Microorganisms influence many different kinds of human non-infectious diseases. In my undergraduate career, I have been introduced to the idea of the microbiome. Microbiomes are linked to obesity, irritable bowel syndrome, and liver diseases. Recently, I have read more about the connection between the micro biome and other cognitive disorders, such as sclerosis and Alzheimers. Furthermore, the most common causes of death are non-infectious; it would be absurd to believe that microorganisms have no effect.
After taking an immunology course, I learned that microorganisms can trigger the immune system to attack itself, eventually leading to an immune disease. Examples of these are lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and type I diabetes. In simple terms, the microbe can have similar properties to human cells, which can confuse the immune system. When this happens, the immune system believes the human cell is the microbe and attacks human cells.
The idea of microorganisms and non-infectious diseases being related is relatively new and we learn more about it everyday. I am excited to learn about this relationship in greater detail. Hopefully this class will provide me the skills to search and understand new articles about these findings.
