We all know the world is full of bacteria. Every day we are in contact with different types of bacteria, but do we not know if these microorganisms are good or harmful to our health?
Bacteria are unicellular prokaryotic microorganisms. It is the organisms that abound most on the planet. We can find in all terrestrial ecosystems, both in the sea and in the terrestrial cortex. There are even some that can survive in extreme conditions, whether cold, salinity, temperatures, radioactivity or depth.
However, not only do they live in ecosystems, but also are found throughout our body and in animals. It is estimated that the human body has more bacteria than human cells. Mostly, they are found in the skin and in the digestive tract.
Friends or enemies?
The answer to this question is: both. The only bacteria that are our enemies are the “pathogenic” and the reality is that a small percentage is part of this group.Within the group of pathogenic bacteria we have streptococ, E. Coli and staphylococcus. There is more, but not all produce the same condition.
Some examples of diseases produced include:
- salmonella infections
- gonorrhea
- syphilis
- E. Coli infections
- tuberculosis
How does a bacterial disease occur?
Bacteria are infected by contact with a contaminated surface, by contact between a person affected by the bacteria and a healthy person or by ingesting infected food and/or beverages.Although the skin is a barrier against external pathogens, sometimes these pathogens saddle this barrier and cross it equally. So how do you get into our body? They do it through respiratory tracts, sexual pathways, digestive pathways or through some laminature we have on the skin.
Once inside our body, the bacteria proliferate and that's when we get sick. Often this does not happen because our immune system is prepared to attack them, but sometimes we need antibiotics to stop their reproduction within ours.
Use and functions
The use of bacteria in biotechnology is very common. They serve both water and waste treatment and industrial processes to make some of the foods we consume daily, yogurt and cheese are examples of this.Within the body, in the intestinal flora, they act by regulating the microbiota and helping to digest food.
In short, the universe of bacteria is very broad and play a key role in biological processes and the environment. Its adaptability and versatility demonstrated that they are essential for the study and application in industry, health and environment. Today, it continues to be researched about them, and thanks to this, more and more opportunities are presented that promise a healthier and sustainable future.
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