2024-10-23 14:14:00
Home > Whistleblowers > When microbes save us written on October 23, 2024 at 4:14 p.m. Early exposure to microbes and animals has a protective effect Microbes, friends of our health Article published in journal nº 128
In The factory of pandemics, Marie-Monique Robin highlighted how the destruction of biodiversity in tropical areas could lead to the emergence of new viruses. This second part entitled Live the microbes! highlights how the absence of biodiversity in urban environments weakens the immune system and microbiota and makes us all more vulnerable to viruses…
Covid is the latest example of this phenomenon: victims of this virus are much more numerous in the cities of Northern countries than among rural African and Asian populations. The latter, in fact, have fewer Covid comorbidity factors as well as a less weakened immune system. “ And I believe that we haven’t really understood it yet, alerts journalist and director Marie-Monique Robin.It is incredible to see how this biodiversity, largely underestimated and towards which we often adopt a somewhat romantic behavior – in the sense that we are touched by the extinction of pandas –, is truly the pillar of health. “
When we destroy ecosystems in tropical areas, it is ultimately very far from our concerns as Europeans. Without having been around enough of them since early childhood, if viruses from these areas emerge and migrate to us, we will however be more vulnerable. In this context, preserving biodiversity is a real public health tool. And it starts with microbes.
Read also Marie-Monique Robin: “Biodiversity is the best antidote against the emergence of pandemics”
Give the microbe its place again
” Beyond the visible world, there is a invisible world, which is that of micro-organisms, without which life would be impossible“recalls Marie-Monique Robin inLive the microbes! “The eight million animal and plant species recorded represent only a tiny drop in the ocean of microbes, the number of which is estimated at a quintillion, that is to say a 1 followed by thirty 0s. “But these microbes have a bad press. Which is a shame, because only a tiny minority of them can be dangerous to your health. Microbes are the origin of life. We have to live with them if we don’t want to not see the appearance of other diseases, of viral or allergic origin.
Marie-Monique Robin: “Since the 1960s, the ffrequency of so-called “atopic” diseases, such as pollen allergies, asthma, eczema or food allergies, has increased enormously : fifty years ago, 5% of the population suffered from it, today it is more than 35%. According to projections from the World Health Organization (WHO), this rate could reach 50% of the population by 2050. Regarding food allergiesrare in the 1950s, the list of allergens has continued to grow: peanut, gluten, lactose, nuts, shellfish. Some 8% of European children are affected by it… The spectacular increase in the prevalence of allergies was first observed in the cities of industrialized countries, but not in the countries of the South, to the point that it has paradoxically become a “ marker” of development. ”
If, for the moment, the public authorities are not tackling the problem, many scientists have put their finger on these imbalances and their origin. It is becoming more and more certain that hyperhygienism and…
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**Interview with Marie-Monique Robin: The Hidden Role of Microbes in Human Health**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us, Marie-Monique. Your work highlights the critical relationship between biodiversity and our health, especially in urban environments. Can you explain how the shift from rural to urban living has impacted our exposure to microbes?
**Marie-Monique Robin:** Absolutely, and thank you for having me. When we transitioned from rural settings, where humans lived in close contact with nature, to urban environments, we essentially cut ourselves off from a diverse array of microorganisms. This shift means that people in cities are exposed to fewer beneficial microbes, which play a crucial role in developing a strong immune system and maintaining a balanced microbiota.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned in your work that urban populations have seen a rise in diseases like allergies and asthma. How is this connected to our microbial exposure?
**Marie-Monique Robin:** The increase in so-called “atopic” diseases is indeed alarming. In urban settings, the lack of biodiversity and microbial exposure may contribute to this rise. Rural populations, which enjoy greater microbial diversity, tend to have lower rates of these diseases. This discrepancy highlights the importance of living closely with nature to build a robust immune response.
**Interviewer:** With the outbreak of COVID-19, we saw that urban populations suffered more significantly than those in rural areas. What role do you believe biodiversity played during the pandemic?
**Marie-Monique Robin:** The pandemic underscored how vulnerable we are when biodiversity is compromised. Rural populations often had healthier immune systems and lower comorbidity factors. This reality suggests that our health is intricately linked to the biodiversity around us. Preserving ecosystems and the microbes they contain is essential not just for environmental reasons but as a crucial public health strategy.
**Interviewer:** In your opinion, what practical steps can be taken to reconnect urban populations with beneficial microbes?
**Marie-Monique Robin:** One approach is to create urban green spaces, community gardens, and less sterile environments that encourage the presence of diverse microorganisms. We can also promote educational programs that highlight the importance of microbes and biodiversity. On a larger scale, addressing biodiversity loss through conservation efforts is vital.
**Interviewer:** You referred to the microorganism world as largely underestimated, and in fact beneficial. Why do you think there’s such a negative perception of microbes in general?
**Marie-Monique Robin:** It’s largely due to a focus on pathogenic microbes that cause diseases. However, the overwhelming majority of microbes are harmless or even beneficial. The media often highlights the dangers without balancing it with information on the positive roles microbes play in our ecosystems and health. We need a paradigm shift in how we view these tiny organisms.
**Interviewer:** As we look toward the future, what is your ultimate hope regarding our relationship with biodiversity and health?
**Marie-Monique Robin:** My hope is that we begin to appreciate biodiversity as a cornerstone of our health. Recognizing that our well-being is linked to the health of ecosystems could lead to more sustainable practices and public health strategies. It’s about understanding that protecting our environment directly impacts our survival and quality of life. We need to give microbes their place back in our world.
**Interviewer:** Thank you for your insights, Marie-Monique. It’s evident that fostering a relationship with biodiversity is not just an environmental concern, but a crucial element for our health.
**Marie-Monique Robin:** Thank you for having this conversation. It’s essential that we continue to discuss these issues as we move forward.
