Kinds Of Germs

Viruses are the tiniest germs. They are the cause of common illnesses such as colds, flu and sore throats. Viruses also cause terrible diseases such as Polio, Ebola and Aids.

Bacteria are one-celled organisms so simple that they lack a nucleus and generally have only one chromosome. Bacteria inhabit our bodies by the trillions, mostly in our digestive tract. They help us to digest our food and are the primary source of vitamin K, necessary for the clotting of blood.
Only about 300 out of some 4,000 listed species of bacteria are considered pathogens (disease causing). Still, bacteria are the source of a long list of diseases in plants, animals and humans. In humans these diseases include tuberculosis, cholera, diphtheria, anthrax, tooth decay, certain kinds of pneumonia and a number of sexually transmitted diseases.

Protozoans, like bacteria, are single-celled organisms, but they may have more than one nucleus. Included are amoebas and trypanosomes as well as the parasite that causes malaria. About one-third of living species are parasites - there are some 10,000 different kinds - although only a few of these parasites cause disease in humans.

Fungi too can cause illness. These organisms have a nucleus and form tangled mats of filaments. The most common infections are ringworm, such as athlete's foot and candidiasis (Candida). Serious fungal infections usually afflict only people whose defenses have been weakened by malnutrition, cancer, drugs, or viral infections that suppress the immune system.


Note: I hope this helped someone out there. Thank-you to those out there who are taking the time to read my blogs. If I can touch just one person out there. It is worth all the time I have to do them. There is more to this subject, so stay tuned.

Next time: When Germs Will Not Harm Anyone