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Is it possible that mosquitoes spread beneficial pathogens among humans, in addition to the deadly pathogens they are known for? The concept of overprotective p
by Harelin 10y ago
Is it possible that mosquitoes spread beneficial pathogens among humans, in addition to the deadly pathogens they are known for? The concept of overprotective parents preventing their children from building their immune system comes to mind.
- fnj 10y agoSince the definitions of pathogen is not just "microorganism", but "microorganism that can cause disease", the idea of "beneficial pathogen" appears to be a contradiction in terms. That said, hormesis is a conceivable factor.
- Harelin 10y agoYes. What if mosquitoes inoculate us (and/or other animals) against diseases during childhood? Absent mosquitoes, I wonder if we would become more vulnerable to those diseases entering our systems through other vectors.