What are Microbes?
Microbes are better known as microorganisms that are very tiny to be seen through naked eyes. Microbes that are harmful and capable of producing microorganism diseases are also termed pathogens. But not all microbes are harmful and they do not cause microbial infection. Rather some are useful as well and serve in our everyday life. Hazardous microbes are responsible for creating human bacterial disease and microbial diseases through various means and unhealthy practices. Microbes are unicellular organisms and can be located anywhere on this earth be it any place or in our bodies themselves. Typically there are four major types of microorganisms that cause infection. They are bacteria, protozoa, fungi, and viruses. The pathogenesis of microorganisms is efficient in causing infections upon the hosts themselves.
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Pathogens are capable of causing many harsh diseases. Few disease examples of bacteria are rabies, malaria, cholera, and many more. Upon the invasion of these microorganisms, the cellular activities are very likely to get disturbed. Thus we can say microorganisms and diseases are directly proportional to each other.
Diseases and Cause
There are many diseases caused by microorganisms most of which can have adverse effects on an individual. Even recent studies reveal that these tiny organisms can be indirectly responsible for creating non-infectious diseases as well that are mostly chronic such as cancer. The human bacterial disease is largely responsible for creating irritating health problems. Now, we shall discuss in detail some of the major problems that they can initiate and the way behind that, and the list of bacterial diseases.
Ways of Transmission of the Disease
After reaching the targeted portion of the body they start to multiply very quickly. The microbes handle a counter-attack from the immune system very efficiently and continue to affect the portion. Further, they pull out nutrients from the recipient's body as well. Microbes and diseases stay interconnected and one needs to have much concern to prevent them.
Diseases
Diseases caused by microorganisms transmitted through different sources are ample in number. One needs to have the right idea about them to take the needful precautions right on time. Studies say the list of bacteria diseases is on a rise and needs to have the right precautions taken. Here we will see those diseases caused by them, learn about parasitic microorganisms definition, and the treatments that can be adapted to prevent them.
1. Virus
Viruses are tiny organisms and are called parasites. A virus is known as a viral organism and hence the diseases transmitted through them are called viral diseases. They are capable of causing many infectious diseases putting serious effects on one's health. There are times when these microorganisms further have a release from the cell resulting in the death of the same. This closely establishes the relation between microorganisms and diseases.
10 Diseases Caused by Microorganisms
Common types of flu-like influenza
Cough and cold
Rabies
Measles
Polio
Chickenpox
Rubella
HIV,
HSV,
HPV
Treatments that Can be Adapted
In this regard, the diseases caused by microorganisms can be faced with the help of immunity systems as it is beneficial in clearing the infections. There are antiviral drugs available to fight infections like hepatitis C, HIV. There is evidence that some viruses can dwell lifelong in one's body and can rejuvenate further such as HSV.
There are past examples as well as microbial infection being dismissed through treatments.
2. Bacteria
The bacterium or pathogenic bacteria, in particular, is responsible for the cause of human bacterial disease. The commonly noted or known ones among people are Diphtheria, cholera, etc, these are a few human diseases caused by bacteria. Billions of bacteria reside in the human body or intensities and many are also denoted as "healthy bacteria" as they turn out to be positive for physical health. But, there are harmful bacteria as well as capable of causing diseases. Even they are efficient to pour toxins that can readily work as a factor to damage the body. There are a number of harmful diseases caused by bacteria.
Studies say there are at least 10 diseases caused by bacteria.
Coliform Bacteria are mostly the cause of Urinary Tract Infections.
Food poisoning due to bacterial pathogens.
Cholera
Tetanus
Botulism
Anthrax
Lyme
Tuberculosis
Cough
Vaginosis due to bacterial attacks.
Some examples of pathogenic bacteria are cryptosporidium, Salmonella, etc. These pathogenic bacteria examples can be really harmful to human health.
Treatments that Can be Adapted
The list of bacteria diseases is indeed long and in most cases, antibiotics are applied to get rid of it. Antibiotics can steadily disrupt the multiplication of bacteria and are capable of diminishing them completely. The type of bacteria pouncing upon your health is understood by the physician and they prescribe you as per the need. There are instances of the misuse of these antibiotics resulting in adverse health issues.
3. Fungal Infections
The list of diseases caused by microorganisms and the carriers are innumerable in number existing on this planet. Fungi are among the types of microorganisms that cause infection lying all over the environment. They are basically yeasts and molds mostly found in patchy areas, soils, any moist places even in our washrooms. Normally molds can be detected but there are times when these microbes are extremely small and are impossible to be pointed out through naked eyes.
All fungi aren’t capable of harming you but there are some that can cause several diseases. They are:
Aspergillosis
Histoplasmosis
Yeast infections
Infections like meningitis
Thrush
Ringworm
These are a few diseases caused by microbes.
Treatments
Similar to the list of bacteria disease the fungal disease can be battled with antifungal medicines. The treatment depends on the type of fungi the human body is carrying. There are antifungal creams available in the market as well.
4. Protozoa
Protozoa are parasites and other types of microorganisms that cause illness. These are tiny organisms with a single cell that live on hosts and draw nutrients from the same. Some of the most common infections that can be gained for these microbes are:
Malaria
Cholera
Sleeping sickness
Dengue
Amoebic dysentery
Treatments to be Adapted
A list of diseases caused by protozoa can be recovered with antiparasitic medicines. There are several drugs available in the chemist stores to treat the illness caused due to these parasitic microorganisms. Similar to that of bacteria and fungi the treatment relies on the type of protozoa presiding over an individual's body.
Some waterborne pathogenic microbes are entamoeba histolytica, giardia lamblia, and soon.
Comparison between Human Diseases and Pathogen
How to Prevent the Dominance of Microorganisms and Diseases?
There are certain tips that one can follow to get rid of the harmful microbes that cause diseases. Fee precautions and immediate concern of an individual can readily help him in staying away from any such disorders or illness.
1. Maintaining Hygienic Practices
Washing your hands at proper intervals especially before taking or cooking meals and food, touching your mouth or eyes is very important. Most of the diseases caused by microorganisms are evolved due to unhealthy Practices.
2. Not to Share Own Items
One must not share his personal items with anyone. The list is specific like handkerchiefs, drinking glasses, toothbrushes, and similar items as such. Microbes and diseases are interlinked with each other. A small mistake in your step can bring drastic consequences.
3. Getting Proper Vaccines
This is a crucial point. If you are getting proper vaccines there are high chances to prevent the diseases caused by bacteria, fungi, viruses, and protozoa. The diseases that can be restricted with this method are hepatitis B, cough, etc.
4. Covering Cuts or Injured Places
Cuts need to be protected by all means so that the infection isn’t spread further.
5. Cleanliness of Food
Diseases spread by microorganisms are largely due to the uncleanliness. While preparing food all sorts of cleanliness need to be maintained under proper sanitization.
Maintaining proper sanitization, Hygienic Practices can definitely help in the reduction of the spread of microorganisms and diseases.
Fun Facts about Microbes and Disease
The diseases caused by microorganisms might be large in numbers that are responsible for causing human bacterial disease as well. But there are certain amazing facts that you would love to know!
These surprising facts are going to hit you differently. Read it out!
Every individual is born free of bacteria.
A human body consists of more microbes than cells.
The DNA of a bacterial cell differs from the composition of eukaryotic cells.
The combined weight of the microbes inside the body is similar to the weight of the brain!
The diseases caused by microorganisms are large. But it is all true that microbes keep the immunity system updated to work properly.
Microorganisms and diseases by all means are interlinked with each other.
FAQs on Microbes and Diseases
1. What are microorganisms and how are they classified?
Microorganisms, also known as microbes, are tiny living organisms that are invisible to the naked eye and can only be seen with a microscope. They are found everywhere in the environment. According to the CBSE Class 8 syllabus for 2025-26, they are broadly classified into four major groups:
- Bacteria: Single-celled prokaryotic organisms.
- Fungi: Eukaryotic organisms that include yeasts, moulds, and mushrooms.
