Tissue microbiology provides a coherent picture of infection

The vertebrate host represents an extraordinarily complex and heterogenous environment which pathogenic bacteria of different types able to colonize and infect. This implies that all contributory elements of an infected tissue type or intact host are pre-requisites for full understanding of bacterial pathogenesis. Within this context, intravital techniques allow such studies of infection under realistic conditions within the live host, and with improved detection methods another level of understanding is attained. Here we define this field as tissue microbiology, with its focus placed on monitoring and mimicking host–pathogen interaction within the dynamic micro-ecology significant for infectious niches in the live host. Such all-inclusive approaches promise to more coherently define relevant interactions and angles for disease intervention.

► Intravital studies generate a coherent understanding of bacterial pathogenesis in live hosts. ► ‘Tissue microbiology’ combines cellular microbiology, histology and physiology. ► ‘Tissue microbiology’ is defined as an emerging field for bacterial infection studies. ► Technological advancements empower intravital studies and ‘tissue microbiology’.