbial ecology also refers to the changes in microbial populations induced by pressures in our broader environment, including the hospital. Those pressures can result in emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases, some with epidemic potential. There is increasing national interest and investment into the study of these comprehensive aspects of microbial ecology and the evaluation of tools to deal with its impact on human health.