Microbiology

Presented by : Fatima Imtiaz (70142392) Sarim Ali (70141505)

Vaneeza Haroon(70142069) M. Umar (70142435)
M. Irshad Mehdi (70141581) M.Hussain (70141540)

Submitted by : Mr. Muhammad Azam Sb.

Human and Microbial Interaction
Objectives:
Introduction

 Define normal flora of the body.

Differentiate between resident and transient normal flora.

 Beneficial role of normal flora.

 Define nosocomial infections.

Measures to control nosocomial infections.

Describe some pathogenic microbes and diseases i.e. tetanus, typhoid, cholera, diphtheria,

tuberculosis, pertussis, mumps, measles, polio, influenza ascariasis, teaniasis and

dermatomycosis.
Introduction
Human and microbial interactions refer to the relationships between humans and
microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other microorganisms. These
interactions can be beneficial, harmful, or neutral, and they can occur in various
settings, including the human body, the environment, and food production.

 In the human body, the microbiome is a collection of microorganisms that live on

and inside us. These microorganisms play important roles in digestion, immunity, and
metabolism. However, some microbes can also cause infections and diseases .
In the environment, microorganisms play critical roles in nutrient cycling,

decomposition, and other ecological processes. However, they can also cause
environmental problems such as pollution and disease outbreaks.

In food production, microorganisms can be used to produce fermented foods, such

as yogurt and cheese. However, some microorganisms can also contaminate food
and cause foodborne illnesses.
Normal Flora

Normal flora refers to the microorganisms that naturally inhabit the body of a
healthy individual without causing any harm. These microorganisms include
bacteria, fungi, and viruses and are found in various parts of the body such as the
skin, mouth, nose, gastrointestinal tract, and genitalia.

The normal flora play an important role in maintaining the health of the body by

Helping with digestion and absorption of nutrients in the gut.

Stimulating the immune system to protect against harmful pathogens.

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Producing vitamins and other essential nutrients.

Preventing colonization of harmful bacteria by competing for nutrients and
attachment sites.
However under certain conditions the normal flora can become pathogenic and cause
infections.
For example: When the immune system is weakened, or when the normal balance of
the microorganisms is disrupted due to the use of antibiotics, it can lead to
overgrowth of harmful bacteria, resulting in infections.
Differentiate resident and transient normal flora:
Resident flora:

 Resident flora, also known as normal flora, refers to the microorganisms that normally reside on

or within the human body without causing disease or harm. These microorganisms include
bacteria, fungi, and viruses, and they are found in various parts of the body, such as the skin,
mouth, gastrointestinal tract, and genital tract.

 Resident flora help to prevent colonization by harmful microorganisms, aid in the digestion of

food, and contribute to the immune system by producing antimicrobial substances. The
composition of the resident flora can vary depending on factors such as age, diet, hygiene, and
use of antibiotics.
Location:
The resident flora is found in various parts of the human body, including:

1. Skin: The skin is home to a diverse population of bacteria, fungi, and viruses. The resident flora
on the skin plays an important role in protecting against invading microorganisms.

2. Mouth and oral cavity: The oral cavity contains a complex microbial ecosystem, including
bacteria, fungi, and viruses, which play a role in maintaining oral health.

3. Gastrointestinal tract: The gastrointestinal tract contains a large and diverse population of
microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, and viruses, which help in digestion, absorption of
nutrients, and maintaining the immune system.
 Conti …

4. Respiratory tract: The respiratory tract, including the nose and lungs, is home to a
diverse population of microorganisms that play a role in respiratory health.

5. Genital tract: The genital tract of both males and females contains a complex
ecosystem of microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, and viruses, which help to
maintain a healthy environment and prevent infections. The composition of the resident
flora can vary depending on the location and other factors, such as age, diet, hygiene,
and use of antibiotics.
Effects:

The resident flora has both positive and negative effects on the human body, depending on
various factors, such as the type and location of microorganisms and the balance of the
microbiome.

Here are some of the effects of resident flora on the human body:

1. Protection against pathogens: The resident flora can help to prevent the colonization of
harmful microorganisms by competing for space and resources. They can also produce
antimicrobial substances that kill or inhibit the growth of pathogenic microorganisms.
 Conti….
2. Digestion: The resident flora in the gastrointestinal tract plays an important role in the digestion and

absorption of nutrients. They can break down complex carbohydrates and fibers that the human body cannot

digest on its own.

3. Immune system: The resident flora can stimulate the immune system by producing substances that activate

immune cells and help to maintain a healthy immune response.

