Bacteria are among the oldest living organisms on Earth, and are very small. Because the bacteria structure is so minute, it can only be seen through a microscope. Bacteria is commonly found in the ground, water and in other living organisms. While some types of bacteria can cause diseases and become harmful to the environment, animals and humans, others offer benefits that we likely could not live without.
Some types of bacteria can attack plants, causing diseases like leaf spot and fireblight.
In human hosts, certain types of bacteria can cause tetanus, pneumonia, syphilis, tuberculosis and other illnesses. As long as the host is not infected with antibiotic resistant bacteria, they can be treated with antibiotics, which kill bacteria or at least hamper their growth. Antiseptics, sterilization and disinfectants can help prevent contamination and risk of infection from bacteria.
The term “friendly bacteria” is used to describe the types of bacteria that offer some benefit. Not only does bacteria help produce the food we eat and keeps the soil fertile, it also helps us digest our food. Bacteria in our digestive system help to convert milk protein into lactic acid and inhibit the growth of potentially harmful bacteria.
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