Tipping the Balance: The delicate balance between microbes and man.

Earth’s complex “web of life” protects humans from pests, pathogens (agents that cause disease), and parasites in complex and varied ways, most of which scientists are only beginning to understand.

When habitats are damaged, the equilibrium between predator and prey or host and parasite can shift in various ways, sometimes with disastrous consequences.

A key factor in the incidence of disease is human behavior. Humans are now altering the atmosphere, the oceans, and the land on a global and unprecedented scale.

However, there are certain prevention methods to reduce the spread of infectious disease if a number of global initiatives are begun and earnestly followed.