Beneficial Microorganisms

Micro-organisms

Beneficial Microbes

• Also known as probiotics, these microorganisms provide health benefits when consumed in adequate amounts
• Examples:
  • Lactobacillus acidophilus: helps with digestion and boosts immune system
  • Bifidobacterium bifidum: supports gut health and immune system
  • Saccharomyces boulardii: helps with digestion and prevents diarrhea
• Benefits:
  • Produce vitamins and hormones
  • Aid in digestion and nutrient absorption
  • Boost immune system
  • Produce antibiotics and antifungals
  • Help with waste decomposition and recycling of nutrients

Pathogenic Microbes

• Also known as disease-causing microorganisms, these microorganisms can cause harm and illness
• Examples:
  • Bacteria: Salmonella, E. coli, Streptococcus
  • Viruses: Influenza, HIV, Ebola
  • Fungi: Candida, Aspergillus
  • Parasites: Plasmodium, Giardia
• Characteristics:
  • Can cause infection and disease
  • Can produce toxins and virulence factors
  • Can evade host immune system
  • Can be transmitted through various means (e.g. air, water, contact)
• Effects:
  • Cause a range of diseases, from mild to severe
  • Can lead to chronic illness and disability
  • Can be life-threatening if left untreated
  • Can have significant economic and social impacts

Micro-organisms

Beneficial Microbes

• Probiotics are live microorganisms that confer health benefits when consumed in adequate amounts
• Lactobacillus acidophilus helps with digestion and boosts immune system by:
  • Producing lactic acid, which inhibits growth of pathogenic bacteria
  • Stimulating immune cells to produce antibodies
• Bifidobacterium bifidum supports gut health and immune system by:
  • Fermenting complex carbohydrates, producing short-chain fatty acids
  • Increasing production of antibodies and activating immune cells
• Saccharomyces boulardii helps with digestion and prevents diarrhea by:
  • Producing enzymes that break down carbohydrates
  • Inhibiting growth of pathogenic bacteria and toxins
• Benefits of probiotics include:
  • Producing vitamins B and K, and hormones such as serotonin and dopamine
  • Aiding in digestion and nutrient absorption by breaking down complex nutrients
  • Boosting immune system by stimulating immune cells and producing antibodies
  • Producing antibiotics and antifungals to combat pathogenic microorganisms
  • Helping with waste decomposition and recycling of nutrients in the gut

Pathogenic Microbes

• Disease-causing microorganisms can cause harm and illness in various ways
• Examples of pathogenic microorganisms include:
  • Bacteria: Salmonella, E. coli, Streptococcus
  • Viruses: Influenza, HIV, Ebola
  • Fungi: Candida, Aspergillus
  • Parasites: Plasmodium, Giardia
• Characteristics of pathogenic microorganisms include:
  • Ability to cause infection and disease
  • Production of toxins and virulence factors that damage host cells
  • Ability to evade host immune system by producing immune-suppressive factors
  • Ability to be transmitted through various means, such as air, water, contact, and vectors
• Effects of pathogenic microorganisms include:
  • Causing a range of diseases, from mild to severe, such as respiratory infections, gastroenteritis, and meningitis
  • Leading to chronic illness and disability, such as HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis
  • Being life-threatening if left untreated, such as in the case of sepsis and Ebola
  • Having significant economic and social impacts, such as loss of productivity and social isolation