Medical Use of Microorganisms

Introduction

• Focus on the medical use of microorganisms.
• Previous session covered commercial use.

Antibiotics

• Definition: Medicines that help the body recover from infections caused by bacteria and parasites.
• Production: Made from bacteria.
• Common Use: Often prescribed for allergies or colds.
• Examples:
  • Tetracycline
  • Streptomycin
  • Penicillin
  • Erythromycin

Increasing Soil Fertility

• Role of Microorganisms: Bacteria and blue-green algae help fix nitrogen from the atmosphere.
• Function: Enrich the soil with nitrogen, enhancing soil fertility and plant growth.
• Term: Known as biological nitrogen fixers.

Cleaning the Environment

• Decomposition: Microorganisms convert dead and decaying matter into manures.
• Process: Decompose organic waste into simple substances, degrade harmful substances, thus cleaning the environment.

Harmful Microorganisms

Effects

• Cause diseases in humans, plants, and animals.
• Spoil food, clothing, and leather.

Disease-Causing Microorganisms in Humans

• Definition: Pathogens.
• Transmission: Through air, water, food, and direct contact with infected individuals.
• Carriers: Some insects and animals, such as mosquitoes, act as carriers.

Examples of Diseases

• Malaria and Dengue: Transmitted by female mosquitoes (Anopheles and Aedes species).

Communicable Diseases

• Transferred from unhealthy or infected person to a healthy person (e.g., common cold).

Food Poisoning

• Cause: Contaminated food products.
• Microorganisms: Grow on food and produce toxic elements.
• Effects: Can lead to serious illness or death.

Common Human Diseases Caused by Microorganisms

• Tuberculosis: Caused by bacteria, transmitted through air.
• Measles: Caused by virus, transmitted through air.
• Chickenpox: Caused by virus, transmitted through air and contact.
• Polio: Caused by virus, transmitted through air and water.

Prevention

• Isolation of patients.
• Personal hygiene and proper sanitary habits.
• Boiled drinking water.

Disease-Specific Details

Bacteria-Related

• Cholera: Transmitted through food and water.
• Typhoid: Transmitted through water.

Virus-Related

• Hepatitis B: Transmitted through water.

Protozoa-Related

• Malaria: Transmitted by mosquitoes (protozoa), prevention includes mosquito nets and sprays.

Conclusion

• A comprehensive look at the role of microorganisms in medicine and their impact on health and the environment.