Thought-provoking read!
For me, given how context and conditions shape the outcome of host-microbe relationships, I would prefer a terminology that acknowledges the temporary state. Maybe something like Streptococcus (state 0) when commensal, shifting to Steptococcys (state -1) when pathogenic.
Laura Williams
Do you study human microbiomes? Have you used the word "commensal"?
Then this paper was written with you in mind!
It was an absolute pleasure to write this with the incomparable @ginalewin.bsky.social
journals.asm.org/doi/10.1128/...
An overarching goal in microbiome research is to understand how the complex communities
in our bodies contribute to health and disease, and ultimately, we aim to leverage
and control these communities...
