“How can we develop lifestyles, together with health policies, which reconnect us with the necessary microbial exposures, whilst also protecting us against infectious diseases?”

In view of current global concerns about infectious diseases and antibiotic resistance, and our growing understanding of how these issues can be tackled through better home and everyday life hygiene, there is an urgent need to ensure that misconceptions about hygiene and cleanliness are replaced with clear understanding of the basic principles of hygiene.