Microorganisms live in the human intestine, which make up a total mass of up to two kilograms. They form the local flora. The ratio is strictly maintained according to the principle of expediency.

The bacterial content is heterogeneous in function and significance for the host organism: some bacteria in all conditions provide support through the proper functioning of the intestines, therefore they are called beneficial. Others are just waiting for the slightest breakdown in control and weakening of the body in order to turn into a source of infection. They are called opportunistic pathogens.

The introduction of foreign bacteria into the intestines that can cause disease is accompanied by a violation of the optimal balance, even if a person is not sick, but is a carrier of the infection.

Treatment of the disease with medicines, especially antibacterial action, has a detrimental effect not only on the causative agents of the disease, but also on beneficial bacteria. The problem is how to eliminate the consequences of therapy. Therefore, scientists have created a large group of new drugs that supply live bacteria for the intestines.

What bacteria form the intestinal flora?

About half a thousand species of microorganisms live in the human digestive tract. They perform the following functions:

• help with their enzymes to break down the substances that have got with the products to normal absorption, absorption through the intestinal wall into the bloodstream;
• produce the destruction of unnecessary residues of the digestion of food, toxins, toxic substances, gases, in order to prevent the processes of decay;
• produce for the body special enzymes, biologically active substances (biotin), vitamin K and folic acid, which are necessary for life;
• participate in the synthesis of immune components.

Studies have shown that some bacteria (bifidobacteria) protect the body from cancer.

Probiotics gradually crowd out pathogenic microbes, depriving them of nutrition and directing immune cells to them.

The main beneficial microorganisms include: bifidobacteria (make up 95% of the entire flora), lactobacilli (almost 5% by weight), Escherichia. Conditionally pathogenic are:

• staphylococci and enterococci;
• mushrooms of the genus Candida;
• clostridia.

They become dangerous when a person's immunity falls, a change in the acid-base balance in the body. An example of harmful or pathogenic microorganisms are shigella, salmonella - the causative agents of typhoid fever, dysentery.

Beneficial live bacteria for the gut are also called probiotics. So, they began to call specially created substitutes for normal intestinal flora. Another name is eubiotics.
Now they are effectively used to treat digestive pathologies and the consequences of the negative effects of drugs.

Types of Probiotics

Preparations with live bacteria were gradually improved and updated in terms of properties and composition. In pharmacology, they are usually divided into generations. The first generation includes drugs containing only one strain of microorganisms: Lactobacterin, Bifidumbacterin, Colibacterin.

The second generation is formed by antagonist preparations containing an unusual flora that can resist pathogenic bacteria and support digestion: Bactistatin, Sporobacterin, Biosporin.

The third generation includes multicomponent drugs. They contain several strains of bacteria with bioadditives. The group includes: Lineks, Atsilakt, Acipol, Bifiliz, Bifiform. The fourth generation consists only of preparations from bifidobacteria: Florin Forte, Bifidumbacterin Forte, Probifor.

According to the bacterial composition, probiotics can be divided into those containing as the main component:

• bifidobacteria - Bifidumbacterin (forte or powder), Bifiliz, Bifikol, Bifiform, Probifor, Biovestin, Lifepack Probiotics;
• lactobacilli - Linex, Lactobacterin, Atsilact, Acipol, Biobacton, Lebenin, Gastrofarm;
• colibacteria - Colibacterin, Bioflor, Bifikol;
• enterococci - Linex, Bifiform, dietary supplements of domestic production;
• yeast-like fungi - Biosporin, Baktisporin, Enterol, Baktisubtil, Sporobacterin.

What should be considered when buying probiotics?

Under different names, pharmacological firms in Russia and abroad can produce the same drugs-analogues. Imported, of course, much more expensive. Studies have shown that people living in Russia are more adapted to local strains of bacteria.

Still better to buy your own drugs

Another negative - as it turned out, imported probiotics contain only a fifth of the declared volume of living microorganisms and do not settle in the intestines of patients for a long time. Before purchasing, you need to consult a specialist. This is caused by serious complications from the misuse of drugs. Patients reported:

• exacerbation of cholelithiasis and urolithiasis;
• obesity;
• allergic reactions.

Live bacteria should not be confused with prebiotics. These are also medicines, but do not contain microorganisms. Prebiotics contain enzymes, vitamins to improve digestion, stimulate the growth of beneficial microflora. They are often prescribed for constipation in children and adults.