4. Disease: The disruption of the resident flora.

For example: An imbalance in the microbiome has been linked to various health conditions, such as

inflammatory bowel disease, allergies, and obesity.

5. Metabolism: The resident flora can also have an impact on metabolism and energy balance.
Transient flora

Transient flora, also known as temporary flora, refers to microorganisms that are
present on the human body for a short period of time, usually a few hours to a few days.
These microorganisms are acquired from the environment, other people, or animals
and can include bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites.

Examples of transient:

Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Streptococcus pyogenes, which are

commonly found in the environment and can cause infections such as skin infections,
urinary tract infections, and respiratory infections.
Location:
Transient flora can be found in various locations on the human body, including:
1. Skin: The skin is a major site for transient flora colonization. Microorganisms can be
picked up from surfaces and objects in the environment and can be present on the skin
surface.
2. Mouth and oral cavity: The oral cavity can harbor transient flora that are acquired
through food, water, or contact with other individuals.
3. Respiratory tract: Transient flora can be present in the upper respiratory tract,
including the nose and throat, and can be acquired through inhalation of airborne
particles or contact with contaminated surfaces.
 Conti…

4. Genital tract: Transient flora can be present in the genital tract and can be acquired
through sexual contact or contact with contaminated objects.

5. Gastrointestinal tract: Transient flora can be present in the gastrointestinal tract and
can be acquired through ingestion of contaminated food or water.
Effects:
Transient flora can have both positive and negative effects on the human body. Here are some
of the effects of transient flora:

1. Infections: Transient flora can cause infections if they enter the body through wounds,
invasive medical procedures, or ingestion. Examples of infections caused by transient flora
include skin infections, urinary tract infections, respiratory infections, and gastrointestinal
infections.

2. Immune system: Exposure to transient flora can stimulate the immune system and promote
the development of immune responses against specific microorganisms. This can help to
improve the immune system's ability to fight infections.
 Conti…
3. Disruption of resident flora: Transient flora can disrupt the balance of the resident flora,
which can lead to infections and other health problems.

4. Probiotics: Some transient flora can have probiotic properties, meaning they can provide
health benefits to the host by improving digestion and immune function.

5. Environmental monitoring: Transient flora can be used as indicators of environmental

contamination in food processing facilities, hospitals, and other settings where the risk of
infection transmission is high.
Beneficial role of normal flora:
Normal flora, also known as commensal microbiota, refers to the microorganisms that reside in or on
the body of a healthy individual without causing disease. These microorganisms include bacteria,
viruses, fungi, and protozoa.

1. Protection from pathogens: Normal flora can outcompete harmful pathogens for resources, such as
nutrients and space. They can also produce substances that inhibit the growth of pathogenic bacteria,
viruses, and fungi, and thus help protect the body from infections.
2. Digestion and absorption of nutrients: Normal flora can help break down complex carbohydrates
and proteins in our diet, which the body cannot digest on its own. These microorganisms produce
enzymes that break down these nutrients into simpler compounds that the body can absorb and use.
 CONTI…

3. Development and maintenance of the immune system: Normal flora play a crucial
role in the development and maintenance of the immune system. They help to stimulate
the production of antibodies and immune cells, which can help protect the body against
infections.
4. Regulation of the gut environment: Normal flora can help regulate the pH balance of
the gut, which can have a significant impact on digestion and nutrient absorption. They
can also help to maintain the integrity of the gut lining, which can help prevent the entry
of harmful pathogens and toxins into the bloodstream.
5. Production of vitamins: Normal flora can produce vitamins such as vitamin K and
some B vitamins, which are essential for various metabolic processes in the body.
Nosocomial infections:
 Nosocomial infections, also known as healthcare-associated infections (HAIs), are

infections that are acquired in a hospital or healthcare facility by patients who were
admitted for other reasons. These infections occur due to the interactions between humans
and microorganisms.

 Nosocomial infections can be caused by a variety of microorganisms such as bacteria,

viruses, and fungi. They can be spread through direct contact with an infected person,
contaminated surfaces, or equipment. Some of the most common types of nosocomial
infections include surgical site infections, urinary tract infections, bloodstream infections,
and pneumonia.
 CONTI…

 The risk of nosocomial infections can be reduced by proper hand hygiene, appropriate use

of antibiotics, proper cleaning and disinfection of equipment and facilities, and isolation of
infected patients. Preventing these infections is important to improve patient outcomes,
reduce healthcare costs, and limit the spread of antimicrobial resistance.
Measures to control nosocomial infections:
Nosocomial infections, also known as healthcare-associated infections (HAI), are infections
that occur in patients during or after receiving medical treatment.

