What types of bacteria are there? Beneficial bacteria that live in the human body. Gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria

Bacteria are very small, incredibly ancient and to some extent quite simple microorganisms. According to modern classification they were separated into a separate domain of organisms, which indicates a significant difference between bacteria and other forms of life.

Bacteria are the most common and, accordingly, the most numerous living organisms; they are, without exaggeration, omnipresent and thrive in any environment: water, air, earth, as well as inside other organisms. So in one drop of water their number can reach several million, and in the human body there are about ten more of them than all our cells.

What are bacteria?

These are microscopic, mainly single-celled organisms, the main difference of which is the absence of a cell nucleus. The basis of the cell, the cytoplasm contains ribosomes and a nucleoid, which serves as the genetic material of bacteria. All this is separated from the outside world by a cytoplasmic membrane or plasmalemma, which in turn is covered with a cell wall and a denser capsule. Some types of bacteria have external flagella; their number and size can vary greatly, but their purpose is always the same - they help bacteria move.

Structure and contents of a bacterial cell

What are bacteria?

Shapes and sizes

The shapes of different types of bacteria vary greatly: they can be round, rod-shaped, convoluted, stellate, tetrahedral, cubic, C- or O-shaped, or irregular.

Bacteria vary in size even more. So, Mycoplasma mycoides - the slightest appearance throughout the kingdom has a length of 0.1 - 0.25 micrometers, and the largest bacterium Thiomargarita namibiensis reaches 0.75 mm - it can be seen even with the naked eye. On average, sizes range from 0.5 to 5 microns.

Metabolism or metabolism

In matters of energy production and nutrients bacteria exhibit extreme diversity. But at the same time, it is quite easy to generalize them by dividing them into several groups.

According to the method of obtaining nutrients (carbons), bacteria are divided into:
  • autotrophs- organisms that are capable of independently synthesizing all the organic substances they need for life;
  • heterotrophs- organisms that are capable of transforming only ready-made organic compounds, and therefore require the help of other organisms to produce these substances for them.
According to the method of obtaining energy:
  • phototrophs- organisms that produce the necessary energy as a result of photosynthesis
  • chemotrophs- organisms that produce energy by carrying out various chemical reactions.

How do bacteria reproduce?

Growth and reproduction in bacteria are closely related. Having reached a certain size, they begin to reproduce. In most types of bacteria, this process can occur extremely quickly. Cell division, for example, can occur in less than 10 minutes, and the number of new bacteria will grow exponentially as each new organism divides into two.

Select 3 various types reproduction:
  • division- one bacterium divides into two absolutely genetically identical ones.
  • budding- one or more buds (up to 4) are formed at the poles of the mother bacterium, while the mother cell ages and dies.
  • primitive sexual process- part of the DNA of the parent cells is transferred to the daughter cells, and a bacterium with a fundamentally new set of genes appears.

The first type is the most common and fastest, the latter is incredibly important, not only for bacteria, but for all life in general.

The entire set of bacteria that live in the human body is called microbiota. Healthy intestinal microflora consists of many bacteria. There are more than a million of them. Each microorganism plays a huge role in normalizing the functioning of the entire body. If the balance is disturbed and there is a lack of any bacteria, this leads to disturbances in the gastrointestinal tract. The pathogenic process begins to develop rapidly. All beneficial microorganisms are found mostly in the intestines, as well as on the surface of the skin and mucous membranes. The immune system is able to regulate required amount beneficial bacteria.

The microflora of the human body is populated by both beneficial and pathogenic organisms. At a certain concentration this is considered normal. There are useful and pathogenic bacteria. Of course, there are many more beneficial microorganisms in the intestines. Balance is only achieved when good microflora constitutes more than 95 percent of all microorganisms. There are the following types of bacteria that live in the human body:

  • lactobacilli;
  • bifidobacteria;
  • enterococci;
  • coli.

Bifidobacteria

They are the most common type of bacteria. They are directly involved in the formation of lactic acid and acetate. Bifidobacteria help create an acidic environment, which helps neutralize almost all pathogenic bacteria. In this case, the pathogenic flora can no longer develop further. The processes of decay and fermentation stop in the body.

