Everyone knows that bacteria are the most ancient type of living creatures that inhabit our planet. The first bacteria were the most primitive, but as our earth changed, so did the bacteria. They are present everywhere, in water, on land, in the air we breathe, in food, in plants. Just like people, bacteria can be good and bad.
Beneficial bacteria are:
- Lactic acid or lactobacilli. One of these good bacteria is a lactic acid bacterium. This is a rod-shaped type of bacteria that lives in dairy and fermented milk products. These bacteria also inhabit the human oral cavity, intestines, and vagina. The main benefit of these bacteria is that they produce lactic acid as a fermentation, thanks to which we get yogurt, kefir, fermented baked milk from milk, in addition, these products are very useful for humans. In the intestines, they play the role of cleansing the intestinal environment from bad bacteria.
- Bifidobacteria. Bifidobacteria are found mainly in the gastrointestinal tract, just like lactic acid bacteria are capable of producing lactic acid and acetic acid, due to which these bacteria control the growth of pathogenic bacteria, thereby regulating the pH level in our intestines. Various varieties of bifidobacteria help get rid of constipation, diarrhea, and fungal infections.
- Escherichia coli. The human intestinal microflora consists of most microbes of the group coli. They contribute good digestion, and also participate in some cellular processes. But some varieties of this stick can cause poisoning, diarrhea, and kidney failure.
- Streptomycetes. The habitat of streptomycetes is water, decomposing compounds, soil. Therefore, they are especially useful for the environment, because... Many processes of decomposition and combinations are carried out with them. In addition, some of these bacteria are used in the production of antibiotics and antifungal drugs.
Harmful bacteria are:
- Streptococci. Chain-shaped bacteria, which, when entering the body, are the causative agents of many diseases, such as tonsillitis, bronchitis, otitis media and others.
- Plague stick. A rod-shaped bacterium that lives in small rodents causes terrible diseases such as plague or pneumonia. It's a plague terrible disease, which can destroy entire countries, and is compared to biological weapons.
- Helicobacter pylori. The habitat of Helicobacter pylori is the human stomach, but in some people the presence of these bacteria causes gastritis and ulcers.
- Staphylococcus. The name staphylococcus comes from the fact that the shape of the cells resembles a bunch of grapes. For humans, these bacteria carry serious illnesses with intoxication and purulent formations. No matter how terrible bacteria are, humanity has learned to survive among them thanks to vaccination.
Bacteria appeared approximately 3.5-3.9 billion years ago, they were the first living organisms on our planet. Over time, life developed and became more complex - new, each time more complex forms of organisms appeared. Bacteria did not stand aside all this time; on the contrary, they were the most important component evolutionary process. They were the first to develop new forms of life support, such as respiration, fermentation, photosynthesis, catalysis... and also found effective ways coexistence with almost every living creature. Man was no exception.
But bacteria are an entire domain of organisms, numbering more than 10,000 species. Each species is unique and followed its own evolutionary path, and as a result developed its own unique shapes coexistence with other organisms. Some bacteria have entered into close mutually beneficial cooperation with humans, animals and other creatures - they can be called useful. Other species have learned to exist at the expense of others, using the energy and resources of donor organisms - they are generally considered harmful or pathogenic. Still others have gone even further and become practically self-sufficient; they receive everything they need for life from the environment.
Inside humans, like inside other mammals, there live an unimaginably large number of bacteria. There are 10 times more of them in our bodies than all the cells of the body combined. Among them, the absolute majority are useful, but the paradox is that their vital activity, their presence within us is a normal state of affairs, they depend on us, we, in turn, on them, and at the same time we do not feel any signs of this cooperation. Another thing is harmful ones, for example pathogenic bacteria Once inside us, their presence immediately becomes noticeable, and the consequences of their activity can become very serious.
Beneficial bacteria
The vast majority of them are creatures that live in symbiotic or mutualistic relationships with donor organisms (within which they live). Typically, such bacteria take on some of the functions that the host body is not capable of. An example is bacteria that live in digestive tract humans and processing part of the food that the stomach itself is not able to cope with.
