title: Low dose, early mucosal exposure will minimize the risk of microbial disease.
abstract: In the 21st century we will rediscover the germ theory of disease: germs not only cause infection as described in standard textbooks but also have a pathogenic role in autoimmunity, atherosclerosis, cancer and even acute psychiatric conditions. In order to reduce morbidity and mortality caused by common organisms we should ensure that exposure is early, often, by the mucosal route and in low dose. Micro-organisms should be delivered daily throughout life by respiratory mucosal spray or enteric coated pill, in precise dose and in a predetermined schedule.
authors.affiliation: University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust, Education Centre, Royal Lancaster Infirmary, Ashton Road, Lancaster LA1 4RP, UK.
authors.forename: James A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Morris
authors.forename: Linda M
authors.initials: LM
authors.lastname: Harrison
authors.forename: Robert M
authors.initials: RM
authors.lastname: Lauder
authors.forename: David R
authors.initials: DR
authors.lastname: Telford
authors.forename: Richard
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Neary
mesh_terms: D004306:Dose-Response Relationship, Immunologic; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007113:Immunity, Innate; D018928:Immunity, Mucosal; D008297:Male