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.
Human being live with some organisms (bacteria, in particular) in what is described to be a symbiotic relationship. In this kind of relationship, the bacteria depend on humans for their survival and the humans derive some benefits from their presence in the body. The bacteria, which are found in many places of the body including the skin, the gastrointestinal tract and the genitourinary tract, are also known as normal flora. Their absence may give rise to disease.
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.
There are many vector borne diseases that can be treated or prevented if we understand the causative microorganism. Some of the diseases for which successful interventions have been undertaken include yellow fever, sleeping sickness and malaria. Chemicals may be designed to act on the vector or may be effective when the microorganism has already entered the blood stream.
Another positive application of microbiology is in the food and beverage industry. Yogurt preparation in particular is one area where this knowledge has been greatly beneficial. A type of bacteria known as lactobacillus is responsible for the fermentation of milk to form yogurt. This may happen naturally or the bacterium may be added to the milk artificially. Lactobacillus is said to have some benefits to the process of digestion.
With increased terrorist activities all over the world, some leaders have expressed their concern over the possible use of harmful microorganisms. Biological warfare has the potential to wipe out communities if mounted. Anthrax is one of the diseases that has caused panic in some parts of the world in recent years. The bacteria which can remain inactive for years is easily transmissible and causes death rapidly.
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.
Human being live with some organisms (bacteria, in particular) in what is described to be a symbiotic relationship. In this kind of relationship, the bacteria depend on humans for their survival and the humans derive some benefits from their presence in the body. The bacteria, which are found in many places of the body including the skin, the gastrointestinal tract and the genitourinary tract, are also known as normal flora. Their absence may give rise to disease.
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.
There are many vector borne diseases that can be treated or prevented if we understand the causative microorganism. Some of the diseases for which successful interventions have been undertaken include yellow fever, sleeping sickness and malaria. Chemicals may be designed to act on the vector or may be effective when the microorganism has already entered the blood stream.
Another positive application of microbiology is in the food and beverage industry. Yogurt preparation in particular is one area where this knowledge has been greatly beneficial. A type of bacteria known as lactobacillus is responsible for the fermentation of milk to form yogurt. This may happen naturally or the bacterium may be added to the milk artificially. Lactobacillus is said to have some benefits to the process of digestion.
With increased terrorist activities all over the world, some leaders have expressed their concern over the possible use of harmful microorganisms. Biological warfare has the potential to wipe out communities if mounted. Anthrax is one of the diseases that has caused panic in some parts of the world in recent years. The bacteria which can remain inactive for years is easily transmissible and causes death rapidly.
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.
About the Author:
For the latest information about microbiology, come to our web pages online here today. Further details are available at http://ism-il.org now.
Tidak ada komentar:
Posting Komentar