Microbiology

Probiotics: the new Sheriff in Town.

Bacteria that are resistance have been thriving as a result of improper use of antimicrobial and scientist are researching on new methods of treatment for infections caused by these micro-organisms. A growing field of interest is how the micro-organisms can be used to provide health benefits.  A basic idea behind probiotics is that good bacteria inside human body parts such as intestine compete with the harmful bacteria for resources and this keeps the harmful bacteria in check. Some studies have suggested that probiotics have benefits while others have found no such benefits. Any given pathogens population can contain few organisms that normally have partial or complete resistance which is acquired in the bacteria cells either through chromosomal genes mutation or obtaining resistance genes outside DNA extra chromosomal cells. When an antimicrobial drug is absent, the resistance cells are normally less efficient compared to normal neighboring cells. The information in this chapter is necessary considering resistance organisms infections  becomes hard to treat  ,needing costly and at times alternatives that are very toxic . Aggressive actions are thus needed to counter the issue.

Microbes in Sushi

Raw fish can have microorganisms that are quite harmful such as anisakids – parasitic roundworms and can result to human gastrointestinal systems. It is a requirement by the U.S Food and Drug Administration that sushi is frozen for 7 days at -20 degrees Celsius or for 15 hours at 37 degree Celsius. Such freezing, however, does not eliminate all viral or bacterial pathogens. Consumers should be informed that eating any type of raw food can results can lead to food poisoning caused by such bacteria as Salmonella. To counter the issue vinegar is used in preparation of sushi to acidify rice below 4.6 below pH value there by becoming too acidic to enable the growth of pathogens. Sushi bars, wasabi have antimicrobial properties making sushi safe. People having compromised immunity and pregnant women should avoid it. The summary provides necessary information that can be considered by sushi lovers. It provides vital details on why one should not consume raw food.

Prescription Bacteria phages

The bacteria phages feed on bacteria and approaximately after each two days, half of bacteria on earth are eliminated by these phages. After being used in early 1900s for treatment of diseases such as diarrhea and cholera, they were abandoned across United States in 1940s due to development of antibiotics like Penicillin. Due to growing resistance of antibiotic by bacteria, scientists are considering investigating further on phage therapy.  One phage can multiply into trillion of phages in short period eliminating about 99.9 % of the host bacteria.  This treatment is only effective if a phage is matched with the bacteria causing the disease. This treatment presents some dangers since some phages treatment may become very lethal.  The information in the passage provides details on possible alternative micro-organisms that can be used in place of antibiotics as bacteria become more resistant.  Having a variety of treatment methods is essential for combating bacteria caused infections.

 

Community associated MRSA

• When Julie was getting the tattoo or being pierced, the harmful bacteria could have been passed on from the artist, the tool used or from Julie herself. Given that MSRA bacteria can live in one’s body as a carrier in absence of their knowledge and having no effects seen, the artist could be the carrier. Even a carrier can infect if their skins gets pierced.
• The reason for CA- MSRA being an emerging diseases is the increased the increasing predisposing factors such as increased body contacts with infected people due to overcrowding , increased sporting activities that make people to have more ski-to –skin contact and poor hygiene.
• The concentration of the infection in South America and Africa can be attributed to concentration of people in majority poor areas which makes people to share staffs such as razors, clothing and towels. These areas also seem to have poor hygiene in many areas predisposing people to such infections.