Types of Bacteria in the Environment
- Some bacteria are the cause of fatal diseases.Bacteria Colonies image by ggw from Fotolia.com
Bacteria exist in many places, including the home, the outdoors, at work, the gym, and even inside the human body. Bacteria such as probiotics are beneficial and necessary for the promotion of a healthy digestive system, while others can cause potentially fatal diseases. - Lactobacillus acidophilus is found in milk and fermented milk products.Milk, milk and hands image by Mykola Velychko from Fotolia.com
Lactobacillus acidophilus is a non-harmful bacteria found in milk and fermented milk products. Some yogurt have live cultures of this bacteria, which are taken as a supplement. This is because Lactobacillus acidophilus also naturally occurs in the intestine and vagina. It aids in the digestive process by helping to break down food while keeping harmful bacteria at bay through the production of lactic acid and hydrogen peroxide. These chemicals create an unpleasant environment for harmful bacteria to thrive in. When people take antibiotics, they destroy all types of bacteria, including Lactobacillus acidophilus, which is a good bacteria. Taking probiotics helps replenish the low levels of this culture. - Wash your hands after using the toilet.Toilet bowl and bidet in a toilet image by terex from Fotolia.com
E. coli is a type of bacteria found in contaminated water, unpasteurized milk, raw beef and infected vegetables. E. coli is highly contagious and can be transmitted from an infected people to non-infected people through contact. The bacteria causes diarrhea, abdominal cramps and vomiting. When infected people use the toilet without washing their hands, they may transmit the bacteria to other people through touch. For instance, if a person infected with E. coil touches a spoon or plate that a healthy person will use to eat, the bacteria will spread to the healthy person. he effects of E. coli are particularly hard on children, the elderly and people with compromised immune systems. - Legionella pneumophila can be found in infected swimming pools.swimming pool image by apeschi from Fotolia.com
Legionella pneumophila is a type of bacteria that causes an infection known as legionellosis. The bacteria is found in warm water areas like poorly maintained spas, hot tubs and air conditioning systems in large buildings. Legionellosis can also be found in swimming pools that are not properly treated. People become infected with the bacteria when they inhale the mist from water that has the bacteria in it. Legionellosis can be mild or severe. In its mild form, the disease causes Pontiac fever, while it causes pneumonia in its severe form.