Bifidobacteria are very important for the child's body. They are responsible for allergic reactions for various food products. They also have a good antioxidant effect and prevent the development of tumors.

This type of bacteria takes part in the synthesis of vitamin C. They help the rapid absorption of vitamins B and D, which take part in the formation of the child’s body. If there are few bifidobacteria in the body, then even synthetic vitamins will not be able to fully replenish their required amount.

Lactobacilli

These microorganisms also play quite important role in the normal functioning of the body. They are able to interact with other good bacteria that inhabit the intestines. At the same time, they block the development of pathogenic microflora and suppress the activity of bacteria that cause intestinal diseases.

Lactobacilli take part in the formation of lysozyme, lactic acid and some vitamins. They are excellent helpers for the immune system. A deficiency of these bacteria almost always leads to the development of dysbacteriosis.

Lactobacilli can often be found not only in the intestines, but also on the mucous membranes. This is very important factor, especially for women's health. With their help, the necessary acidity in the vagina is maintained. This helps prevent the development of diseases such as bacterial vaginosis.

Enterococci

Appear in the human body in the first days after birth. Promotes good absorption of sucrose. Most often, enterococci are found in the small intestine. By interacting with other good bacteria, they protect the body from the development of pathogenic microflora. However this type microorganisms are considered to be conditionally safe. If their concentration is exceeded, intestinal diseases develop.

Escherichia coli

Many types of such microorganisms do not contribute to the development of any diseases. In some cases, they also perform a protective function. Their usefulness lies in the synthesis of cocilin, which creates an obstacle to the proliferation of pathogenic microflora. Escherichia coli takes part in the synthesis of many vitamins, as well as nicotinic and folic acid. This is very important because folic acid responsible for the formation of red blood cells in the body, which helps maintain hemoglobin levels.

Positive effects of bacteria on the human body

Good bacteria have a lot of beneficial and required properties. The body is able to function normally as long as it maintains the necessary balance between the bacteria that inhabit the intestines and mucous membranes. A lot of them are involved in the most important process of vitamin synthesis. B vitamins cannot be absorbed normally without exposure to beneficial bacteria. Because of this, the level of hemoglobin in the blood may decrease, the skin may suffer, and disorders of the nervous system may occur.

Bacteria are able to break down undigested food components that reach the large intestine. Beneficial microorganisms help maintain water-salt balance in the body.

The intestinal microflora takes part in the formation of local immunity. Helps block the proliferation of pathogenic microorganisms. Therefore, people do not feel bloating and flatulence. An increase in the number of lymphocytes provokes the work of phagocytes, which consists of fighting harmful microbes. At the same time, some bacteria actively participate in the synthesis of immunoglobulin A.

Beneficial microorganisms have a positive effect on the functioning of the large and small intestines. With their help, it is possible to maintain the necessary acidity, as a result of which the epithelium becomes more resistant to the effects of harmful factors. Intestinal motility also depends on microorganisms. Bifidobacteria take part in blocking the processes of decay and fermentation in the body. Many bacteria are constantly in symbiosis with pathogens, controlling their effect on the body.

The overall balance of the body is maintained by biochemical reactions occurring in the body with the participation of bacteria. At the same time, it stands out thermal energy. The basis of nutrition for beneficial bacteria is the remains of undigested food.

Dysbacteriosis

Dysbacteriosis is usually called changes in the quantity and quality of bacteria. In this case a large number of good bacteria They simply die, and the bad ones begin to multiply quickly. Dysbacteriosis in many cases affects not only the intestines. It can appear in the oral cavity or on mucous membranes. Strepto- and staphylococci can be detected in the tests.

At in good condition The body's beneficial bacteria are able to completely regulate the proliferation of pathogens. Usually the airways and skin are protected. But if the balance is imbalanced, a person begins to feel some symptoms of a developing disease. Abdominal pain, bloating, and possible development of flatulence and diarrhea. Later, vitamin deficiency and anemia begin. Due to lack of appetite, weight rapidly decreases. Women may develop sexual dysfunction. Copious vaginal discharge appears. Often they have bad smell. The skin becomes dry. You can find roughness and cracks on it. In almost all cases, dysbiosis is one of the manifestations of long-term use of antibiotics.

