Gnotobiotics
By: Wendy O.
Gnotobiotics is the study of organisms that are raised from birth in either a germ-free environment, or an environment where all germs present are known.
A gnotobiotic animal is removed from the womb via cesarean section, and placed in isolators, a sterile environment.
Gnotobiotics helps scientists better understand how bacteria, viruses, and fungi affect the body.
Recent Research
The Gnotobiotics Research Facility at the Medical University of South Carolina has found evidence that suggests intestinal microorganisms are involved in autoimmune diseases, inflammatory bowel diseases, and tumors of the alimentary tract and bladder. They have also found that these microorganisms may have a dramatic effect on orally administered pharmaceutical drugs.
Sources:
The Handy Science Answer Book. Third Edition. Detroit: Visible Ink, 2005. Print.
Gnotobiotics Research Resource
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