1. Hand hygiene: Hand hygiene is the most important measure to prevent the spread of
nosocomial infections. Healthcare workers should wash their hands thoroughly with soap
and water or use alcohol-based hand rubs before and after caring for each patient.

2. Isolation precautions: Patients with infectious diseases should be placed in isolation

rooms to prevent the spread of infection to other patients. Healthcare workers should wear
gloves, gowns, masks, and eye protection when caring for patients with infectious diseases.
 Conti…

3. Environmental cleaning: Environmental surfaces and equipment should be cleaned and

disinfected regularly to prevent the spread of infection. Healthcare workers should follow
established cleaning and disinfection protocols.

4. Antimicrobial stewardship: Antimicrobial stewardship programs aim to optimize the use

of antibiotics to prevent the emergence and spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Healthcare
professionals should prescribe antibiotics only when necessary and use them appropriately.
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5. Education and training: Healthcare workers should receive regular education and training
on infection prevention and control measures. They should be familiar with the signs and
symptoms of nosocomial infections and know how to prevent their spread.

6. Immunization: Healthcare workers should be immunized against vaccine-preventable

diseases such as influenza, hepatitis B, and measles. Immunization can prevent the spread of
these diseases in healthcare settings.

7. Surveillance: Healthcare facilities should have a surveillance system to monitor the

incidence of nosocomial infections. This system can identify trends and outbreaks and guide
infection prevention and control measures.
Pathogenic microbes and diseases:

Tetanus:

Tetanus is a serious bacterial infection caused by the Clostridium tetani bacterium, which produces a toxin

that affects the nervous system. It can cause severe muscle spasms and stiffness, particularly in the jaw and

neck, which can make it difficult to breathe and swallow.

Typhoid:

Typhoid fever is a bacterial infection caused by the bacterium Salmonella enterica serotype Typhi. It is

spread through contaminated food or water, and it primarily affects the intestinal tract and the bloodstream.
 Cholera:

Cholera is a bacterial disease caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae. The disease is
typically spread through contaminated water or food, and is most common in areas with poor
sanitation and limited access to clean drinking water.

 Diphtheria

Diphtheria is a serious bacterial infection caused by the bacterium Corynebacterium

diphtheriae. It can affect the mucous membranes in the nose and throat, as well as the skin.
Diphtheria can be spread through contact with respiratory secretions or skin lesions of an
infected person.
 Tuberculosis:

Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease caused by a bacterium called Mycobacterium tuberculosis. TB

usually affects the lungs, but it can also affect other parts of the body such as the brain, spine, and kidneys.

 Pertussis:

Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, is a highly contagious respiratory disease caused by the bacterium
Bordetella pertussis. It is spread through airborne droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes.

 Mumps:

Mumps is a viral infection that primarily affects the salivary glands, located in the cheeks and jaw. It is caused
by the mumps virus, which is a single-stranded RNA virus belonging to the Paramyxoviridae family. Mumps is
highly contagious and is spread through respiratory droplets or direct contact with an infected person's saliva.
 Measles:

Measles is a highly contagious viral disease that is caused by the measles virus. It is characterized
by symptoms such as high fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, and a distinctive rash that typically
appears on the face and then spreads to the rest of the body. Measles can lead to serious
complications, such as pneumonia, encephalitis (inflammation of the brain), and death,
particularly in young children and people with weakened immune systems.

 Polio:

Polio short for poliomyelitis, is a highly infectious viral disease that affects the nervous system
and can cause paralysis. The virus is usually transmitted through contaminated food and water or
contact with an infected person's feces. Polio primarily affects children under the age of five, but
can also affect adults.
 Influenza ascariasis:

Influenza, also known as the flu, is a highly contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It can cause a range of

symptoms, from mild to severe, including fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills, and

fatigue. Influenza can be prevented by getting a yearly flu vaccine and can be treated with antiviral medications if caught early.

 Taeniasis:

Taeniasis is a type of parasitic infection caused by tapeworms belonging to the Taenia genus, including Taenia saginata (beef

tapeworm) and Taenia solium (pork tapeworm). These tapeworms can live in the human intestine for years and grow up to

several meters long.

 Dermatomycosis:

Dermatomycosis also known as dermatophytosis, is a fungal infection of the skin caused by a group of fungi called

dermatophytes. These fungi feed on keratin, a protein found in the outer layer of skin, hair, and nails. The infection can occur

on any part of the body but commonly affects the feet, groin, and scalp.
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