The group includes known to practitioners: Lactulose, pantothenic acid, Hilak forte, Lysozyme, preparations from inulin. Experts believe that it is necessary to combine prebiotics with probiotic preparations for maximum results. For this, combined preparations (synbiotics) have been created.

Characterization of first generation probiotics

Preparations from the group of probiotics of the first generation are prescribed to young children when first-degree dysbacteriosis is detected, and also if prophylaxis is necessary, if the patient is prescribed a course of antibiotics.

Primadophilus is an analogue of drugs with two types of lactobacilli, much more expensive than the others, since it is produced in the USA

The pediatrician chooses Bifidumbacterin, Lactobacterin for babies (include bifido- and lactobacilli). They are diluted in warm boiled water and given 30 minutes before breastfeeding. Older children and adults are suitable drugs in capsules, tablets.

Colibacterin - contains dried bacteria of Escherichia coli, is used for prolonged colitis in adults. A more modern monopreparation Biobacton contains an acidophilus bacillus, indicated from the neonatal period.

Narine, Narine Forte, Narine in milk concentrate - contains an acidophilic form of lactobacilli. Comes from Armenia.

Purpose and Description of Second Generation Probiotics

Unlike the first group, second-generation probiotics do not contain beneficial living bacteria, but include other microorganisms that can suppress and destroy pathogenic microflora - yeast-like fungi and spores of bacilli.

Used mainly for the treatment of children with mild dysbacteriosis and intestinal infections. The duration of the course should be observed for no more than seven days, then switch to live bacteria of the first group. Baktisubtil (a French drug) and Flonivin BS contain bacillus spores with a wide spectrum of antibacterial action.

Inside the stomach, spores are not destroyed by hydrochloric acid and enzymes, they reach the small intestine intact

Baktisporin and Sporobacterin are made from hay bacillus, antagonistic properties to pathogenic pathogens, resistance to the action of the antibiotic Rifampicin are preserved.

Enterol contains yeast-like fungi (saccharomycetes). Comes from France. Used in the treatment of diarrhea associated with antibiotics. Active against clostridia. Biosporin includes two types of saprophyte bacteria.

Features of third generation probiotics

Live bacteria collected in combination or several of their strains act more actively. They are used to treat acute intestinal disorders of moderate severity.

Linex - contains bifidobacteria, lactobacilli and enterococci, is produced in Slovakia in a special powder for children (Linex Baby), capsules, sachets. Bifiform is a Danish drug, several varieties are known (Baby drops, chewable tablets, complex). Bifiliz - contains bifidobacteria and lysozyme. Available in suspension (lyophilizate), rectal suppositories.

As part of the drug bifidobacteria, enterococci, lactulose, vitamins B 1, B 6

How are 4th generation probiotics different?

In the production of preparations with bifidobacteria of this group, the need for additional protection of the digestive tract and the removal of intoxication was taken into account. Means are called "sorbed" because the active bacteria are located on activated carbon particles.

Indicated for respiratory infections, diseases of the stomach and intestines, dysbacteriosis. The most popular drugs in this group. Bifidumbacterin Forte - contains live bifidobacteria sorbed on activated carbon, is available in capsules and powders.

Effectively protects and restores the intestinal flora after respiratory infections, with acute gastroenterological pathology, dysbacteriosis. The drug is contraindicated in people with congenital deficiency of the lactase enzyme, with rotavirus infection.

Probifor - differs from Bifidumbacterin Forte in the number of bifidobacteria, it is 10 times higher than the previous drug. Therefore, the treatment is much more effective. It is prescribed in severe forms of intestinal infection, with diseases of the large intestine, dysbacteriosis.

It has been proven that the effectiveness is equated in diseases caused by shigella to antibiotics of the fluoroquinolone series. Able to replace the combination of Enterol and Bifiliz. Florin Forte - includes a lacto- and bifidobacterium composition sorbed on coal. Available in capsule and powder form.

The use of synbiotics

Synbiotics are a completely new proposal in the treatment of intestinal flora disorders. They provide a double action: on the one hand, they necessarily contain a probiotic, on the other hand, they include a prebiotic that creates favorable conditions for the growth of beneficial bacteria.

The fact is that the action of probiotics is not long-lasting. After the restoration of the intestinal microflora, they can die, which again causes a worsening of the situation. Accompanying prebiotics nourish beneficial bacteria, provide active growth and protection.

