Infectious Disease Compendium

Archaea

Microbiology

The third domain of life, along with Bacteria and Eukarya.

Epidemiologic Risks

They are everywhere, including in us (PubMed). Most cannot be grown. Perhaps the oldest form of life.

Syndromes

"Currently, there is no substantial evidence supporting the pathogenic properties of the Archaea. The best they can do is to cease the opportunity created by pathological processes and occupy the microenvironments suitable for this type of anaerobic hydrogenotrophic metabolism. These niches, however, can also be occupied by other microbiota with similar metabolic properties (PubMed)."

Although there is no end of speculation (PubMed) and investigations into the role of Archaea are still early.

See the Curious Case below.

Treatment

Notes

Curious Cases

Relevant links to my Medscape blog

Ignorance is Bliss. It is why I am so happy.

Last update: 05/20/18