Not All Microbes Are Germs

Have you ever reached for hand sanitizer after shaking someone’s hand, picturing a microscopic war against unseen enemies? You’re not alone. We’re constantly bombarded with messages about “germs” lurking everywhere. But what if that picture isn’t entirely accurate?

The world of microbes is vast and complex, and not all of them are out to get us sick. In fact, many microbes play a crucial role in our health and the environment.

The problem is, the term “germ” is often used to paint all microbes with the same negative brush. This can lead to unnecessary fear and even harmful practices like overuse of antibiotics.

It’s time to shift our perspective! By understanding the difference between “germs” and “microbes,” we can approach them with more respect and make better choices for our health and the world around us.

This blog post dives into the fascinating world of microbes, exploring the distinction between “germs” and their harmless and sometimes beneficial counterparts. We’ll explore how microbes impact our lives, the dangers of over-focusing on pathogens, and how a balanced approach can benefit both us and the environment.

Many microbes play positive roles in our lives and in the world around us

The word “germ” is often used to refer to all microorganisms (microbes), but my opinion is we should reserve this word for infectious microbes (pathogens).

“Germ” has a negative connotation. It conjures thoughts of scary, creepy things that we can’t see and are out to get us. But not all microbes are scary, and not all make us sick. 

Some teach our immune systems how to respond appropriately to germs (our microbiome), some preserve and add flavor to our food and drinks (hello coffee, chocolate, and yogurt!), and some help us digest our food. And then there are some microbes that simply make the world around us a little more beautiful and interesting (lichens and slime molds).

So, I propose we reserve the use of the word “germs” for pathogens.

Why does the distinction between germs and microbes matter? 

Unfortunately, microbes have a terrible reputation, and the word “germs,” with its negative connotation, portrays all microbes as scary. It is easy to get the idea that all microbes are bad, though, because of the many news stories about infections, outbreaks, and flesh-eating bacteria and the marketing around sanitizing products.

To be honest, when I started to study microbiology in college, I also only thought about pathogens. They were the reason microbiology initially fascinated me. I wanted to research how to treat infections. So, I spent my PhD and postdoc studying and constantly thinking about pathogens, and I believe this topic is extremely important. But throughout my years as a microbiologist, I learned about the diversity of microbes and began to realize that not all microbes are bad. And I think you can get there too.

The problem with focusing solely on pathogens is that our actions to kill pathogens can affect all microbes, even the ones that play positive roles in our lives, and we can actually harm ourselves in the process. Antibiotic resistance and possibly even other diseases and disorders are becoming major problems due to our general desire to kill germs. One way this commonly manifests is when we want the doctor to prescribe antibiotics for our cold. Unfortunately, treating a cold with antibiotics is unnecessary and can even be harmful. I get it, though, being sick is frustrating and sometimes can be scary.

A nuanced and balanced view of the microbial world

So, I’m proposing that we seek balance in how we view and speak about microbes. Instead of focusing solely on scary germs, let’s be respectful and careful in how we deal with them and remember that most microbes are not germs.

The next time you hear the word “germ,” remember the incredible diversity of microbes that surround us. By appreciating the good, the bad, and the fascinatingly weird in the microbial world, we can make informed decisions about our health and our impact on the planet. Let’s move beyond the fear of the unseen and embrace a more nuanced understanding of these tiny powerhouses that influence everything from our morning yogurt to the air we breathe.