Some types of beneficial bacteria:
Escherichia coli (lat. Escherichia coli)
It is an integral part of the intestinal flora of humans and most animals. Its benefits are difficult to overestimate: it breaks down indigestible monosaccharides, promoting digestion; synthesizes vitamins K; prevents the development of pathogenic and pathogenic microorganisms in the intestines.
Macro photo: colony of Escherichia coli bacteria
Lactic acid bacteria (Lactococcus lactis, Lactobacillus acidophilus, etc.)
Representatives of this order are present in milk, dairy and fermented products, and at the same time are part of the intestinal microflora and oral cavity. They are capable of fermenting carbohydrates and in particular lactose and producing lactic acid, which is the main source of carbohydrates for humans. By constantly maintaining acidic environment inhibit the growth of unfavorable bacteria.
Bifidobacteria
Bifidobacteria have the most significant impact on infants and mammals, accounting for up to 90% of them intestinal microflora. Through the production of milk and acetic acids they completely prevent the development of putrefactive and pathogenic microbes V children's body. In addition, bifidobacteria: promote the digestion of carbohydrates; protect the intestinal barrier from the penetration of microbes and toxins into internal environment body; synthesize various amino acids and proteins, vitamins K and B, useful acids; promote intestinal absorption of calcium, iron and vitamin D.
Harmful (pathogenic) bacteria
Some types of pathogenic bacteria:
Salmonella typhi
This bacterium is the causative agent of very acute intestinal infection, typhoid fever. Salmonella typhi produces toxins that are harmful exclusively to humans. When infected, general intoxication of the body occurs, which leads to severe fever, rash throughout the body, severe cases- to defeat lymphatic system and as a consequence to death. Every year, 20 million cases of the disease are recorded worldwide. typhoid fever, 1% of cases result in death.
Colony of Salmonella typhi bacteria
Tetanus bacillus (Clostridium tetani)
This bacterium is one of the most persistent and at the same time the most dangerous in the world. Clostridium tetani produces an extremely toxic poison, tetanus exotoxin, leading to almost complete defeat nervous system. People with tetanus experience terrible pain: all the muscles of the body spontaneously tense to the limit, and powerful convulsions occur. The mortality rate is extremely high - on average, about 50% of those infected die. Fortunately, a tetanus vaccine was invented back in 1890; it is given to newborns in all countries. developed countries peace. In underdeveloped countries, tetanus kills 60,000 people every year.
Mycobacteria (Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Mycobacterium leprae, etc.)
Mycobacteria are a family of bacteria, some of which are pathogenic. Various members of this family cause such dangerous diseases like tuberculosis, mycobacteriosis, leprosy (leprosy) - they are all transmitted by airborne droplets. Every year, mycobacteria cause more than 5 million deaths.
Bacteria live almost everywhere - in the air, in water, in soil, in living and dead tissues of plants and animals. Some of them benefit humans, others do not. Harmful bacteria or at least, most of them know some of them. Here are some names that justifiably evoke negative feelings in us: salmonella, staphylococcus, streptococcus, vibrio cholerae, plague bacillus. But few people know the beneficial bacteria for humans or the names of some of them. Listing which microorganisms are beneficial and which bacteria are harmful would take more than one page. Therefore, we will consider only some of the names of beneficial bacteria.
Microorganisms with a diameter of 1-2 microns (0.001-0.002 mm) usually have an oval shape, as can be seen in the photo, which can vary from spherical to rod-shaped. Representatives of the genus Azotobacter live in slightly alkaline and neutral soils throughout the planet, up to both polar regions. They are also found in fresh water bodies and brackish marshes. Able to survive unfavorable conditions. For example, in dry soil these bacteria can survive up to 24 years without losing viability. Nitrogen is one of the essential elements for plant photosynthesis. They do not know how to separate it from the air on their own. Bacteria of the genus Azotobacter are useful because they accumulate nitrogen from the air, converting it into ammonium ions, which are released into the soil and are easily absorbed by plants. In addition, these microorganisms enrich the soil biologically active substances, stimulating plant growth, helping to cleanse the soil of heavy metals, in particular from lead and mercury. 
