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

Learn about the microorganisms that provide health benefits when consumed in adequate amounts, including probiotics like Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium bifidum. Discover their benefits and examples.