A Worldful of Germs
Sunday, June 6th, 2010Germs are everywhere. You practically live in a world full of germs. No matter how often you wash your hands and how many times you take a bath, you cannot totally get rid of them. But not all germs are harmful. In fact, some germs can keep you healthy. That is why it is very important that you should know which ones are beneficial and which ones can pose danger to your health.
In every illness such as colds, fever, and sore throat, you can almost be sure that germs are the ones responsible for it. Germs are a multitude of microscopic invaders that include bacteria, viruses, parasites, and other infectious organisms that can be found in the air that you breathe, in water that we drink or on unclean surfaces and not some infected animals. It can also be found in the soil, on plants, on your food, and even inside your own body. They are practically just on every surface that you could think of. They range in size from the microscopic virus to single-celled bacteria to parasitic worms that can grow to more than several feet in length.
Although your immune system can protect you from legions of infectious microbes, there are some bacteria and viruses that prove to be menacing and formidable opponents due to their ability to mutate constantly. which consequently breaks down the immune system.
Bacteria
Single-celled microorganisms like bacteria have the ability to reproduce through cell-division. These are minute living organisms that looks like balls, rods, or spirals when seen through the microscope. They can grow on any non-living surface which may not necessarily pose any danger to your health. Some bacteria are even beneficial to one’s health such as Lactobacillus Acidophilus. This particular bacterium helps in the digestion of food in your stomach and fights some disease-causing organisms. It can also give some nutrients to the body. In fact, some bacteria are being used to make health foods like yogurt and cheese.
But there are certain strain of bacteria that when they get inside your body, you will become ill. This is called bacterial infection. These infectious bacteria, like Streptococcus, Staphylococcus, and E.coli, can mutate rapidly and produce chemicals called toxins that can destroy the cells and tissues in your body. Severe gastrointestinal problems from contaminated food is caused by E.coli while gonorrhea is brought about by gonococcus bacterium. Some bacterial infections are considered contagious such as strep throat and tuberculosis. However, infections of the heart valves (endocarditis) or bone (osteomyelitis) are not considered transmissible.