Microorganisms

Microbes

Microorganisms or Microbes such as bacteria, viruses and fungi, are living organisms too small to be seen with the naked eye but visible under a microscope. Food poisoning or foodborne illness is the result of consuming food that has been contaminated with harmful microorganisms. The majority of foodborne illnesses are caused by harmful bacteria and viruses.

Bacteria, Viruses and Fungi

These are three distinct microorganisms which can cause illness.

It is important to wash hands thoroughly and to try to keep your defenses up by eating correctly, as that will strengthen your immune system.

Infection occurs when bacteria, viruses, fungus or other microbes multiply in your body. When cells are damaged symptoms of an illness are noticed.

BACTERIA

Bacteria are very small, self-sufficient, one-celled organisms that live and reproduce in various environments and can invade the body with toxins that can destroy tissue. Many bacteria thrive in the mild 98.6 degree Fahrenheit healthy body environment.

Harmful bacteria can invade the body and produce toxins which damage tissue cells and cause disease. Some examples are:

1. Gastroenteritis

2. Kidney infection

3. Ulcerative colitis

4. Skin/tooth abscess

5. Urinary Tract Infections (UTI), or bladder infections

6. Staphylococcus aureus (Staph) infection or Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)

7. Severe gastrointestinal illness caused by Escherichia coli (E. coli)

Salmonella and salmonellosis

Salmonella bacteria occur naturally in the intestines of animals, especially poultry and swine (pigs), birds, reptiles, some pets, and some humans. These bacteria can be in the environment, too. People who eat food contaminated by salmonella can become ill with salmonellosis.

Salmonellosis can be spread. . .

• from person to person

• from animals, birds, and reptiles to people

• by consuming food contaminated with Salmonella

Both animals and people can be carriers of Salmonella

VIRUSES

Viruses are much smaller microorganisms than bacteria and can be spread by food workers. If the food worker is infected with a virus, they may contaminate food and drinks, especially if they do not wash their hands thoroughly after using the bathroom. They reproduce in a host and take over cells in your body. They destroy your cells as they reproduce.

Common sources of food-borne viruses include:

• food prepared by a person infected with a virus

• shellfish from contaminated water

• vegetables or fruit in contact with contaminated water

Examples of some viral diseases are:

1. Norovirus

2. Hepatitis A

3. Meningitis

4. Pneumonia

5. Mumps

6. Influenza

7. Tonsillitis

8. Bronchitis

9. Laryngitis

10. Common cold

FUNGI

Molds, yeasts and mushrooms are all types of fungi. They can live in your body, usually without harm and some offer benefits. For example, penicillin is derived from fungi, and this antibiotic kills harmful bacteria. Fungi are also required to make certain foods, such as bread, cheese and yogurt. Other fungi aren't as beneficial and can cause illness.