Are you aware of microorganisms around you?

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As human beings, we should be aware of microorganisms around us and how to control them in our environment.

Microorganisms are tiny organisms which can not be seen with our physical eyes but with the use of microscopes. These microorganisms are found everywhere such as in the air, water, food, soil, on plants, on our bodies, etc.
Many of them are beneficial while some of them are harmful in nature.

GROUPS OF MICROORGANISMS...
Microorganisms can be categorized into the following groups:-
a) Bacteria.
b) Viruses.
c) Fungi.
d) Protozoa.

BACTERIA:- They occurs in large numbers and are found everywhere, they flow in colonies. They can be seen with light microscopes, a typical bacterium consists of a cell that may or may not be covered with a slimy capsules no proper nucleus.

Bacteria can be described on the basis of their uses of oxygen for respiration. Those bacteria which need oxygen for respiration are called Aerobic bacteria, while those which do not need oxygen for their respiration are called Anaerobic bacteria.
Those that can live under both condition are called Facultative bacteria. There are different shapes of bacteria, circular ones are called cocci, bacilli bacteria are rod like in shape, vibro (bent rod) these are curved and comma shape and spirillum they are spiral, twisted types. They cause diseases such as syphilis, typhoid, cholera, sore throat, etc.

VIRUSES:- They can only be seen through the electron microscope, they are seen to be rod like, oval or spherical in shape. Each consists of strand of nuclear proteins.

They can only reproduce inside a living cell, they are host specific. They cause many diseases such as measles, rabies, small pox, common cold, etc.

FUNGI:- These are non-green plants. They occur as parasites or saprophytes. The saprophytic fungi are beneficial to human beings and the parasitic fungi are harmful because they cause various diseases such as ring worm and athletics foot.

PROTOZOA:- They are microscopic unicellular animals, some of them are free living. e.g. Amoeba and paramecium. Others are parasite .e.g. Trypanosomes, plasmodium, they are often carried by vectors.

CONTROLLING HARMFUL MICROORGANISMS.
The following ways are used to control microorganisms:-

1. Personal hygiene:- This includes brushing, bath with soap and sponge and living in a clean environment.

2. Antibiotics:- These are drugs used to inhibit the growth of microorganisms. e.g. penicillin, tetracycline.

3. Antiseptics:- These disturbed the growth of microorganisms. e.g. bacteria and viruses. They are used in the wounds in the hospital to avoid being septics. e.g. hydrogen peroxide, camphor, we also have antiseptic soap.

4. Immunization:- This is the process by which an individual is safely exposed in a controlled manner to a material that is designed to prime their immune system against that material, we immunize against yellow fever, cholera, influenza, etc.

5. Disinfectants:- They kill off microorganisms and much stronger than antiseptic. They can not be used on wounds, they are used to sterilize floors, sick rooms, clothing, etc. Examples of disinfectants are izal, formaldehyde, carbonic acids, etc.

If we practice the above mentioned ways, sure we can get rid of microorganisms in our environments.

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