World Sepsis Day: Michael Bauer on How Microbiome Research could transform Sepsis Treatment

Sepsis remains one of the leading causes of mortality in intensive care units worldwide. Despite major advances in modern medicine, the complexity of this life-threatening condition continues to challenge clinicians and researchers alike.

On the occasion of World Sepsis Day, we share the latest video in our “3 Questions for…” series featuring Michael Bauer, Head of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine at Jena University Hospital and Principal Investigator in the Balance of the Microverse Cluster.

In the video, Bauer explains why it is essential to consider the ecological perspective when studying infectious diseases. “Our current understanding of sepsis does not take the interactions between the microbiome and the host into account – and this needs to change,” he says.

Using next-generation sequencing technologies, Bauer and his team aim to uncover how the microbiome influences host responses, particularly the stress response during severe infections. These insights could lead to new diagnostic tools and therapeutic approaches, ultimately helping to reduce mortality and long-term complications in sepsis patients.

Watch the full "3 Questions for…" clip with Michael Bauer