“Invisible lives inside our bodies shape our health and well-being”, UB's microbiologist highlights

The human microbiome - made up of trillions of microorganisms living in and on the human body - plays a decisive role in health, immunity, and mental well-being, shaping daily biological balance. As a result, antibiotics should function as partners of the immune system, not substitutes, specialists warn, while antibiotic resistance is becoming an increasingly serious challenge for healthcare systems.

During a lecture focused on microbiota and global health, held in front of more than 150 science enthusiasts, University of Bucharest’s Professor Dr. Carmen Chifiriuc, microbiologist and immunologist, explained how gut microorganisms interact with the immune and nervous systems, including through the production and consumption of neurotransmitters that influence well-being.

One of the main topics addressed was the growing medical challenge of antibiotic resistance, emphasising that antibiotics function as partners of the immune system, not substitutes:

The relationship between the body, the immune system, and antibiotics is an alliance. When the immune system is overwhelmed by a very aggressive pathogen, the antibiotic intervenes to reduce bacterial density, giving the body time to regroup and eliminate the infection through its natural mechanisms

Warning against inappropriate antibiotic use, Chifiriuc highlighted how quickly resistance can develop. “Sometimes, within 24 hours after administering an antibiotic, resistance can already occur”, the researcher explained, noting that bacteria “adapt very quickly”. In cases of viral infections, she added, antibiotics “do not treat the cause but affect the microbiota,” potentially triggering inflammation and worsening the patient’s overall condition.

Climate change, pollution, and uncontrolled antibiotic use - drivers of global health risks

Beyond individual health, Prof. Dr. Carmen Chifiriuc framed her scientific message within the One Health approach, underlining the interdependence between human, animal, and environmental health. “Human health cannot be separated from the health of the environment and animals”, she said, pointing to climate change, pollution, and uncontrolled antibiotic use as drivers of emerging global health risks.

She also described the complex communication system that exists between microorganisms and the human body:

Inside the human organism, microorganisms constantly communicate with each other and with the host. This happens through signaling molecules and structures recognized by epithelial cells and the immune system, allowing the body to detect whether these signals belong to beneficial bacteria or pathogens and to adjust its response accordingly

Prof. Dr. Carmen Chifiriuc is a biologist specialising in microbiology and immunology, coordinator of UB’s scientific research activity. She presented her ideas during the opening event of “Science on an Open Stage” - a new public lecture series launched by the University of Bucharest.

Through this series, the University aims to bring science closer to the public, encouraging informed dialogue at a time when issues such as public health, climate change, and scientific literacy are increasingly critical for society.