At the first signs of illness, it is advisable to immediately consult a doctor. The doctor will prescribe all the necessary examinations, on the basis of which the maximum effective treatment dysbacteriosis. Most often in medicinal purposes Various probiotics are used.

Bacteria are the most numerous inhabitants of planet Earth. They inhabited it in ancient times and continue to exist today. Some species have even changed little since then. Bacteria, beneficial and harmful, literally surround us everywhere (and even penetrate into other organisms). With a rather primitive unicellular structure, they are probably one of the most effective forms living nature and stand out in a special kingdom.

Margin of safety

These microorganisms, as they say, do not drown in water and do not burn in fire. Literally: they can withstand temperatures up to plus 90 degrees, freezing, lack of oxygen, pressure - high and low. We can say that nature has invested a huge margin of safety in them.

Bacteria beneficial and harmful to the human body

As a rule, the bacteria that inhabit our bodies in abundance do not receive due attention. After all, they are so small that they seem to have no significant significance. Those who think so are largely mistaken. Beneficial and harmful bacteria have long and reliably “colonized” other organisms and successfully coexist with them. Yes, they cannot be seen without the help of optics, but they can cause harm to our body.

Who lives in the intestines?

Doctors say that if you add together just the bacteria that live in the intestines and weigh them, you get something like three kilograms! Such a huge army cannot be ignored. Many of the microorganisms continuously enter the environment, but only some species find favorable conditions for living and life there. And in the process of evolution, they even formed a permanent microflora, which is designed to perform important physiological functions.

"Wise" neighbors

Bacteria have long played an important role, although until very recently people had no idea about it. They help their owner with digestion and perform a number of other functions. What are these invisible neighbors?

Permanent microflora

99% of the population resides permanently in the intestines. They are ardent supporters and helpers of man.

  • Essential beneficial bacteria. Names: bifidobacteria and bacteroides. They are the vast majority.
  • Associated beneficial bacteria. Names: Escherichia coli, enterococci, lactobacilli. Their number should be 1-9% of the total.

It is also necessary to know that with appropriate negative conditions All of these representatives of the intestinal flora (with the exception of bifidobacteria) can cause diseases.

What are they doing?

The main functions of these bacteria are to help us in the digestion process. It has been noted that dysbiosis can occur in a person with poor nutrition. As a result - stagnation and constipation and other inconveniences. When a balanced diet is normalized, the disease usually recedes.

Another function of these bacteria is guard. They monitor which bacteria are beneficial. To ensure that “strangers” do not penetrate their community. If, for example, the causative agent of dysentery, Shigella Sonne, tries to penetrate the intestines, they kill it. However, it is worth noting that this only occurs in the body relatively healthy person, with good immunity. Otherwise, the risk of getting sick increases significantly.

Fickle microflora

Approximately 1% of the body of a healthy individual consists of so-called opportunistic microbes. They belong to the unstable microflora. Under normal conditions, they perform certain functions that do not harm humans and work for the benefit. But in certain situations they can manifest themselves as pests. These are mainly staphylococci and various types of fungi.

Dislocation in the gastrointestinal tract

In fact, the entire digestive tract has a heterogeneous and unstable microflora - beneficial and harmful bacteria. The esophagus contains the same inhabitants as in the oral cavity. In the stomach there are only a few that are acid-resistant: lactobacilli, Helicobacter, streptococci, fungi. The microflora in the small intestine is also sparse. Most bacteria are found in the colon. Thus, when defecating, a person is capable of excreting over 15 trillion microorganisms per day!

The role of bacteria in nature

It is also, of course, great. There are several global functions, without which all life on the planet would probably have ceased to exist long ago. The most important is sanitary. Bacteria eat dead organisms found in nature. They, in essence, work as a kind of wipers, preventing deposits of dead cells from accumulating. Scientifically they are called saprotrophs.

Another important role of bacteria is participation in the world on land and sea. On planet Earth, all substances in the biosphere pass from one organism to another. Without some bacteria, this transition would simply be impossible. The role of bacteria is invaluable, for example, in the circulation and reproduction of such important element, like nitrogen. There are certain bacteria in the soil that make nitrogenous fertilizers for plants from nitrogen in the air (microorganisms live right in their roots). This symbiosis between plants and bacteria is being studied by science.

