The Resident Evil: Demystifying Microbes Living in the Human Body By Gopakumar Rajan

 THE RESIDENT EVIL

Image by Andy Choinski from Pixabay

Introduction:

The human body is home to millions of microorganisms, commonly known as microbes. These tiny creatures play an essential role in our health and wellbeing, and they usually coexist with us in a symbiotic relationship. However, when this equilibrium is disrupted, disease-causing microbes can take over, leading to infections and illnesses. In this article, we will explore the world of microbes living in the human body, their numbers, the good and bad things they do, and how they affect our health.

The Number of Microbes Living in the Human Body:

According to recent research, the human body is home to trillions of microbes, which outnumber our own cells ten to one. These microbes include bacteria, viruses, fungi, protozoa, and other microorganisms. Most of these microbes reside in our gut, skin, mouth, and reproductive system. In the gut alone, there are around 100 trillion microorganisms, and they play a crucial role in breaking down food, producing vitamins, and maintaining a healthy immune system.

The Good Things Done by Microbes:

Many of the microorganisms living in our bodies are beneficial to our health. For instance, gut bacteria help in breaking down food and extracting nutrients from it. They also produce short-chain fatty acids, which reduce inflammation and support the immune system. In the skin, beneficial bacteria help in preventing harmful microbes from taking over and causing infections. In the reproductive system, microbes help maintain a healthy pH level, preventing the overgrowth of harmful bacteria.

The Bad Things Done by Microbes:

While most of the microbes that live in the human body are harmless or even beneficial, some can cause infections and illnesses. For instance, Streptococcus pneumoniae, a type of bacteria that usually lives in the nose and throat, can cause pneumonia, meningitis, and ear infections. Similarly, E. coli, a type of bacteria that lives in the gut, can cause food poisoning and urinary tract infections.

Microbial Imbalance and Health:

When the balance of beneficial and harmful microbes in the body is disrupted, it can lead to various health problems. This imbalance, also known as dysbiosis, can be caused by factors such as antibiotics, poor diet, stress, and hormonal changes. Dysbiosis can lead to a variety of conditions, including inflammatory bowel disease, irritable bowel syndrome, and even depression.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, the human body is a complex ecosystem, home to trillions of microorganisms that coexist in a symbiotic relationship with us. While many of these microbes are beneficial to our health, some can cause illnesses and infections. It is essential to maintain the balance of these microbes to ensure that they contribute to our overall wellbeing. By understanding the role of microbes in the human body, we can work towards maintaining a healthy microbiome and preventing dysbiosis.

References:

1. Sender, R., Fuchs, S., & Milo, R. (2016). Revised estimates for the number of human and bacteria cells in the body. PLoS biology, 14(8), e1002533.

2. Ursell, L. K., Metcalf, J. L., Parfrey, L. W., & Knight, R. (2012). Defining the human microbiome. Nutrition reviews, 70(suppl_1), S38-S44.

3. Hugon, P., Dufour, J. C., Colson, P., Fournier, P. E., Sallah, K., & Raoult, D. (2018). A comprehensive repertoire of prokaryotic species identified in human beings. The Lancet Infectious Diseases, 18(3), e368-e379.

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