Paper short abstract:

Analysing an ethnographic case of a vaccine trial against bacterial diarrohea taking place in West Africa, this paper analyses new social forms and living-with microbes at a time when microbes are becoming resistant to antibiotics.

Paper long abstract:

This paper explores new social forms generated by the global increase of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and discusses potentials and pitfalls of the 'probiotic turn' at the face of antibiotics becoming redundant. In the post-antibiotic era, we argue, it is vital to gain a granular view of the various practices of relation-making between humans, animals and microbes as they are affected by the threat of AMR.

The foci of this paper are the social and microbial encounters taking place during a vaccine trial taking place in West Africa, that aims to prevent bacteria-borne diarrhoea and the development of drug resistant microbial strains. We analyse encounters between Northern European tourists, who double-act as participants in the trial, with local populations. As part of the trial, the tourist-cum-research volunteers spend two weeks in the region chosen for its moderate levels of infectious diseases as well as its historical, cultural significance. While holiday-making in the region, these participants become exposed to various new bacteria, often via food; some fall ill with diarrhoea, while others don't.

Based on ethnographic research from 2017-2018, we seek to understand how all those involved in the trial understand microbes and anti-microbial resistance. Their ways of living-with microbes reveal different modes of discussing, embodying, embracing, and resisting encounters with the local, both human and microbial. While for some this is an opportunity to strengthen their immunity, others continue to wage a Pasteurian war on microbes. Here, living-with microbes entwines with questions of development, race, and purity.