Assignment No: 03

Assignment Name: Microbes Album

Introduction: A microorganism is a living organism that can only be
seen using a microscope. Microorganisms are incredibly diverse and
include bacteria and fungi as well as archae, protists, plankton and some
amoebae. Viruses are not considered to be living organisms but are often
considered to be microorganisms because of their extremely small size.
Humans had long used microorganisms to make bread, cheese, yoghurt
wine and beer, but without knowing different types of micro-organism
and their characteristics. We are also discovering that microorganisms
are vital to the health of the planet by being an important part of nutrient
cycling.
Beneficial Bacteria:
Lactobacillus rhamnosus
It is a Gram-positive, facultative
anaerobic bacterium belonging to the
genus Lactobacillus with a
distinctive structure.

Bacillus coagulans
It is a type of bacteria that falls under
the genus Bacillus. It is a Gram-
positive, spore-forming bacterium.

Lactobacillus reuteri
It is a Gram-positive, rod-shaped
bacterium belonging to the
Lactobacillus genus.
 Streptococcus thermophilus
It is a gram-positive, spherical to ovoid
nonmotile bacterium. It plays a crucial
role in the production of fermented
dairy products like yogurt and cheese.
Bifidobacterium longum
It is a gram-positive, rod-shaped
bacterium belonging to the
Bifidobacterium genus.

Spoilage Bacteria:
Pseudomonas fragi
This genus of bacteria is a major
spoilage organism for a wide variety
of foods, including meat, poultry,
fruits, and vegetables. Pseudomonads
can cause slime formation,
discoloration, and off-odors.
Staphylococcus aureus
This bacterium is a common cause of
foodborne illness, but it can also spoil
food by producing toxins and enzymes
that break down proteins and fats.

Leuconostoc citreum
It is a genus of gram-positive, non-
motile, lactic acid bacteria. This
diverse group plays a significant role
in various fermentation processes and
with food spoilage.
 Micrococcus luteus
This is a prominent spoilage bacterium
in various meat products, including
sausages, ham, and bacon. It produces
pigments that can lead to discoloration
of the food and generates off-flavors.

Enterobacter cloacae
This species is also a common
spoilage bacterium, particularly in
meat, poultry, and fish. It can
produce enzymes that degrade food
components

Pathogenesis Bacteria:
Clostridium botulinum
This is a gram-positive, anaerobic, spore-
forming bacterium. It can produce one of
the most potent toxins known botulinum
toxin. This toxin is responsible for the
potentially fatal illness botulism.

Clostridium perfringens
This is a gram-positive, spore-
forming, anaerobic bacterium found
in the environment and the intestines
of humans and animals. It can also
cause various illnesses, including
food poisoning, gas gangrene.
 Escherichia Coli
This is a gram-negative, rod-shaped,
facultative anaerobic bacterium
commonly found in the lower intestine of
warm-blooded organisms. Some strains
can cause various illnesses, including
food poisoning and pneumonia.
Listeria monocytogenes
This is a Gram-positive, rod-shaped
bacterium that can cause the
foodborne illness listeriosis. It is a
facultative anaerobe, meaning it can
grow in both the presence and
absence of oxygen.

Salmonella
This is a genus of Gram-negative, rod-
shaped bacteria that can cause foodborne
illness, also known as salmonellosis. It is
a major public health concern, causing an
estimated 1.35 million illnesses in the
United States each year.

Toxin Producing Bacteria:

Salmonella enterica
This is a species of Gram-negative,
rod-shaped bacteria within the genus
Salmonella. It is a major foodborne
pathogen, causing significant illness
and economic burden worldwide.
 Vibrio cholerae
Produces cholera toxin, which causes
cholera. Cholera is a waterborne
disease characterized by severe
diarrhea and dehydration.

Shigella
It is a genus of gram-negative, non-
motile bacteria that cause shigellosis,
an intestinal infection also known as
bacillary dysentery.

Bacillus anthracis
This is a gram-positive, spore-
forming bacterium that causes
anthrax, a serious and potentially fatal
disease affecting animals and humans.
Clostridium difficile
Produces toxins A and B, which are
associated with antibiotic-associated
diarrhea and colitis. Infections with C.
difficile can range from mild diarrhea
to life-threatening pseudomembranous
colitis.

Probiotic Bacteria:
Lactobacillus acidophilus
This is a valuable probiotic bacterium
with numerous potential health
benefits. It plays a crucial role in
maintaining gut health and may offer
additional benefits for various
conditions.
Bifidobacterium bifidum
It is a valuable probiotic bacterium
with numerous potential health
benefits. By contributing to a healthy
gut microbiome, it can support
digestive health, immune function,
and overall well-being.

Bifidobacterium lactis
This is a gram-positive, rod-shaped
bacterium belonging to the
Bifidobacterium genus. It is a powerful
probiotic bacterium with numerous
potential health benefits.

Lactococcus lactis
It is a remarkable bacterium with
significant implications for food
production, human health, and
various other fields. Its ability to
ferment food, contribute to flavor and
texture, and potentially offer health
benefits makes it a valuable microbe
deserving of our appreciation.

Lactococcus helveticus
This is a gram-positive, spherical
bacterium with important roles in both
food production and health.It plays a
crucial role in the production of
various fermented dairy products
especially cheese
Pigment Bacteria:
Flavobacterium akiainvivens
It is a gram-negative, rod-shaped
bacterium belonging to the
Flavobacteriaceae family. While not
commonly used as a pigment itself,
it plays a role in the production of a
pigment called zeaxanthin.
Serratia marcescens
This is a gram-negative, rod-shaped
bacterium belonging to the family
Enterobacteriaceae. It is known for its
distinctive feature: the production of a
red pigment called prodigiosin.