Participation in food chains

As already mentioned, bacteria are the most numerous inhabitants of the biosphere. And accordingly, they can and should participate in the inherent nature of animals and plants. Of course, for humans, for example, bacteria are not a main part of the diet (unless they can be used as a food additive). However, there are organisms that feed on bacteria. These organisms, in turn, feed on other animals.

Cyanobacteria

These (an outdated name for these bacteria, fundamentally incorrect from a scientific point of view) are capable of producing huge amounts of oxygen as a result of photosynthesis. Once upon a time, it was they who began to saturate our atmosphere with oxygen. Cyanobacteria continue to do this successfully to this day, producing a certain portion of the oxygen in the modern atmosphere!

What bacteria are there: types of bacteria, their classification

Bacteria are tiny microorganisms that appeared many thousands of years ago. It is impossible to see microbes with the naked eye, but we should not forget about their existence. There are a huge number of bacilli. The science of microbiology deals with their classification, study, varieties, structural features and physiology.

Microorganisms are called differently, depending on their type of action and function. Under a microscope, you can observe how these small creatures interact with each other. The first microorganisms were quite primitive in form, but their importance should in no case be underestimated. From the very beginning, bacilli developed, created colonies, and tried to survive in changing climatic conditions. Different vibrios are able to exchange amino acids in order to grow and develop normally.

Today it is difficult to say how many species of these microorganisms there are on earth (this number exceeds a million), but the most famous ones and their names are familiar to almost every person. It doesn’t matter what kind of microbes there are or what they are called, they all have one advantage - they live in colonies, which makes it much easier for them to adapt and survive.

First, let's figure out what microorganisms exist. The simplest classification is good and bad. In other words, those that are harmful to the human body cause many diseases, and those that are beneficial. Next we will talk in detail about what the main beneficial bacteria are and give their description.

You can also classify microorganisms according to their shape and characteristics. Many probably remember that in school textbooks there was a special table depicting various microorganisms, and next to them was the meaning and their role in nature. There are several types of bacteria:

  • cocci - small balls that resemble a chain, as they are located one after another;
  • rod-shaped;
  • spirilla, spirochetes (have a convoluted shape);
  • vibrios.

Bacteria of different shapes

We have already mentioned that one of the classifications divides microbes into types depending on their forms.

Bacillus bacteria also have some characteristics. For example, there are rod-shaped types with pointed poles, thickened, rounded or straight ends. As a rule, rod-shaped microbes are very different and are always in chaos, they do not line up in a chain (with the exception of streptobacilli), and do not attach to each other (except for diplobacilli).

To microorganisms spherical shapes microbiologists include streptococci, staphylococci, diplococci, gonococci. These can be pairs or long chains of balls.

Curved bacilli are spirilla, spirochetes. They are always active, but do not produce spores. Spirilla is safe for people and animals. You can distinguish spirilla from spirochetes if you pay attention to the number of whorls; they are less convoluted and have special flagella on their limbs.

Types of pathogenic bacteria

For example, a group of microorganisms called cocci, and more specifically streptococci and staphylococci, become the cause of real purulent diseases (furunculosis, streptococcal tonsillitis).

Anaerobes live and develop well without oxygen; for some types of these microorganisms, oxygen becomes fatal. Aerobic microbes require oxygen to thrive.

Archaea are practically colorless single-celled organisms.

You need to beware of pathogenic bacteria, because they cause infections; gram-negative microorganisms are considered resistant to antibodies. There is a lot of information about soil, putrefactive microorganisms, which can be harmful or beneficial.

In general, spirilla are not dangerous, but some species can cause sodoku.

Types of beneficial bacteria

Even schoolchildren know that bacilli can be useful and harmful. People know some names by ear (staphylococcus, streptococcus, plague bacillus). These are harmful creatures that interfere not only with the external environment, but also with humans. There are microscopic bacilli that cause food poisoning.

Must know useful information about lactic acid, food, probiotic microorganisms. For example, probiotics, in other words good organisms, are often used for medical purposes. You may ask: for what? They don't allow harmful bacteria multiply inside a person, strengthen the protective functions of the intestines, have a good effect on immune system person.