Many synbiotics are dietary supplements, not medicinal substances. Only a specialist can make the right choice. It is not recommended to make a decision about treatment on your own. The drugs in this series include the following.

Lb17

Many authors refer to the best drugs to date. It combines the beneficial effect of 17 types of live bacteria with extracts of algae, mushrooms, vegetables, herbs, fruits, cereals (more than 70 components). Recommended for course use, you need to take from 6 to 10 capsules per day.

The production does not involve sublimation and drying, therefore the viability of all bacteria is preserved. The drug is obtained by natural fermentation for three years. Strains of bacteria work in different parts of digestion. Suitable for people with lactose intolerance, does not contain gluten and gelatin. Comes to the pharmacy chain from Canada.

Multidophilus plus

Includes three strains of lactobacilli, one - bifidobacteria, maltodextrin. Produced in the USA. Available in capsules for adults. The Polish remedy Maxilak in its composition contains: as a prebiotic oligofructose, as a probiotic - live cultures of beneficial bacteria (three strains from bifidobacteria, five from lactobacilli, streptococcus). Indicated for diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, respiratory system, impaired immunity.

Assigned to children from the age of three and adults 1 capsule in the evening with meals

Which probiotics have targeted indications?

With an abundance of information about bacterial preparations with live microorganisms, some people rush to extremes: they either do not believe in the expediency of using them, or, conversely, spend money on ineffective products. It is necessary to consult a specialist about the use of probiotics in a particular situation.

Infants with diarrhea during breastfeeding (especially those born prematurely) are given liquid probiotics. They also help with irregular stools, constipation, lagging behind in physical development.

Babies in such situations are shown:

• Bifidumbacterin Forte;
• Linex;
• Acipol;
• Lactobacterin;
• Bifiliz;
• Probifor.

If diarrhea in a child is associated with a past respiratory disease, pneumonia, infectious mononucleosis, false croup, then these drugs are prescribed in a short course for 5 days. With viral hepatitis, treatment lasts from a week to a month. Allergic dermatitis is treated with courses from 7 days (Probifor) to three weeks. A patient with diabetes is recommended to take courses of probiotics of different groups for 6 weeks.

For prophylactic administration, Bifidumbacterin Forte, Bifiliz are most suitable during the season of increased incidence.

What is better to take with dysbacteriosis?

It is necessary to be sure of the violation of the intestinal flora to pass a stool test for dysbacteriosis. The doctor must determine which specific bacteria the body lacks, how severe the violations are.

With an established deficiency of lactobacilli, it is not necessary to use drugs only. containing them. Because it is bifidobacteria that are decisive in the imbalance and form the rest of the microflora.

Monopreparations, in which there are only the same type of bacteria, are recommended by the doctor only with a mild degree of violations.

In severe cases, combined means of the third and fourth generations are needed. The most indicated Probifor (infectious enterocolitis, colitis). For children, it is always necessary to select combinations of drugs with lacto- and bifidobacteria.

Means with colibacilli are prescribed very carefully. When identifying ulcers in the intestines and stomach, acute gastroenteritis, probiotics with lactobacilli are more indicated.

Usually, the doctor determines the duration of treatment by the generation of the probiotic:

• I - a monthly course is required.
• II - from 5 to 10 days.
• III - IV - up to seven days.

In the absence of effectiveness, the specialist changes the treatment regimen, adds antifungal agents, antiseptics. The use of probiotics is a modern approach to the treatment of many diseases. This is especially important for parents of young children. It is necessary to distinguish medicines from biological food supplements. Existing dietary supplements with intestinal bacteria can only be used by a healthy person for the purpose of prevention.

How will you react if you find out that in your body the total weight of bacteria is from 1 to 2.5 kilograms?

Most likely, this will cause surprise and shock. Most people believe that bacteria are dangerous and can cause serious harm to the life of the body. Yes, this is true, but there are, in addition to dangerous, also beneficial bacteria, moreover, vital for human health.

They exist within us, taking a huge part in various metabolic processes. Actively participate in the proper functioning of life processes, both in the internal and external environment of our body. These bacteria include bifidobacteria. Rhizobium and E. coli, and many more.

Beneficial bacteria for humans
The human body has millions of all kinds of beneficial bacteria that take part in various functions of our body. As you know, the number of bacteria in the body ranges from 1 to 2.5 kilograms, this volume contains a huge number of different bacteria. These bacteria can be present in all accessible parts of the body, but they are mostly found in the intestines where they aid in the digestive process. They also play a very important role in helping to prevent bacterial infections of the genital parts of the body, as well as yeast (fungal) infections.

