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Bacteria are all around us each day of our lives. They are on our skin, in our bodies and can cause a host of problems. But bacteria get quite a bad reputation. Not all bacterium is alike and some are actually necessary for our bodies to function healthy. Do you know the difference between a good bacterium and a bad bacterium? If you do not, do not worry. Most people lump all bacteria into one category. E Coli is definitely one of those bacteria that have people seeing red and coloring their opinion of all other types of bacterium. But a little information can go a long way towards education and once you know the basics of bacterium you will be able to know the differences between the bacterium that can make you severely ill and those that keep your body running healthy. In this article we will discuss some basic questions you may have about those tiny unicellular organisms that are with us each and every day of our lives.

How do bacteria make us sick?

Bacteria, as with any living organism, must have food and nutrients to survive. And like any other organism the bacteria must give off by products as waste. Bacteria make us sick by releasing toxins that cause a wide range of symptoms and illnesses. Some of the toxins make us sick to our stomachs and cause nausea, vomiting or diarrhea. Others can cause neurological problems. If a bacterium has fed on material that is toxic, the toxic materials are then released into our body systems once we become infected with the bacterium.

How do anti-bacterial products work?

Anti-bacterial products work by applying a chemical in a gel that kills off the bacteria. Sometimes the chemical is a simple agent such as alcohol. Alcohol works very effectively in killing off bacteria. There are now other chemicals found in cleaning products that are supposed to eradicate bacteria. There has been a huge boom in the anti-bacterial industry in products designed to supposedly keep us healthier. Does it work? That is up for interpretation.

Who first discovered bacteria?

The first discovery of bacteria can be traced by to Antony van Leeuwenhoek who, though did not actually create the microscope, is the first one to document the discoveries he found through his lenses. Ironically Leeuwenhoek could not draw the bacteria present in his samples himself so he hired an illustrator. But it was not until he took an interest in his own mouth that the first bacteria observations occurred. He took notice of the “animalcules” found within the unwashed mouth. It definitely makes you want to run and grab your toothbrush.

Can E-Coli kill a person?

E-Coli can be fatal for a person infected with this unicellular organism if it is left unchecked. It may not be the actual bacterium that causes the fatality but instead the side effects such as vomiting and diarrhea over an extended period of time. This is a real risk for those with a compromised immune system, the elderly or children who cannot tolerate being without fluids for several days at a time.

Will improperly prepared food make me sick?

Yes, foods that are not prepared properly can make you very sick. Undercooked meats that have the E-Coli bacteria present will still be there if they are not heated to the proper temperatures. If you use the same cutting board you used for raw poultry or meat and then cut vegetables you will be cross-contaminating your vegetables. Cross-contamination is the number one reason why people get sick so do your part and use good sanitary measures.

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