Lancet retracts 12-year-old article linking autism to MMR vaccines

Laura Eggertson

doi:10.1503/cmaj.109-3179

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The Human Microbiome Project � More than just probiotics
Jane Ng

Posted on: 12 February 2010

Posted on: (12 February 2010)

The Human Microbiome Project � More than just probiotics
Jane Ng, Vancouver, BC
Our bodies are host to trillions of microbes which outnumber our own cells 10 to 1. The microbe-host interactions that affect human health go far beyond antibiotic-associated diarrhea and acne. Research has linked variations in “communities” of microbiota to health conditions such as Type 2 diabetes, obesity, asthma, and even depression.1-3 The NIH-funded Human Microbiome Project (HMP) was launched in 2007. Its missio...
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Our bodies are host to trillions of microbes which outnumber our own cells 10 to 1. The microbe-host interactions that affect human health go far beyond antibiotic-associated diarrhea and acne. Research has linked variations in “communities” of microbiota to health conditions such as Type 2 diabetes, obesity, asthma, and even depression.1-3 The NIH-funded Human Microbiome Project (HMP) was launched in 2007. Its mission: to provide a “comprehensive characterization of the human microbiota and analysis of its role in human health and disease.” It’s exciting stuff. But as physicians, what questions should we be asking and be prepared to answer when this really hits the public? First, will there be disparate risk/benefit ratios for different groups? For instance, will individuals who are low-income or without private health insurance be able to access the benefits. If our experience with probiotics is any guide, the answer is no. Second, is there a risk of profiling? Will it stir up the fear of “super-bugs” and draw undue attention to the different flora of new immigrants/refugees or families facing over-crowding? Can it lead to rejection from insurance coverage, exclusion from child care or schools or another reason to isolate in hospitals? Third, who is taking responsibility for public education? With the immense amount of data being collected, false associations will be made. Will the shadow of the MMR-autism fiasco pale in comparison of what’s to come? Who else will wade into these murky waters and exploit unfounded cause-effect relations?
In the end, the HMP will uncover more questions than answers. As always, physicians have the responsibility to use evidence, ethics and reason to protect and improve human health. But are we ready to digest all that the HMP seeks to dish up?
1. Vrieze A, Holleman F, Zoetendal EG, de Vos WM, Hoekstra JB, Nieuwdorp M. The environment within: How gut microbiota may influence metabolism and body composition Diabetologia. 2010.
2. Singh M, Ranjan Das R. Probiotics for allergic respiratory diseases - putting it into perspective Pediatr Allergy Immunol. 2009.
3. Logan AC, Katzman M. Major depressive disorder: Probiotics may be an adjuvant therapy Med Hypotheses. 2005;64:533-538.
Conflict of Interest:
None declared
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Competing Interests: None declared.