Microorganisms surround us everywhere in our everyday lives and colonize our bodies. The human gut in particular is home to billions of microorganisms. This complex community is known as the intestinal microbiome and has a significant influence on the maintenance of health and the development of diseases. If there is an imbalance, microorganisms in the microbiome can be involved in the development of intestinal diseases, including sepsis.
One of these potential candidates is the yeast C. albicans. Scientific studies assume a colonization rate with Candida of 35-70% of all people. Harmless in healthy people, the fungus can trigger life-threatening infections in immunocompromised patients. Investigating the interactions between C. albicans and the other microorganisms in the intestine helps to better understand the mode of action of the fungus.
But how can we determine which microbes are on and in us? And which everyday objects harbor particularly large numbers of microorganisms? We briefly introduce you to the most important methods that help us in the laboratory to understand who lives inside us and how microorganisms interact with each other. Test your knowledge in the "microbe quiz", marvel at the diversity of microbial cultures under the motto "The invisible made visible", and try out the "feel box" to see if you can recognize important laboratory objects by touch.
