Bugs driving you buggy ? Chronic illness caused by microbes

Conditions like heart disease, Alzheimer's and schizophrenia could be caused by microorganisms, according to a report from the American Academy of Microbiology. "A number of chronic human illnesses are triggered, either directly or indirectly, by microorganisms," says Ronald Luftig of the Louisiana State University Medical Center, one of the authors of the report. Some diseases like ulcers and certain types of cancer, once thought to be primarily related to lifestyle factors, are now known to be caused by microorganisms. "Other diseases, including some extremely common and devastating conditions, exhibit characteristics that indicate they may have an infectious etiology as well," said Luftig.