BOL

Bacterial cells outnumber human cells 10-to-1 in the average person. Bacterial genes outnumber human genes 100-to-1. Mayo Clinic and the Center for Individualized Medicine are working to understand these diverse populations and design better diagnoses and therapies that can be individualized to the patient. Diseases, such as clostridium difficile, celiac disease, and gluten sensitivities, are being studied. We're also gaining more insight in the many connections between digestive bacteria and autoimmune disorders, like diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis.