INTRODUCTION TO THE WORLD OF MICROBIOLOGY AND PATHOGENIC MICROORGANISMS

The term "microorganism" refers to any of the microscopic forms of life found in nature.
Microorganisms are bacteria, viruses, yeasts, molds, fungi, protozoa, algae, and prions.
There are very few places where some form of microscopic life does not exist.
We are constantly exposed to microorganisms, both good and bad.
Most microorganisms we come into contact with during our daily lives are harmless. Some even help keep us healthy.
Microorganisms can pose real health hazards when they're in the wrong place.
Harmful microorganisms are called "germs".

Germs live all around us - in soil, air, water, food, animals, plants, and people.
Some exposure to germs can help build up our immune systems, helping us to fight infections and stay healthy.
Exposure to some germs can cause food poisoning, sickness, and diarrhea.
The main sources of germs are people, pets, and food.
Practicing healthy habits can prevent picking up germs and spreading germs at home, school, or work.
Simple actions, like covering your mouth and nose (when sneezing or coughing) and washing your hands often, can stop germs.
Stopping the spread of germs will prevent illnesses and reduce sick days.
Keeping common surfaces such as countertops, doorknobs, and telephones sanitized with disinfectants such as LYSOL® Disinfecting Wipes will help stop germs.

Microbiology is the science of the invisible world and its effect on other forms of life. In its broadest sense, it is the science that deals with the study of all kinds of microorganisms including bacteria, viruses, molds, yeast, fungi, protozoa, algae and prions. The term "microorganism" refers to any of the microscopic forms of life found in nature. There are very few places where some form of microscopic life does not exist. Possibly, even on Mars! Bacteria are found everywhere, in soil, in the air, and in every kind of organism from humans to plants, living or dead. It is sometimes hard to accept their existence, but scientific methods have been developed to demonstrate their presence.

Single cell, free living bacteria are one of the simplest life forms, existing long before human life began. Without bacteria, our world as we know it could not exist, since bacteria perform many varied functions. Decomposition of matter is a basic bacterial activity, returning to nature materials necessary to the revitalization of the Earth. A gardener's compost heap, through bacterial action, becomes rich mulch.

The survival and persistence of different types of bacteria over the ages reflect their ability to live and multiply under a great variety of environmental conditions. Some can survive in a range of temperatures from freezing to almost boiling. Under optimum conditions bacteria can double their number in 15 minutes with or without oxygen. Some can cease growth and go into a kind of hibernation - a virtual state of suspended animation known as a spore. In this state, bacteria can survive cold intense enough to liquefy air (-320°F), and tolerate dry heat of over 200°F. Bacteria also serve very useful purposes to human life performing a variety of functions such as cheese making to sewage disposal. Some are even used to make antibiotics that kill harmful pathogens. Only a small percentage of bacteria fall into the disease producing class. When bacteria are disease producing, they are often called germs or pathogens.

Bacteria transmit disease in humans by first gaining entrance usually through the nose, eyes, mouth, sweat glands, hair follicles, wounds or through sexual contact. They then adapt to their new environment and multiply to possibly cause infection and illness. Transmission is followed by exiting one person and possibly infecting another through a cough, a sneeze, in feces, other body fluids, and in some cases, through sexual organs. Also, germs need an effective carrying mechanism to move from place to place via water, dust, food, airborne droplets, insects, dirty towels, and other animate or inanimate objects.

Most microorganisms (bacteria, viruses and fungi) are not harmful to people. A relatively small number, however, are capable of causing disease or infection. These microorganisms are called pathogens. Pathogens have been scientifically classified to assist microbiologists in identification of the organism. Identification can help predict an impending disease or infection, and often can suggest to a healthcare provider an appropriate course of treatment such as antibiotic, antiviral or antifungal medication.

Bacteria: Salmonella and E. coli bacteria can cause food poisoning.
Viruses: Rhinoviruses can cause colds. Herpes simplex causes cold sores. Influenza can cause the Flu.
Fungi: Trichophyton can cause Athlete's Foot.
Parasites:Giardia can cause diarrhea.

Sanitizer

An agent that reduces the number of bacteria to a safe or acceptable level. This means a 99.9% kill as set by public health requirements. This term is applied to agents used to control germs present in food service, food preparation and food processing areas. Products that sanitize food contact surfaces must achieve a 99.999% kill against bacteria.

Introduction To Viruses

The EPA defines "sanitization" as killing 99.9% of bacteria in 5 minutes or less. Many LYSOL® products achieve sanitization in 30 seconds.

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