Bacteria - Answers To Common Questions
Bacteria are all around us each day of our lives. They are on our skin, in our bodies and can cause a host of problems. But bacteria get quite a bad reputation. Not all bacterium is alike and some are actually necessary for our bodies to function healthy. Do you know the difference between a good bacterium and a bad bacterium? If you do not, do not worry. Most people lump all bacteria into one category. E Coli is definitely one of those bacteria that have people seeing red and coloring their opinion of all other types of bacterium. But a little information can go a long way towards education and once you know the basics of bacterium you will be able to know the differences between the bacterium that can make you severely ill and those that keep your body running healthy. In this article we will discuss some basic questions you may have about those tiny unicellular organisms that are with us each and every day of our lives.
What are bacteria?
Bacteria are tiny unicellular organisms that are around us each and every day of our lives. They live on our skin, inside our bodies and are all around us on every surface. Some bacteria are bad. Some are good. They are what they are: organisms that live out their live surviving in this environment the best that they can.
Are they good for us?
Most people would definitely say “Yes” that anti-bacterial products work by killing bacteria and germs. Scientists and researchers would heartily disagree. Sure the agent in the gel or spray does kill off bacteria but not all the bacteria are always wiped out. To make matters worse the product does not evaporate. The gel remains behind and those bacterium still found alive can become immune to the anti-bacterial agent. This has led to bacteria developing resistances to sanitizing agents along with antibiotics. Sometimes the old methods are still the best methods for ridding yourself of the presence of bacterium.
Who first discovered bacteria?
The first discovery of bacteria can be traced by to Antony van Leeuwenhoek who, though did not actually create the microscope, is the first one to document the discoveries he found through his lenses. Ironically Leeuwenhoek could not draw the bacteria present in his samples himself so he hired an illustrator. But it was not until he took an interest in his own mouth that the first bacteria observations occurred. He took notice of the “animalcules” found within the unwashed mouth. It definitely makes you want to run and grab your toothbrush.
Can E-Coli kill a person?
E-Coli can be fatal for a person infected with this unicellular organism if it is left unchecked. It may not be the actual bacterium that causes the fatality but instead the side effects such as vomiting and diarrhea over an extended period of time. This is a real risk for those with a compromised immune system, the elderly or children who cannot tolerate being without fluids for several days at a time.
What are some steps I can take to ensure I don’t become sick from E-Coli?
There are some minor steps that can make a huge difference when it comes to E-Coli. Washing your hands and preparation area for food is a huge deterrent to allowing the E-Coli bacteria to proliferate. You should always keep raw meats and poultry separate from other surfaces. Always wash utensils and cutting areas with hot water and soap. If you are hesitant about using cleaners that are marketed as “anti-bacterial” you can use alcohol or diluted bleach which is still the best methods for preventing E-Coli.
By Health Editor