Some beneficial bacteria for humans are acid-base balance regulators and are involved in maintaining pH. Some are even involved in protecting the skin (barrier function) from many infections. They are necessary and useful both as active workers in the production of vitamin K, and in the role of the normal functioning of the immune system.

Environment and beneficial bacteria
The name of one of the most beneficial bacteria in the environment is Rhizobium. These bacteria are also called nitrogen-fixing bacteria. They are present in the root nodules of plants, and release nitrogen into the atmosphere. Considered to be very beneficial to the environment.

Other equally important jobs that bacteria do for the environment are related to the digestion of organic waste, which helps maintain soil fertility. Azotobacters are a group of bacteria that are involved in the conversion of nitrogen gas into nitrates, which are used further down the chain by Rhizobium - nitrogen-fixing microbes.

Other Functions of Beneficial Bacteria
Bacteria are beneficial by participating in fermentation processes. Therefore, in many industries that are associated with the production of beer, wine, yoghurts and cheeses, they cannot do without the use of these microorganisms for fermentation processes. The bacteria used in fermentation processes are called Lactobacillus.

Bacteria play an important role in waste water treatment. They are used to convert organic matter into methane. Hence, they are applied in many industries. Some bacteria are also useful in cleaning up oil spills on the surface of the Earth's water basins.

Other bacteria are used in the production of antibiotics such as tetracycline and streptomycin. Streptomyces are soil bacteria used in the industrial production of antibiotics in the pharmaceutical industry.

E.coli, - bacteria that are present in the stomach of animals, such as cows, buffaloes, etc. help them in the digestion of plant foods.

Along with these beneficial bacteria, there are some dangerous and harmful bacteria that can lead to infections, but they are few in number.

Bacteria live almost everywhere - in the air, in water, in soil, in living and dead tissues of plants and animals. Some of them are beneficial, others are not. Harmful bacteria, or at least some of them, are known to most. Here are some names that justifiably cause us negative feelings: salmonella, staphylococcus aureus, streptococcus, cholera vibrio, plague bacillus. But few people know useful bacteria for humans or the names of some of them. Listing which microorganisms are beneficial and which bacteria are harmful will take more than one page. Therefore, we 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, which 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 and brackish marshes. Able to survive adverse 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 are not able to separate it from the air on their own. Bacteria of the genus Azotobacter are useful in that they accumulate nitrogen from the air, converting it into ammonium ions, which are released into the soil and easily absorbed by plants. In addition, these microorganisms enrich the soil with biologically active substances that stimulate plant growth, help to cleanse the soil from heavy metals, in particular, from lead and mercury. These bacteria are useful to humans in areas such as:

1. Agriculture. In addition to the fact that they themselves increase soil fertility, they are used to obtain biological nitrogen fertilizers.
2. The medicine. The ability of representatives of the genus to secrete alginic acid is used to obtain drugs for gastrointestinal diseases that depend on acidity.
3. food industry. The already mentioned acid, called alginic acid, is used in food additives to 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 adverse 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 the ingress of toxins from the intestines;
• accelerate the digestion of carbohydrates;
• activate parietal digestion;
• help absorption through the intestinal wall of calcium, iron, vitamin D ions.

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 short-lived.

Recently, drugs containing bifidobacteria have begun to appear. 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 rather contradictory.

lactic acid bacteria

More than 25 species of bacteria belong to the group with this name. They are predominantly rod-shaped, less often - spherical, as shown in the photo. Their size varies greatly (from 0.7 to 8.0 microns) depending on the habitat. They live on the leaves and fruits of plants, in dairy products. In the human body, they are present throughout the gastrointestinal tract - from the mouth to the rectum. Most of them are not harmful to humans at all. These microorganisms protect our intestines from putrefactive and pathogenic microbes.
They get their energy from the process of lactic acid fermentation. The beneficial properties of these bacteria have been known to man for a long time. Here are just a few of their applications:

1. Food industry - production of kefir, sour cream, fermented baked milk, cheese; fermentation of vegetables and fruits; preparation of kvass, dough, etc.
2. Agriculture - Fermentation of silage (ensiling) slows down the development of mold and contributes to a better preservation of animal feed.
3. Traditional medicine - treatment of wounds and burns. That is why it is recommended to lubricate sunburn with sour cream.
4. Medicine - the production of drugs to restore the intestinal microflora, the female reproductive system after infection; getting antibiotics and a partial blood substitute called dextran; production of drugs for the treatment of beriberi, 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, resembling mushroom mycelium, as seen in the photo. They live mainly in the soil. If you have ever taken drugs such as erythromycin, tetracycline, streptomycin or levomycetin, then you already know how useful these bacteria are. They are manufacturers (producers) of a wide variety of drugs, including:

• antifungal;
• antibacterial;
• antitumor.

