07 Oct 2024

Anthropology, Microbiomes, and Antimicrobial Resistance

Explore how Native American traditions shape gut health and resilience against antimicrobial resistance.

This presentation, "Anthropology, Microbiomes, and Antimicrobial Resistance," examines the ancestral states of the human gut microbiome, with a particular focus on Native American populations. It explores the hygiene hypothesis and its implications for understanding microbial diversity and health. The talk delves into the evolution of human-associated microbes, including pathogens and their virulence factors, while addressing the emergence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Gain insights into the interplay between culture, evolution, and microbiome health, emphasizing the importance of integrating anthropological perspectives into public health strategies to combat AMR.

Return to listing

Dr. Cecil Lewis is a Professor and biological and interdisciplinary scientist based at the University of Oklahoma. Dr. Lewis began to study the human microbiome during the early days of the discipline; he is arguably the first anthropologist to lead human microbiome research. His primary research focus is the microbiome and community-engaged research, with current work that investigates ancient and contemporary human metabolomes, pathogen evolution, the impact of colonialism on the microbiome and metabolome, along with progressive community-based partnerships across the Americas and Africa. His work is supported by the NSF and NIH. He is the founder and director of Laboratories of Molecular Anthropology and Microbiome Research (LMAMR).