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.

II. - Sargassum: A brown algae found in the Sargasso Sea.

 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