Rhodotorula spp.
They are a group of yeasts known
for their vibrant red, pink, orange,
and yellow colors. These colors are
derived from pigments produced by
the yeast, making them a valuable
source of natural pigments for
various applications.

Penicillium oxalicum
It is a filamentous fungus commonly
associated with the blue-green mold
found on citrus fruits like oranges. While
it may not be the most appealing sight on
a fruit, this fungus holds interesting
potential beyond its role in spoilage.
Corynebacterium insidiosum
This is a gram-positive bacterium
known for its role in causing skin
infections, particularly in animals.
However, recent research suggests it
might harbor a hidden talent: the
ability to produce blue pigments.

Anaerobic Bacteria:
Clostridium tetani
This is a rod-shaped, gram-positive,
anaerobic bacterium known for
causing tetanus, a potentially fatal
disease that affects the nervous system.
Bacteroides fragilis
Bacteroides fragilis is a gram-negative,
rod-shaped, anaerobic bacterium
commonly found in the human gut
microbiome.

Propionibacterium acnes
Propionibacterium acnes, previously
known as Cutibacterium acnes, is a
gram-positive, anaerobic bacterium
that thrives in the human skin
microbiome.
Fusobacterium
Fusobacterium is a genus of gram-
negative, rod-shaped bacteria known
for their obligate anaerobic
metabolism. This means they require
an oxygen-free environment to thrive.
 Peptostreptococcus anaerobius
This is a gram-positive, anaerobic
bacterium commonly found in the
human body. It is a member of the
Peptostreptococcaceae family and is
frequently isolated from various
clinical specimens.

Aerobic Bacteria:
Enterobacter aerogenes
It is a gram-negative, rod-shaped
bacterium belonging to the
Enterobacteriaceae family. It's a
versatile bacterium and plays diverse
roles, ranging from beneficial to
potentially harmful.

Proteus vulgaris
This is a gram-negative, rod-shape
bacterium belonging to th
Enterobacteriaceae family. It's a highl
motile organism known for its characterist
"swarming" behavior and its ability to utiliz
various substrates for growth.

Streptococcus epidermidis
This is a gram-positive, spherical
bacterium commonly found on human
skin. It is a coagulase-negative
staphylococcus (CoNS), meaning it
does not produce the enzyme
coagulase.
 Klebsiella pneumoniae
Klebsiella pneumoniae is a gram-
negative, rod-shaped bacterium
commonly found in the environment
and the human gut microbiome.

Mycobacterium tuberculosis
This is a gram-positive, rod-shaped,
aerobic bacterium that causes
tuberculosis (TB), a potentially fatal
infectious disease.

Micro-aerophilic Bacteria:
Streptococcus oralis
This is a Gram-positive bacterium that
is commonly found in the human oral
cavity. It is a member of the
Streptococcus mitis group and belongs
to the viridans group of streptococci.

Campylobacter jejuni
This is a Gram-negative, spiral-shaped
bacterium that is the most common
bacterial cause of human gastroenteritis.
It is also a leading cause of traveler's
diarrhea.
Helicobacter pylori
This is a spiral-shaped, Gram-
negative bacterium that lives in the
stomach. It is the most common cause
of peptic ulcers and gastritis, and it is
also a risk factor for stomach cancer.
Haemophilus influenzae
H. influenzae is a gram-negative, rod-
shaped bacterium that can cause a
variety of illnesses like sinusitis,
bronchitis etc.

Mycobacterium ulcerans
It is a slow-growing bacterium that
causes a skin disease known as Buruli
ulcer. This ulcer is a chronic,
debilitating condition that can lead to
significant disfigurement and
disability.

Spore-forming Bacteria:
Bacillus subtilis
This is a Gram-positive, rod-shaped
bacterium commonly found in soil, the
gastrointestinal tract of humans, and
marine sponges. It is a spore-forming
bacterium, meaning it can form
dormant spores that are resistant to
harsh environmental conditions.
Bacillus cereus
This is a Gram-positive, rod-shaped
bacterium commonly found in soil,
plants, and food. It is a spore-forming
bacterium, meaning it can form
dormant spores that are resistant to
harsh environmental conditions,
including high temperatures and
drying.
Non-spore forming Bacteria:
Acinetobacter baumannii
It is a Gram-negative, coccobacillus-
shaped bacterium that is a common
cause of hospital-acquired infections
(HAIs). It is a member of the
ESKAPE group of pathogens, which
are bacteria that are highly resistant to
antimicrobial agents.

Actinomyces
This is a genus of Gram-positive,
filamentous, anaerobic or
microaerophilic bacteria. They are
commonly found in the human
mouth, gastrointestinal tract, and
genitourinary tract as part of the
normal microbiota.
Enterococcus faecium
E. faecium is a Gram-positive, cocci-
shaped bacterium that is commonly
found in the gastrointestinal tract of
humans and animals. It is a member
of the normal gut flora, but it can also
cause a variety of infections,
especially in hospitalized patients and
people with weakened immune
systems.

Conclusion: Microorganisms are diverse and essential for the health of our
planet and our lives. Understanding these tiny organisms is crucial for
addressing global challenges and developing sustainable solutions for the
future.