New species of organisms continue to be discovered on land and in the sea with each passing day. Of all the organisms that populate the earth, microorganisms form the bulk. The organisms have both useful and harmful effects in our day to day lives. Microbiology is a branch of science that is concerned with the study of these microorganisms. One of the most important things to know about microbiology is that it is broadly divided into thematic areas depending on the type of organisms involved.
Our bodies are full of bacterial organisms that live with us in what is known as a symbiotic relationship. These bacterial organisms are also called normal flora. Their presence helps suppress the growth of harmful organisms that are responsible for various diseases. Normal flora is mainly found on the skin, in the gastrointestinal system and within the genitourinary system. In the female genital tract, they help maintain the pH within an acidic range which in turn helps keep urinary tract infections in check.
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.
In the last few years viral diseases have presented a major global problem. The Ebola virus in particular threatened to bring the world to its knees. The viral illness, like other viral hemorrhagic fevers is associated with a dramatic pattern of symptoms that causes death within hours if not attended to. It spreads rapidly and has the potential to wipe out entire villages. A vaccine has now been developed after extensively studying the organism.
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.
Our bodies are full of bacterial organisms that live with us in what is known as a symbiotic relationship. These bacterial organisms are also called normal flora. Their presence helps suppress the growth of harmful organisms that are responsible for various diseases. Normal flora is mainly found on the skin, in the gastrointestinal system and within the genitourinary system. In the female genital tract, they help maintain the pH within an acidic range which in turn helps keep urinary tract infections in check.
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.
In the last few years viral diseases have presented a major global problem. The Ebola virus in particular threatened to bring the world to its knees. The viral illness, like other viral hemorrhagic fevers is associated with a dramatic pattern of symptoms that causes death within hours if not attended to. It spreads rapidly and has the potential to wipe out entire villages. A vaccine has now been developed after extensively studying the organism.
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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