- Protozoa: Single-celled eukaryotic organisms, many of which are parasitic.
- Viruses: Extremely small infectious agents that can only replicate inside the living cells of other organisms.
2. What are pathogens and how do they cause diseases in the human body?
Pathogens are disease-causing microorganisms. When these harmful microbes enter a host's body (like a human), they can cause illness. They do this by invading tissues, multiplying rapidly, and disrupting normal bodily functions. Some pathogens also produce harmful substances called toxins, which can damage cells and lead to the symptoms of a disease. They can enter the body through contaminated air, water, food, or direct contact.
3. What are some common diseases in humans caused by bacteria and viruses?
Bacteria and viruses are responsible for many common infectious diseases. Here are some key examples:
- Bacterial Diseases: Common examples include Tuberculosis (affecting the lungs), Cholera (an intestinal infection), Typhoid, and Tetanus.
- Viral Diseases: These include the Common Cold, Influenza (Flu), Polio, Chickenpox, Measles, and HIV/AIDS.
4. Name some common diseases caused by protozoa and fungi.
Protozoa and fungi are also significant pathogens that cause various diseases in humans.
- Protozoan Diseases: The most well-known disease caused by a protozoan is Malaria, which is transmitted by mosquitoes. Another common example is Amoebic Dysentery, which affects the intestines.
- Fungal Diseases: Fungi can cause skin infections like Ringworm and Athlete's Foot. They can also lead to respiratory issues and other internal infections in individuals with weakened immune systems.
5. What are the most effective ways to prevent the spread of diseases caused by microorganisms?
Preventing microbial diseases involves breaking the chain of infection. Key preventive measures include:
- Maintaining Personal Hygiene: Washing hands regularly with soap and water, especially before eating.
- Consuming Safe Food and Water: Ensuring food is cooked properly and water is clean and purified.
- Vaccination: Getting vaccinated against preventable diseases like measles, polio, and tetanus builds immunity.
- Avoiding Contact: Not sharing personal items like towels or toothbrushes and covering your mouth when you cough or sneeze.
- Keeping Surroundings Clean: Preventing water from stagnating to control mosquito breeding and maintaining general cleanliness at home.
6. If some bacteria are harmful, why are others considered beneficial for our body?
This is a key concept in understanding microbes. While pathogenic bacteria cause disease, a vast majority of bacteria are either harmless or highly beneficial. These 'good' bacteria, often called probiotics, play a crucial role in our health. For instance, bacteria in our intestines help in digesting food, producing essential vitamins like Vitamin K, and preventing the growth of harmful pathogens by competing with them for space and resources. They are an essential part of our body's ecosystem.
7. Why are viruses often described as being on the border between living and non-living things?
Viruses exhibit characteristics of both living and non-living entities, making their classification unique. They are considered non-living when they are outside a host cell because they are inert and cannot perform any life processes like respiration or reproduction. However, once they enter a living cell, they are considered living because they take over the host cell's machinery to replicate themselves, which is a fundamental characteristic of life. This dual nature is why they are often called the bridge between living and non-living.
8. How do vaccines work to protect us from microbial diseases?
A vaccine introduces a weakened, inactivated, or partial form of a pathogen (like a virus or bacterium) into the body. This harmless version of the microbe is not strong enough to cause the actual disease, but it is enough to trigger the body's immune system. The immune system recognizes it as a foreign invader and produces antibodies to fight it off. Most importantly, it creates 'memory cells' that remember the pathogen. If the body is ever exposed to the real pathogen in the future, these memory cells can quickly produce the right antibodies to destroy it before it can cause illness, providing long-term immunity.
9. What is the key difference between how antibiotics and antiviral drugs treat infections?
The main difference lies in the type of microbe they target and their mechanism of action. Antibiotics are specifically designed to kill bacteria or inhibit their growth. They often work by targeting structures unique to bacterial cells, like their cell walls, which human cells do not have. In contrast, antiviral drugs are used to treat viral infections. Since viruses replicate inside our own cells, antivirals work by interfering with the viral replication cycle, such as by blocking the virus from entering or exiting the host cell, without harming the host cell itself.
