NURSES' TRAINING COLLEGE -HO

GROUP 17 PRESENTATION BY:

AGUDOR BERTHA( RGN)

JOHN - BRIGHT AMEGAYIE(RGN)

ADORSOO JOSEPH KORSI (RGN)

BOATRIE HERBERT MENSAH(PHN)

TSIETU FLORENCE WORLANYO(PHN)

LOIS MARTHA AMOAH(PHN)

DANKWAH NADIA (RGN)

ATUTORNU BERNICE(RGN)

FOLI PATRICIA (RGN)

FUMADOR PATIENCE (RGN)

01/11/2023.
 OBJECTIVES

 Introduction to microbiology.

 Types of microorganisms and their

examples .

 Benefits of microorganisms to human and

environment .

 Harmful effects of microorganisms to human

and the environment.
 INTRODUCTION TO MICROBIOLOGY
Microbiology is the branch of biology that deals with the study of
microorganisms.. It encompasses various sub-disciplines, including
microbial physiology, microbial genetics, medical microbiology,
environmental microbiology, industrial microbiology, and immunology.

Microbiology explores the structure, function, and behavior of

microorganisms, their interactions with other organisms and the
environment, their role in causing diseases, and their use in various
biotechnological applications.
 TYPES OF MICROORGANISM
 BACTERIA

I. Escherichia coli (E. coli): Found in the intestines of humans and animals.

II. Streptococcus pyogenes: Causes strep throat and other infections.

III. Bacillus anthracis: Causes anthrax.

IV. Mycobacterium tuberculosis: Causes tuberculosis.

 VIRUSES

I. Influenza virus: Causes the flu

II. Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV): Causes AIDS.

III. SARS-CoV-2: Causes COVID-19.

IV. Hepatitis C virus: Causes hepatitis C

 FUNGI

I. Candida albicans: Causes yeast infections.

II. Aspergillus: A common cause of fungal lung infections.

III. Trichophyton rubrum: Causes athlete's foot and jock itch.

IV. Saccharomyces cerevisiae: A type of yeast used in baking and brewing.

 CONT'D
 PROTOZOA

I. Plasmodium falciparum: Causes malaria.

II. Entamoeba histolytica: Causes amoebic dysentery.

III. Trypanosoma cruzi: Causes Chagas disease.

IV. -Giardia lamblia: Causes giardiasis.

 PARASITE

I. Plasmodium species: The parasites responsible for malaria.

II. - Toxoplasma gondii: Can cause toxoplasmosis.

III. -Schistosoma mansoni: Causes schistosomiasis.

IV. - Pediculus humanus capitis: Causes head lice infestation.

 ARCHAE

I. Methanogens: Archaea that produce methane and can be found in the digestive tracts of animals.

II. - Thermococcus litoralis: A type of archaea that lives in hot, deep-sea hydrothermal vents.

 ALGAE

I. Chlorella vulgaris: A green algae species used as a food supplement.

 BENEFITS OF MICROORGANISMS TO HUMAN AND THE ENVIRONMENT

 Nutrient cycling: Microorganisms play a vital role in recycling nutrients in ecosystems. They break down organic matter into simpler
forms, releasing essential elements like carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus back into the environment. This process ensures the
availability of nutrients for other living organisms.

 Human Health: Microorganisms play a crucial role in maintaining human health. The gut microbiota, a complex community of
microorganisms residing in our digestive system, helps in digestion, nutrient absorption, and the synthesis of certain vitamins.
Additionally, some microorganisms are used in the production of antibiotics and other drugs that are essential for treating various
diseases.

 Industrial applications: Microorganisms have a wide range of industrial applications. They are used to produce enzymes, biofuels,
bioplastics, and various chemicals. Additionally, certain bacteria are employed in wastewater treatment plants to break down organic
matter and purify water.

 Agriculture and crop productivity: Microorganisms play a significant role in agriculture. They contribute to the decomposition of
organic matter, enhance soil fertility, and assist in nutrient cycling. Some microorganisms form beneficial relationships with plant
roots, promoting growth and protecting against pathogens. This can lead to increased crop yields and reduced reliance on chemical
fertilizers and pesticides.

 . Research and biotechnology: Microorganisms offer valuable research tools for studying fundamental biological processes. They are
used as model systems in genetics, biochemistry, and molecular biology. Moreover, microorganisms serve as hosts for the production
of recombinant proteins and other biotechnological applications

 .Food production: Microorganisms are involved in various food production processes. They are responsible for fermentation, which is
used to produce foods like bread, cheese, yogurt, sauerkraut, and soy sauce. Microbes are also used in the production of probiotics
and dietary supplements that promote gut health.
 HARMFUL EFFECTS OF MICROORGANISMS TO HUMAN AND THE ENVIRONMENT
 Contamination of water sources: Some microorganisms, such as certain strains of bacteria and protozoa, can
contaminate water sources and cause waterborne diseases like cholera, dysentery, and giardiasis. This poses a significant
risk to human health, particularly in areas with inadequate sanitation and water treatment facilities

 Environmental disruptions: Certain microorganisms can disrupt ecosystems and have negative impacts on biodiversity.
For instance, harmful algal blooms (HABs) can occur due to excessive growth of certain algae, leading to oxygen
depletion in water bodies and fish kills.

 Agricultural crop losses: Plant diseases caused by harmful microorganisms can lead to significant crop losses and
reduced agricultural productivity. Various fungi, bacteria, viruses, and nematodes can infect plants, causing rot, wilting,
leaf spots, and stunted growth.

 Disease-causing pathogens: Certain microorganisms, such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi, can cause diseases in humans,
animals, and plants. For instance, bacteria like Salmonella and Escherichia coli (E. coli) can cause foodborne illnesses,
while viruses like influenza and COVID-19 can spread and cause severe respiratory infections

 Food spoilage: Microorganisms can spoil food by degrading its quality, flavor, and nutritional value. Bacteria, molds, and
yeasts are particularly responsible for food spoilage. This can lead to economic losses and pose health risks if spoiled
food is consumed.

 Biowarfare and bioterrorism: Certain microorganisms can be used as weapons, causing widespread illness and death.
Examples include anthrax, smallpox, and ricin.
 CONT'D
 Release of genetically modified organisms (GMOs): Microbiology is involved in genetic engineering and the
creation of genetically modified organisms (GMOs). While GMOs have the potential to offer benefits such
as improved crop yield or disease resistance, there are concerns about unintended environmental
consequences. The accidental release or inadequate containment of GMOs can lead to the spread of
modified genes to wild populations or ecosystems, with unforeseen ecological impacts..

 Biodegradation of materials:Biodegradation is the degradation of the materials into environmentally

acceptable products such as water, carbon dioxide, and biomass by the action of naturally available
microorganisms under normal environmental conditions. While microorganisms are essential for natural
decomposition, they can also breakdown human-made materials, causing damage to infrastructure such as
building and pipelines.
THANK YOU