Some Important Information About Microbiology

By Michael Harris


The world is full of millions of species of living organisms. A vast majority of these are microscopic and remain unknown. In our day to day life, microorganisms are both useful and harmful. What you need to know about microbiology is that it is concerned with understanding the microorganisms and how they affect us. Due to the high numbers involved, scientists broadly classify microorganisms into a number of main categories that include bacteriology, virology and parasitology.

There are millions of bacteria that live in human bodies in what is described as a symbiotic relationship. The bacteria, also known as normal flora are found even in the healthiest of persons and serve very important functions. Their presence in a part of the body prevents the survival of other unwanted organisms. Some of the areas in which they are found include the oral cavity and the skin. Fungal organisms are found in the female genital tract where they maintain the acidity within a given range.

The pharmaceutical industry is an area that greatly utilizes the knowledge of microbiology. When developing a drug, one should understand the anatomy and the behavior of responsible microorganisms. These microorganisms are classified as bacteria, protozoa or viruses. Most drugs that exist work by interfering the life cycle. This interference stops the reproduction of microorganisms.

Vector borne infections are many and varied. They are caused by microorganisms that are mainly transmitted from one person to another by insects (also known as vectors). One needs to understand how such a microorganism exists both in the vector and the host (humans or other mammals). Some of the diseases that are transmitted in this manner include malaria, yellow fever and sleeping sickness among others.

Another area where the knowledge of microorganisms has been hugely beneficial is in the food and beverage industry. An example is in the preparation of yogurt where a bacterium known as lactobacillus is used. This is achieved either by allowing the fermentation process to occur naturally or by introducing cultured bacteria into milk. The bacterium is said to help with the process of digestion.

Biological warfare is a subject that has been a major concern for world leaders. At a time when the world is fighting numerous organized terrorist organizations, there is a fear that harmful microorganisms might be released to populations in a bid to cause widespread disease and death. In the past, anthrax spores have been released in some parts of the world where they resulted in severe disease.

Viral hemorrhagic fevers have been a huge global problem in recent years. Ebola, particular, has been associated with numerous losses of lives and has affected many economies negatively. Bringing the recent outbreak under control presented a major challenge because the public did not understand how the disease it cause and transmitted. Fortunately after an aggressive public education campaign, the disease was contained.

If understand how organisms in our environment behave, we will be better placed to treat and prevent them. Since there are millions of such organisms that exist, more emphasis should be placed on those that are likely to affect us in a particular geographical area. Such information is available at public health departments, online sites and in public libraries.




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