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Bactericentrism is a philosophical idea regarding Bacteria and Viruses. It suggests that there is no way of avoiding germs, as they are a central part of the world, so they should be avoided but embraced.

Creation
The idea came about in the 1910s when Mannes C Carson, a soldier fighting in World War I at the time, was in a conversation with a medic currently mending his broken arm. Mannes, now honorably discharged, went on to become a Microbiologist at University of Nevada, Reno, and in his time there realized how prevalent bacterium is in society. Samples of anything showed many different types, some noted include Streptococcus pneumoniae, Rabies virus, and Escherichia coli all on a single cloth. He published his results in the Reno Gazette-Journal, but to little recognition. In 1933, Mannes died of Bronchitis,, but a fellow microbiologist, Max Delbrück, would spread his ideas after his death. By the end of 1970s, bactericentrism had all but faded into obscurity.

Later Years
One of the last times bactericentrism was seriously considered was in a speech given by Carl Woese at the University of Nevada, Reno, as an homage to Mannes. He noted the similarities between modern perspective and Mannes' ideals, but received very little publicity. In 2012, Woese died of pancreatic cancer, and for the most part, bactericentrism with him.

Aftermath
Mannes would discover several bacteria before the modern 'discoverers', but never received credit for his work. In 1974, he was posthumously awarded the Rachel Carson award for Significant Biology (no relation). In 1992, a flu-causing virus (Carso Mannus) was named after him by his grandson Aaron Carson. He would inspire Jonas Salk to attempt a cure for polio, leading to the vaccine we have now.