Bifidobacteria are also very beneficial for the intestines. Lactic acid vibrios include about 25 species. They are found in huge quantities in the human body, but are not dangerous. On the contrary, they protect the gastrointestinal tract from putrefactive and other microbes.

Speaking of good ones, one cannot fail to mention the huge species of streptomycetes. They are known to those who have taken chloramphenicol, erythromycin and similar drugs.

There are microorganisms such as azotobacter. They live in the soil for many years, have a beneficial effect on the soil, stimulate plant growth, and cleanse the soil of heavy metals. They are indispensable in medicine, agriculture, medicine, food industry.

Types of bacterial variability

By their nature, microbes are very fickle, they die quickly, they can be spontaneous or induced. We will not go into detail about the variability of bacteria, since this information is more interesting to those who are interested in microbiology and all its branches.

Types of bacteria for septic tanks

Residents of private houses understand the urgent need to treat wastewater, as well as cesspools. Today, you can quickly and efficiently clean drains using special bacteria for septic tanks. This is a huge relief for a person, since cleaning sewers is not a pleasant task.

We have already clarified where biological wastewater treatment is used, and now let’s talk about the system itself. Bacteria for septic tanks are grown in laboratories; they kill the unpleasant odor of wastewater and disinfect drainage wells, cesspools, reduce volume Wastewater. There are three types of bacteria that are used for septic tanks:

  • aerobic;
  • anaerobic;
  • live (bioactivators).

Very often people use combined cleaning methods. Strictly follow the instructions on the product, ensuring that the water level is conducive to the normal survival of bacteria. Also remember to use the drain at least once every two weeks to give the bacteria something to eat, otherwise they will die. Don't forget that chlorine from cleaning powders and liquids kills bacteria.

The most popular bacteria are Doctor Robic, Septifos, Waste Treat.

Types of bacteria in urine

In theory, there should be no bacteria in the urine, but after various actions and situations, tiny microorganisms settle wherever they please: in the vagina, in the nose, in water, and so on. If bacteria are detected during tests, this means that the person suffers from diseases of the kidneys, bladder or ureters. There are several ways that microorganisms enter the urine. Before treatment, it is very important to examine and accurately determine the type of bacteria and the route of entry. This can be determined by biological culture of urine, when bacteria are placed in a favorable habitat. Next, the reaction of bacteria to various antibiotics is checked.

We wish you to always remain healthy. Take care of yourself, wash your hands regularly, protect your body from harmful bacteria!

Most people associate the word “bacteria” with something unpleasant and a threat to health. At best, fermented milk products come to mind. At worst - dysbacteriosis, plague, dysentery and other troubles. But bacteria are everywhere, they are good and bad. What can microorganisms hide?

What are bacteria

Bacteria means “stick” in Greek. This name does not mean that harmful bacteria are meant.

They were given this name because of their shape. Most of these single cells look like rods. They also come in squares and star-shaped cells. For a billion years, bacteria do not change appearance, can only change internally. They can be movable or immobile. Bacteria On the outside it is covered with a thin shell. This allows it to maintain its shape. There is no nucleus or chlorophyll inside the cell. There are ribosomes, vacuoles, cytoplasmic outgrowths, and protoplasm. The largest bacterium was found in 1999. It was called the "Grey Pearl of Namibia". Bacteria and bacillus mean the same thing, they just have different origins.

Man and bacteria

In our body there is a constant battle between harmful and beneficial bacteria. Thanks to this process, a person receives protection from various infections. Various microorganisms surround us at every step. They live on clothes, fly in the air, they are omnipresent.

The presence of bacteria in the mouth, and this is about forty thousand microorganisms, protects the gums from bleeding, from periodontal disease and even from sore throat. If a woman’s microflora is disturbed, she may develop gynecological diseases. Following basic rules of personal hygiene will help avoid such failures.

Human immunity completely depends on the state of the microflora. Only in gastrointestinal tract contains almost 60% of all bacteria. The rest settled in respiratory system and in the genital area. About two kilograms of bacteria live in a person.

