Question

Microscopic Companions In a 400-600 word answer, properly cited with an APA-formatted reference list and in-text citations, please answer the following questions. In addition to the researched facts you present as your answer, you may provide opinions and real-world experiences where appropriate. Although much of this course is focused on microorganisms that are considered pathogens and have the potential to cause disease in humans, there are numerous microbes that are on our side or at least list side-by-side with us without causing trouble. There are many bacteria and fungi on or in our bodies that are beneficial or are necessary for good health. Summarize the benefit (or need) for “good” microorganisms in and on the body. Choose a part of the body that is normally colonized by “good” microorganisms (e.g.- skin, intestines, vagina, other). List examples of normal microbes and their relationship with the human body. What factors or specific pathogens could threaten this microbial population and how can a person prevent this? What specifically happens when the normal microbial population in this area is disrupted? Provide examples to illustrate your points. How can a patient restore this population to a normal state? Probiotics and Prebiotics: Frequently Asked Questions http://www.fammed.wisc.edu/files/webfm-uploads/documents/outreach/im/handout_probiotics_patient.pdf Probiotics for healthy skin http://dermatologytimes.modernmedicine.com/dermatology-times/news/probiotics-healthy-skin?page=full Fecal Transplantation for the Treatment of Clostridium difficile Infection http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3365524/pdf/GH-08-191.pdf

Answer 1

The microbes that are naturally present in our body are good for our health. They are present throughout the body and they play a vital role in human health. It is essential for the function of immunity, metabolism, and for the interaction of drugs. These microbes are present in the skin, nose, gut, reproductive system, and mouth. It is essential for the survival of the human body and they interact with the host. Microbes are colonized in the specific places of the human body without harming the host that benefits the both of them.

Some examples of normal microbes and their relationship with the human body are

• Bacillus subtilis produces bacitracin on the skin to fight against other microbes.
• Streptococcus and actinomyces inhibit the growth of other microorganisms in the mouth by making acidic PH.
• Streptococcus mutans act as an antagonist which minimizes dental caries.
• Bifidobacteria present in the intestine help to break down the food and to utilize the energy.
• Lactobacillus sp. plays a protective role in the vagina from the outer environment.

Researcher found some of the factors such as overuse of antibiotics, caesarian delivery, medical procedures and also some of the conditions like asthma, diabetes, autoimmune disorders, allergies, cancer can disrupt the normal flora of the body. For example, E.coli is a normal intestinal flora, but when swallow causes serious effects such as diarrhea.

Basically, the microbes can reproduce itself as soon as possible. Sometimes if it is severely disrupted it produces chronic inflammation and latent infection in which the host's immune response is affected. For example, when you consume sugar, Streptococcus mutans converts into lactic acid which plays a role in dental cavities. when using the mouthwash, it kills the s. mutans which decrease the production of lactic acid.

To maintain normal flora in the body one should maintain proper hygiene, avoid the use of antibiotics unnecessarily, eating healthy food, and follow good health practices. These microbes are greatly influenced for the normal human defense mechanism. The patient can restore the normal population by proper diet and healthy lifestyle.