These bacteria are useful to humans in areas such as:
- Agriculture. In addition to the fact that they themselves increase soil fertility, they are used to produce biological nitrogen fertilizers.
- Medicine. The ability of representatives of the genus to secrete alginic acid is used to obtain medicines for gastrointestinal diseases, depending on acidity.
- Food industry. The already mentioned acid, called alginic acid, is used in food additives for creams, puddings, ice cream, etc.
Bifidobacteria
These microorganisms, 2 to 5 microns long, are rod-shaped, slightly curved, as seen in the photo. Their main habitat is the intestines. Under unfavorable conditions, bacteria with this name quickly die. They are extremely useful for humans due to the following properties:
- supply the body with vitamin K, thiamine (B1), riboflavin (B2), nicotinic acid(B3), pyridoxine (B6), folic acid(B9), amino acids and proteins;
- prevent the development of pathogenic microbes;
- protect the body from toxins from the intestines;
- accelerate the digestion of carbohydrates;
- activate parietal digestion;
- help the absorption of calcium, iron, and vitamin D ions through the intestinal walls.
If dairy products have a prefix to the name “bio” (for example, biokefir), this means that it contains live bifidobacteria. These products are very useful, but do not last long.
IN Lately began to appear medications containing bifidobacteria. Be careful when taking them, because, despite the undoubted benefits of these microorganisms, the usefulness of the drugs themselves has not been proven. The research results are quite contradictory.
Lactic acid bacteria
The group with this name includes more than 25 species of bacteria. They are predominantly rod-shaped, less often spherical in shape, as shown in the photo. Their size varies greatly (from 0.7 to 8.0 µm) depending on the habitat. They live on the leaves and fruits of plants, in dairy products. IN human body they are present throughout the gastrointestinal tract - from the mouth to the rectum. The vast majority of them are not at all harmful to humans. These microorganisms protect our intestines from putrefactive and pathogenic microbes. 
They get their energy from the process of lactic acid fermentation. Beneficial features These bacteria have been known to man for a long time. Here are just a few areas of their application:
- Food industry – production of kefir, sour cream, fermented baked milk, cheese; fermentation of vegetables and fruits; preparing kvass, dough, etc.
- Agriculture – fermentation of silage (silage) slows down the development of mold and promotes better preservation of animal feed.
- Traditional medicine – treatment of wounds and burns. That's why sunburn It is recommended to grease with sour cream.
- Medicine – production of drugs to restore intestinal microflora, women’s reproductive system after infection; receiving antibiotics and a partial blood substitute called dextran; production of drugs for the treatment of vitamin deficiencies, gastrointestinal diseases, to improve metabolic processes.
Streptomycetes
This genus of bacteria consists of almost 550 species. Under favorable conditions, they form threads with a diameter of 0.4-1.5 microns, reminiscent of mushroom mycelium, as can be seen in the photo. They live mainly in the soil. If you have ever taken such medicines erythromycin, tetracycline, streptomycin or chloramphenicol, then you already know how these bacteria are useful. They are manufacturers (producers) of a wide variety of drugs, including:
- antifungal;
- antibacterial;
- antitumor.
Streptomycetes have been used in the industrial production of drugs since the forties of the last century. In addition to antibiotics, these beneficial bacteria produce the following substances:
To be fair, it is worth noting that not all streptomycetes are equally useful. Some of them cause potato disease (scab), others cause various ailments humans, including blood diseases.
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Beneficial bacteria that inhabit the human body are called microbiota. They are quite vast in number - one person has millions of them. At the same time, they all regulate health and normal functioning each individual. Scientists say: without beneficial bacteria, or, as they are also called, mutualists, gastrointestinal tract, skin, and respiratory tract would instantly be attacked by pathogenic microbes and would be destroyed.
