Missing Microbes: How the Overuse of Antibiotics Is Fueling Our Modern Plagues

According to Blaser (microbiology, NYU Sch. of Medicine), antibiotics, arguably the greatest medical discovery of the 20th century, may be causing as many health problems as they cure. Few microbiologists would disagree with his first assertion that the overuse of antibiotics, especially in animal feeds, is selecting for dangerous antibiotic-resistant bacterial strains. Unfortunately, Blaser's second, equally emphatic statement that antibiotic-linked loss of bacterial diversity is contributing to or causing a wide range of diseases such as irritable bowel syndrome, various cancers, autism, and diabetes is more questionable. The medical effects of bacterial diversity comprise a relatively new research area, and as yet there is insufficient data to support such broad claims. Had more of the author's declarations been presented as hypotheses, this would have been an outstanding book. As it is, it is still a well-written and highly accessible introduction to the field. Listeners should also enjoy the many historical vignettes and anecdotes. Patrick Lawler is a clear and lively reader who can be forgiven a few minor mispronunciations of scientific terms.