In the industrial production of drugs, streptomycetes have been used since the forties of the last century. In addition to antibiotics, these beneficial bacteria produce the following substances:

In fairness, it should be noted that not all streptomycetes are equally useful. Some of them cause potato disease (scab), others are the cause of various human ailments, including blood diseases.

I work as a veterinarian. I am fond of ballroom dancing, sports and yoga. I prioritize personal development and the development of spiritual practices. Favorite topics: veterinary medicine, biology, construction, repair, travel. Taboo: jurisprudence, politics, IT-technologies and computer games.

In addition to harmful, there are beneficial bacteria that provide the body with great help.

For the layman, the term "bacteria" is most often associated with something harmful and life-threatening.

Most often, among the beneficial bacteria, lactic-acid microorganisms are recalled.

If we talk about harmful bacteria, then people most often remember such diseases as:

• dysbacteriosis;
• plague;
• dysentery and some others.

Beneficial bacteria for humans help to carry out some biochemical processes in the body that ensure normal life.

Bacterial microorganisms live almost everywhere. They are found in air, water, soil, in any type of tissue, both living and dead.

A harmful microorganism can cause serious harm to the body, and the resulting pathologies can seriously undermine the state of health.

The list of the most famous pathogenic microbes includes:

1. Salmonella.
2. Staphylococcus.
3. Streptococcus.
4. Vibrio cholerae.
5. Plague wand and some others.

If harmful microorganisms are known to most people, then not everyone knows about beneficial bacterial microorganisms, and those people who have heard about the presence of beneficial bacteria are unlikely to be able to name them and how they are useful to humans.

Depending on the impact on humans, the microflora can be divided into three groups of microorganisms:

• pathogenic;
• conditionally pathogenic;
• non-pathogenic.

Non-pathogenic microorganisms are the most useful for humans, pathogenic ones are the most harmful, and conditionally pathogenic microorganisms can be beneficial under certain conditions, and become harmful when external conditions change.

In the body, beneficial and harmful bacteria are in balance, but when some factors change, the predominance of pathogenic flora can be observed, which leads to the development of various ailments.

Beneficial bacteria for humans

The most useful for the human body are sour-milk and bifidobacteria.

These types of bacteria are not capable of leading to the development of diseases in the body.

Beneficial bacteria for the intestines are a group of lactic acid bacteria and bifidobacteria.

Beneficial microbes - lactic acid bacteria are used in the production of a variety of products from milk. In addition, they can be used in the preparation of dough and some other types of products.

Bifidobacteria form the basis of the intestinal flora in the human body. In young breastfed children, this type of microorganism accounts for up to 90% of all types of bacteria living in the intestines.

These bacteria are entrusted with the performance of a large number of functions, the main among which are the following:

1. Ensuring the physiological protection of the digestive tract from penetration and damage by pathogenic microflora.
2. Provides the production of organic acids. Preventing the reproduction of pathogenic organisms.
3. They participate in the synthesis of B vitamins and vitamin K, in addition, they participate in the process of protein synthesis necessary for the human body.
4. Accelerates the absorption of vitamin D.

Bacteria useful to humans perform a huge number of functions and their role is difficult to overestimate. Without their participation, it is impossible to carry out normal digestion and absorption of nutrients.

The colonization of the intestines with beneficial bacteria occurs in the first days of a baby's life.

Bacteria enter the baby's stomach and begin to participate in all the digestive processes that occur in the body of the newborn.

In addition to fermented milk and bifidobacteria, E. coli, streptomycetes, mycorrhiza and cyanobacteria are useful for humans.

These groups of organisms play a huge role in human life. Some of them prevent the development of infectious diseases, others are used in drug production technologies, and still others ensure balance in the planet's ecological system.

The third type of microbes are Azotobacteria, their impact on the environment is difficult to overestimate.

Characteristics of sour milk stick

The lactic acid microbes are rod-shaped and Gram-positive.