What should be the balance of microbiota in the body and how it can be adjusted to avoid the development of serious diseases, AiF.ru asked general director biomedical holding of Sergei Musienko.
Intestinal Workers
One of the important areas where beneficial bacteria are located is the intestines. It is not without reason that it is believed that this is where the entire human immune system is founded. And if the bacterial environment is disturbed, then the body’s defenses are significantly reduced.
Beneficial intestinal bacteria create literally unbearable living conditions for pathogenic microbes - an acidic environment. In addition, beneficial microorganisms help digest plant foods, since bacteria feed on plant cells containing cellulose, but intestinal enzymes cannot cope with this alone. Also, intestinal bacteria contribute to the production of vitamins B and K, which ensure metabolism in bones and connective tissues, and also release energy from carbohydrates and promote the synthesis of antibodies and regulation of the nervous system.
Most often, when talking about beneficial intestinal bacteria, they mean the 2 most popular types: bifidobacteria and lactobacilli. At the same time, they cannot be called the main ones, as many people think - their number is only 5-15% of total number. However, they are very important, since they have been proven positive influence to other bacteria, when such bacteria may be important factors well-being of an entire community: if they are fed or introduced into the body with the help fermented milk products- kefir or yoghurt, they help other important bacteria survive and reproduce. For example, it is very important to restore their population during dysbacteriosis or after a course of antibiotics. Otherwise, it will be problematic to increase the body’s defenses.
Biological shield
The bacteria that inhabit the skin and respiratory tract of humans, in fact, stand guard and reliably protect their area of responsibility from the penetration of pathogenic organisms. The main ones are micrococci, streptococci and staphylococci.
Skin microbiome last hundreds has undergone changes over the years, since man moved from natural life in contact with nature to regular washing by special means. It is believed that human skin is now inhabited by completely different bacteria that lived before. The body with immune system can distinguish dangerous from non-hazardous. But, on the other hand, any streptococcus can become pathogenic for a person, for example, if it gets into a cut or any other open wound on the skin. Excess of bacteria or their pathological activity on the skin and in respiratory tract can lead to development various diseases, and to the appearance unpleasant odor. Today there are developments based on bacteria that oxidize ammonium. Their use makes it possible to seed the skin microbiome with completely new organisms, as a result of which not only the smell disappears (the result of the metabolism of urban flora), but also the structure of the skin changes - pores open, etc.
Saving the microworld
The microcosm of each person changes quite quickly. And in this there is undoubted advantages, since the number of bacteria can be updated independently.
Different bacteria feed on different substances - the more varied a person’s food and the more it matches the season, the more choice he has beneficial microorganisms. However, if food is heavily loaded with antibiotics or preservatives, bacteria will not survive, because these substances are precisely designed to destroy them. And it doesn’t matter at all that most of bacteria is not pathogenic. The result is diversity inner world man is destroyed. And after this they begin various diseases- problems with stool, skin rashes, metabolic disorders, allergic reactions etc.
But the microbiota can be helped. Moreover, it will take only a few days for a slight correction.
There are a large number of probiotics (with live bacteria) and prebiotics (substances that support bacteria). But the main problem is that they work differently for everyone. Analysis shows that their effectiveness against dysbiosis is up to 70-80%, that is, one or another drug may work, or it may not. And here you should carefully monitor the progress of treatment and administration - if the remedies work, you will immediately notice improvements. If the situation remains unchanged, it is worth changing the treatment program.
Alternatively, you can go special testing, which studies the genomes of bacteria, determines their composition and ratio. This allows you to quickly and competently select the necessary nutritional option and additional therapy, which will restore the fragile balance. Although a person does not feel slight disturbances in the balance of bacteria, they still affect health - in this case, one can note frequent illnesses, drowsiness, allergic manifestations. Every city resident, to one degree or another, has an imbalance in the body, and if he does not do anything specifically to restore it, then he will probably have health problems from a certain age.
Fasting, fasting, more vegetables, porridge from natural cereals in the morning - these are just a few options eating behavior, which is loved by beneficial bacteria. But for each person, the diet should be individual in accordance with the state of his body and his lifestyle - only then can he maintain an optimal balance and always feel good.
In our world there is great amount bacteria. Among them there are good ones, and there are also bad ones. Some we know better, others worse. In our article we have selected a list of the most famous bacteria living among us and in our body. The article is written with a bit of humor, so don’t judge strictly.
Provides “face control” in your insides
Lactobacilli (Lactobacillus plantarum) living in the human digestive tract since prehistoric times, they do a great and important job. Like vampire garlic, they repel pathogenic bacteria, preventing them from settling in your stomach and causing intestinal upset. Welcome! Pickled cucumbers and tomatoes, sauerkraut will strengthen the strength of bouncers, but know that hard training and stress from physical activity reducing their ranks. Add to protein cocktail a little blackcurrant. These berries reduce fitness stress due to the antioxidants they contain.
2. BELLY DEFENDER Helicobacter pylori
Stops hunger pangs at 3 pm
Another bacteria that lives in the digestive tract is Helicobacter pylori, develop from your childhood and help maintain healthy weight throughout life, controlling the hormones responsible for the feeling of hunger! Eat 1 apple every day.
These fruits produce lactic acid in the stomach, in which most harmful bacteria cannot survive, but which Helicobacter pylori loves. However, keep H. pylori in check, they can go against you and cause stomach ulcers. Make scrambled eggs with spinach for breakfast: the nitrates from these green leaves thicken the walls of the stomach, protecting it from excess lactic acid.
3. Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Loves showers, hot baths and pools
Living in warm water bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa gets under the scalp through the pores hair follicles, causing an infection accompanied by itching and pain in the affected areas.
Don't want to wear a swim cap every time you take a bath? Fend off the carder's invasion with a chicken or salmon sandwich and eggs. A large number of follicles need protein to be healthy and effectively fight foreign bodies. Don't forget about fatty acid, which are absolutely essential for a healthy scalp. 4 cans of canned tuna or 4 medium avocados per week will help you with this. No more.
4. Harmful bacteria Corynebacterium minutissimum
High-tech protozoa
Harmful bacteria can lurk in the most unexpected places. For example, Corynebacterium minutissimum, rash-causing, loves to live on the touchscreens of phones and tablet computers. Destroy them!
It's strange, but no one has developed it yet free application, fighting these microbes. But many companies produce cases for phones and tablets with antibacterial coating, which is guaranteed to stop the growth of bacteria. And try not to rub your hands together when drying them after washing - this can reduce the bacteria population by 37%.
5. THE NOBLE RASSAL Escherichia coli
Good bad bacteria
The bacterium Escherichia coli is thought to be the cause of tens of thousands of infectious diseases annually. But it only gives us problems when it finds a way to leave the colon and mutate into a disease-causing strain. Normally, it is quite useful for life and provides the body with vitamin K, which maintains healthy arteries, preventing heart attacks.
To keep this headline-grabbing bacteria at bay, include legumes in your diet five times a week. The bean fiber is not broken down but moves into the colon where E. coli can feast on it and continue normal cycle reproduction. Black beans are the richest in fiber, then Idelim, or moon-shaped, and only then the usual red beans. Legumes not only keep bacteria under control, but their fiber also limits your afternoon appetite and increases digestion efficiency. nutrients body.
6. BURNING Staphylococcusaureus
Eats away the youth of your skin
Most often, boils and pimples are caused by the bacterium Staphylococcusaureus, which lives on the skin of most people. Acne is, of course, unpleasant, but by penetrating through damaged skin into the body, this bacterium can cause more serious illnesses: pneumonia and meningitis.
The natural antibiotic dermicidin, which is toxic to these bacteria, is found in human sweat. Include high-intensity exercises in your workout at least once a week, trying to work at 85% of your maximum capacity. And always use a clean towel.
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