Microbiology Lecture Notes: Eukaryotic Microorganisms

Introduction

• Second part of the series on types of microbes in microbiology.
• Focuses on eukaryotic organisms.
• Previously covered viruses, bacteria (prokaryotes), and archaea.
• Challenges in treating eukaryotic pathogens due to similarity with human cells.

Types of Eukaryotic Microorganisms

Protozoa

• Single-celled eukaryotes not classified as plants, animals, or fungi.
• Absorb and ingest organic chemicals.
• Can be parasitic or free-living.
• Examples to study:
  • Giardia lamblia: Causes diarrhea, common from contaminated water.
  • Toxoplasmosis gondii: Affects rodents attracted to cats, can cause problems in humans.
  • Naegleria fowleri: Known as the brain-eating amoeba, very rare but deadly.

Fungi

• Eukaryotes that absorb chemical energy from the environment.
• Can be unicellular (yeasts) or multicellular (molds and mushrooms).
• Examples:
  • Candida albicans: Causes vaginal yeast infections or oral thrush.
  • Molds can lead to various infections and chronic inflammatory responses.

Algae

• Considered single-celled plants.
• Possess cell walls and are photosynthetic.
• Produce oxygen and carbohydrates.
• Diatoms: A type of algae; diatomaceous earth is derived from them.

Multicellular Parasites

• Small eukaryotic animals, not microorganisms but included due to infectious nature.
• Often contracted from water, not person-to-person.
• Example:
  • Dracunculus medinensis (Guinea worm): Known for emerging from the foot, requires careful removal.
  • Near eradication due to improved water filtration.

Conclusion

• Overview of eukaryotic microorganisms relevant to microbiology.
• Understanding these organisms is crucial for recognizing and treating related diseases.