The habitat of various microbes of this group is milk, dairy products such as yogurt, kefir, they also multiply in fermented foods and are part of the microflora of the intestines, mouth and female vagina. If the microflora is disturbed, thrush and some dangerous diseases can develop. The most common species of these microorganisms are L. acidophilus, L. reuteri, L. Plantarum and some others.

This group of microorganisms is known for its ability to use lactose for life and produce lactic acid as a by-product.

This ability of bacteria is used in the production of products that require fermentation. With the help of this process, it is possible to produce such a product from milk as yogurt. In addition, fermented milk organisms can be used in the salting process. This is due to the fact that lactic acid can act as a preservative.

In humans, lactic acid bacteria are involved in the process of digestion, ensuring the breakdown of lactose.

The acidic environment that occurs during the life of these bacteria prevents the development of pathogenic microflora in the intestine.

For this reason, lactic acid bacteria are an important component of probiotic preparations and dietary supplements.

Reviews of people using such drugs and dietary supplements to restore the microflora of the gastrointestinal tract indicate that these medicines have a high degree of effectiveness.

Brief description of bifidobacteria and Escherichia coli

This variety of microorganisms belongs to the group of gram-positive. They are branched and rod-shaped.

The habitat of this type of microbes is the human gastrointestinal tract.

This type of microflora is capable of producing acetic acid in addition to lactic acid.

This compound inhibits the growth of pathogenic microflora. The production of these compounds contributes to the control of pH levels in the stomach and intestines.

Such a representative as the B. Longum bacterium ensures the destruction of indigestible plant polymers.

Microorganisms B. longum and B. Infantis in the course of their activity produce compounds that prevent the development of diarrhea, candidiasis and fungal infections in infants and children.

Due to the presence of these beneficial properties, this type of microbe is often included in the composition of tablets sold in pharmacies of probiotic medicines.

Bifidobacteria are used in the production of various lactic acid products, such as yogurt, ryazhenka, and some others. Being in the gastrointestinal tract, they act as purifiers of the intestinal environment from harmful microflora.

The composition of the microflora of the gastrointestinal tract also includes Escherichia coli. She takes an active part in the processes of digestion of food. In addition, they are involved in some processes that ensure the vital activity of the cells of the body.

Some varieties of the stick are capable of causing poisoning in case of excessive development. Diarrhea and kidney failure.

Brief description of streptomycetes, nodule bacteria and cyanobacteria

Streptomycetes in nature live in soil, water and the remains of decaying organic matter.

These microbes are Gram-positive and filamentous under the microscope.

Most streptomycetes play a crucial role in maintaining the ecological balance in nature. Due to the fact that these microbes have the ability to process decaying organic matter, it is considered as a biorestorative agent.

Some types of streptomycetes are used to make effective antibiotics and antifungal drugs.

Mycorrhiza live in the soil, they exist in the roots of plants, entering into symbiosis with the plant. The most common symbiont of mycorrhiza are plants of the legume family.

Their benefit lies in the ability to bind atmospheric nitrogen, converting it in compounds into a form that is easily absorbed by plants.

Plants are not able to assimilate atmospheric nitrogen, so they are entirely dependent on the activity of this type of microorganism.

Cyanobacteria live most often in water and on the surface of bare rocks.

This group of living organisms are known as blue-green algae. This type of living organisms play an important role in wildlife. They are responsible for the fixation of atmospheric nitrogen in the aquatic environment.

The presence of such abilities in these bacteria as calcification and decalcification make them an essential component of the system for maintaining the ecological balance in nature.

Microorganisms harmful to humans

Pathogenic representatives of microflora are microbes capable of provoking the development of various ailments in the human body.

Some types of microbes can provoke the development of deadly diseases.

Very often, such diseases can be transmitted from an infected person to a healthy person. In addition, a large number of pathogenic microflora can spoil food.

Representatives of pathogenic microflora can be gram-positive, gram-negative and rod-shaped microbes.

The table below shows the most famous representatives of the microflora.

Pathogenic microflora can develop in the body for a long time and feed on useful substances, weakening its condition, which leads to the development of various infectious diseases.

The most dangerous bacteria for humans

One of the most dangerous and resistant bacteria is a bacterium called Staphylococcus aureus. In the ranking of dangerous bacteria, it can rightfully take a prize.

This microbe is capable of provoking the development of several infectious diseases in the body.

Some varieties of this microflora are resistant to the strongest antibiotics and antiseptics.

