Introducing the Microbes and Social Equity Working Group: Considering the Microbial Components of Social, Environmental, and Health Justice.

Suzanne L Ishaq,Patricia G Wolf,Jeff Kline,Michael Friedman,Ashish Pathak,Melissa B Manus,Jake M Robinson,Jeffrey Letourneau,Patrick F Horve,Katherine Weatherford Darling,Janani Hariharan,Emily Nonnamaker,Ashvini Chauhan,Laura Grieneisen,Francisco J Parada,Katherine A Maki,Ariangela J Kozik,Nicole Farmer,Megan A Carney,Kristen M Deangelis,Amber Benezra,Ashkaan K Fahimipour,Sahana Kuthyar,Kieran C O’Doherty,Peter L Moses,Nicolae Morar,Mallory J Choudoir ,Jackie Collier ,Mauna Dasari ,Adriana L Romero‐Olivares ,Carla Yaneth Bonilla ,Leslie Dietz ,Naupaka Zimmerman ,Emily F Wissel ,James Monroe Stewart

doi:10.1128/msystems.00471-21

Abstract

ABSTRACTHumans are inextricably linked to each other and our natural world, and microorganisms lie at the nexus of those interactions. Microorganisms form genetically flexible, taxonomically diverse, and biochemically rich communities, i.e., microbiomes that are integral to the health and development of macroorganisms, societies, and ecosystems. Yet engagement with beneficial microbiomes is dictated by access to public resources, such as nutritious food, clean water and air, safe shelter, social interactions, and effective medicine. In this way, microbiomes have sociopolitical contexts that must be considered. The Microbes and Social Equity (MSE) Working Group connects microbiology with social equity research, education, policy, and practice to understand the interplay of microorganisms, individuals, societies, and ecosystems. Here, we outline opportunities for integrating microbiology and social equity work through broadening education and training; diversifying research topics, methods, and perspectives; and advocating for evidence-based public policy that supports sustainable, equitable, and microbial wealth for all.

Highlights

Perspective flexible, taxonomically diverse, and biochemically rich communities, i.e., microbiomes that are integral to the health and development of macroorganisms, societies, and ecosystems
MICROCOSMS OF SOCIAL EQUITY As an anthropologist,. . .what I love about the microbiome is that it brings together social intimacies of life with our biological selves in ways that show us that those two things are inextricably entangled
Fresh air, healthy soils, nutritious foods, safe shelter, and the preservation of global biodiversity inherently depend on microbial communities [7, 32], and healthy human microbiomes depend on these resources

Summary

Introduction

Perspective flexible, taxonomically diverse, and biochemically rich communities, i.e., microbiomes that are integral to the health and development of macroorganisms, societies, and ecosystems. The Microbes and Social Equity (MSE) Working Group posits that microbial exposures across ecosystems, urban and rural settings, and individuals are sociopolitical.

Objectives

Results

Conclusion