The appearance of bacteria in the body

A newly born baby has a sterile intestine.

After his first breath, many microorganisms enter the body with which he was previously unfamiliar. When the baby is first put to the breast, the mother transfers beneficial bacteria with milk, which will help normalize the intestinal microflora. It is not for nothing that doctors insist that the mother immediately after the birth of her child breastfeed him. They also recommend extending this feeding as long as possible.

Beneficial bacteria

Beneficial bacteria There are: lactic acid bacteria, bifidobacteria, E. coli, streptomycents, mycorrhizae, cyanobacteria.

They all play an important role in human life. Some of them prevent infections, others are used in production medicines, still others maintain balance in the ecosystem of our planet.

Types of harmful bacteria

Harmful bacteria can cause a number of serious illnesses in humans. For example, diphtheria, sore throat, plague and many others. They are easily transmitted from an infected person through air, food, or touch. It is the harmful bacteria, the names of which will be given below, that spoil food. They give off an unpleasant odor, rot and decompose, and cause diseases.

Bacteria can be gram-positive, gram-negative, rod-shaped.

Names of harmful bacteria

Table. Harmful bacteria for humans. Titles
TitlesHabitatHarm
Mycobacteriafood, watertuberculosis, leprosy, ulcer
Tetanus bacillussoil, skin, digestive tracttetanus, muscle spasms, respiratory failure

Plague stick

(considered by experts as a biological weapon)

only in humans, rodents and mammalsbubonic plague, pneumonia, skin infections
Helicobacter pylorihuman gastric mucosagastritis, peptic ulcer, produces cytoxins, ammonia
Anthrax bacillusthe soilanthrax
Botulism stickfood, contaminated dishespoisoning

Harmful bacteria can stay in the body for a long time and absorb beneficial substances from it. However, they can cause an infectious disease.

The most dangerous bacteria

One of the most resistant bacteria is methicillin. It is better known as Staphylococcus aureus (Staphylococcus aureus). can cause not one, but several infectious diseases. Some types of these bacteria are resistant to powerful antibiotics and antiseptics. Strains of this bacterium can live in the upper respiratory tract, in open wounds and urinary canals of every third inhabitant of the Earth. For a person with a strong immune system, this does not pose a danger.

Harmful bacteria to humans are also pathogens called Salmonella typhi. They are the causative agents of acute intestinal infections and typhoid fever. These types of bacteria, harmful to humans, are dangerous because they produce toxic substances that are extremely dangerous to life. As the disease progresses, intoxication of the body occurs, very high fever, rashes on the body, and the liver and spleen enlarge. The bacterium is very resistant to various external influences. Lives well in water, on vegetables, fruits and reproduces well in milk products.

To the very dangerous bacteria also includes the bacterium Clostridium tetan. It produces a poison called tetanus exotoxin. People who become infected with this pathogen experience terrible pain, seizures and die very hard. The disease is called tetanus. Despite the fact that the vaccine was created back in 1890, 60 thousand people die from it every year on Earth.

And another bacterium that can lead to the death of a person is It causes tuberculosis, which is resistant to drugs. If you do not seek help in a timely manner, a person may die.

Measures to prevent the spread of infections

Harmful bacteria and the names of microorganisms are studied by doctors of all disciplines from their student days. Healthcare annually seeks new methods to prevent the spread of life-threatening infections. If you follow preventive measures, you will not have to waste energy on finding new ways to combat such diseases.

To do this, it is necessary to timely identify the source of the infection, determine the circle of sick people and possible victims. It is imperative to isolate those who are infected and disinfect the source of infection.

The second stage is the destruction of pathways through which harmful bacteria can be transmitted. For this purpose, appropriate propaganda is carried out among the population.

Food facilities, reservoirs, and food storage warehouses are taken under control.

Every person can resist harmful bacteria by strengthening their immunity in every possible way. A healthy lifestyle, observing basic hygiene rules, protecting yourself during sexual contact, using sterile disposable medical instruments and equipment, completely limiting communication with people in quarantine. If you enter an epidemiological area or a source of infection, you must strictly comply with all the requirements of sanitary and epidemiological services. A number of infections are equated in their effects to bacteriological weapons.