Varieties of Staphylococcus aureus are able to live:

• in the upper parts of the human respiratory system;
• on the surface of open wounds;
• In the channels of the urinary organs.

For a human body with a strong immune system, this microbe is not dangerous, but if the body is weakened, it can manifest itself in all its glory.

The bacteria called Salmonella typhi are very dangerous. They are able to provoke the appearance of such a terrible and deadly infection in the body as typhoid fever, in addition, acute intestinal infections can develop.

The specified pathological flora is dangerous for the human body in that they produce toxic compounds that are very dangerous to health.

Poisoning by these compounds of the body can provoke the appearance of serious and fatal diseases.

The beneficial bacteria that inhabit the human body are called the microbiota. In terms of their number, they are quite extensive - one person has millions of them. At the same time, they all regulate the health and normal life of each individual. Scientists say: without beneficial bacteria, or, as they are also called, mutualists, the gastrointestinal tract, skin, respiratory tract would be instantly attacked by pathogenic microbes and would be destroyed.

What should be the balance of the microbiota in the body and how it can be adjusted to avoid the development of serious diseases, AiF.ru asked Director General of biomedical holding Sergey Musienko.

gut workers

One of the important parts of the location of beneficial bacteria is the intestines. No wonder it is believed that it is here that the entire human immune system is laid. 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, as bacteria feed on plant cells containing cellulose, but intestinal enzymes alone cannot cope with this. Also, intestinal bacteria contribute to the production of vitamins B and K, which provide metabolism in bones and connective tissues, as well as release energy from carbohydrates and contribute to the synthesis of antibodies and regulation of the nervous system.

Most often, speaking of beneficial intestinal bacteria, they mean the 2 most popular types: bifidus and lactobacilli. At the same time, as many people think, it is impossible to call them the main ones - their number is only 5-15% of the total. However, they are very important, since their positive effect on other bacteria has been proven, when such bacteria can be important factors in the well-being of the whole community: if they are fed or introduced into the body with fermented milk products - kefirs or yogurts, they help other important bacteria survive and multiply. . So, 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 human skin and respiratory tract, in fact, stand guard and reliably protect their area of ​​​​responsibility from the penetration of pathogens. The main ones are micrococci, streptococci and staphylococci.

The skin microbiome has changed over the past hundreds of years as humans have moved from a natural life in contact with nature to regular washing with special products. It is believed that now human skin is inhabited by completely different bacteria that lived before. The body's immune system can distinguish between dangerous and non-dangerous. But, on the other hand, any streptococcus can become pathogenic for humans, for example, if it gets into a cut or any other open wound on the skin. An excess of bacteria or their pathological activity on the skin and in the respiratory tract can lead to the development of various diseases, as well as to the appearance of an unpleasant odor. Today there are developments based on bacteria that oxidize ammonium. Their use allows you 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.

Rescue of the microworld

The microcosm of each person is changing quite quickly. And this has undoubted advantages, since the number of bacteria can be updated independently.

Different bacteria feed on different substances - the more diverse a person's food and the more it matches the season, the more choice there is for beneficial microorganisms. However, if the food is heavily loaded with antibiotics or preservatives, the bacteria will not survive, because these substances are just designed to destroy them. And it does not matter at all that most of the bacteria are not pathogenic. As a result, the diversity of the inner world of man is destroyed. And after this, various diseases begin - problems with stools, skin rashes, metabolic disorders, allergic reactions, etc.

But the microbiota can be helped. And it will take only a few days for an easy 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. The analysis shows that their effectiveness in dysbacteriosis is up to 70-80%, that is, one or another drug may work, or it may not. And here you should carefully monitor the course of treatment and intake - if the funds work, you will immediately notice improvements. If the situation remains unchanged, it is worth changing the treatment program.

Alternatively, you can undergo special testing that 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 delicate balance. Although a person does not feel slight disturbances in the balance of bacteria, they still affect health - in this case, frequent illnesses, drowsiness, and allergic manifestations can be noted. Every resident of the city, to one degree or another, has an imbalance in the body, and if he does not specifically do anything to restore, then surely from a certain age he will have health problems.

Fasting, unloading, more vegetables, porridge from natural cereals in the morning - these are just a few of the eating behaviors that beneficial bacteria love. But for each person, the diet should be individual in accordance with the state of his body and with his lifestyle - only then can he maintain an optimal balance and always feel good.