Micro Questions
How are bacteria endospores different from the cysts of protozoa? How are they alike?
A myriad of researches has been developed to implicate the differences that exist between spores and cysts in both protozoan and bacterial organisms with the key distinguishing factors lying on the mode of formation and the degree of resistance. Further, these studies indicate that bacteria spores are robust and thick-walled germ cells and are characterized by high cases of dormancy and non-reproduction (Lambrecht et al., 2015). Also, it has been established that the primary role of endospores is to assist the bacteria in surviving harsh environmental conditions such as ultraviolet lights, gamma radiations, and high temperatures (Lambrecht et al., 2015). More so, research indicates that bacterial endospores are commonly habited in water and soil environs where their survival is rampantly supported. On the other hand, protozoan cysts are a group of cells jointly designed to safeguard the protozoa against extreme environmental conditions (Lambrecht et al., 2015). Cysts are formations invoked by the presence of unfavourable terms for the survival of the protists. Encystment- a process by which cysts are formed- allows the protozoa to disperse to different hosts in search of better environments quickly. Cysts are also useful in enhancing the protists survive in extreme conditions such as in the case of the Entamoeba histolytica, which has to withstand the acidic conditions of the intestines. Despite these distinctions, there exists a similarity such as both microbes help the organism to survive extreme conditions. However, the resistance of unfavourable environments is more vigilant in cysts than in endospores.
Discuss some of how bacteriophages might be used to treat bacterial diseases. What might be some disadvantages?
Abedon, Kuhl, Blasdel & Kutter (2011) indicate that the resistance of bacteria to antibiotics and other treatments is still poignant and has prompted the application of phage therapy to counter bacterial infections. Bacteriophages (BPs) are viruses that are presumed to kill bacteria in both animals and humans without exhibiting any adverse side effects (Abedon et al., 2011). According to the Australian Healthcare and Hospitals Association (AHHA), the application of BPs in treatment takes a broader field. For instance, it is applied in a therapeutic area to treat both animals and humans of bacterial infections. Research indicates that treatment of food-producing animals using BPs contributed to a significant decrease in contamination of the resulting food products (Abedon et al., 2011). Also, BPs have assisted reduce the infections associated with bacterial germs in humans successfully. However, the application of phage therapy is accompanied by various shortcomings such as allergic reactions from the individuals under this therapy (Principi, Silvestri & Esposito, 2019). Also, intestinal disorders and other secondary illnesses such as yeast infections have been attributed to BPs.
Give some suggestions for treating anaerobic infections by manipulating the gas content.
According to Noor & Khetarpal (2019), management of anaerobic infection depends on the site of the disease and the victim. Manipulating gas content during antimicrobial treatment of these infections helps in restricting the spread of these microorganisms in the host’s body (Noor & Khetarpal, 2019). Studies have proved that the best method to avert the environmental conditions of these bacteria is hyperbaric oxygen therapy. This helps in improving tissue oxygenation, which creates an unconducive environment for the spread of the anaerobic bacteria.
Some human pathogenic bacteria are resistant to most antibiotics. How would you prove that a particular bacterium is resistant to antibiotics using the laboratory culture techniques?
Antibiotic resistance exhibited by bacterial germs is a situation where these microorganisms continue to exist even in the presence of medications like antibiotics. Research indicates that the conventional way of bacteria resistance is invoked by selective pressure where not all bacteria are vulnerable to the antibiotics (Fair & Tor, 2014). Methods to determine bacterial resistance through culture tests like the antimicrobial susceptibility tests. In this approach, bacteria are cultured from their breeding sites and exposed to antibiotics after identification. In this sequence, the methodology is used to determine which drugs are effective and discover how the resistance may change over time.
References
Abedon, S. T., Kuhl, S. J., Blasdel, B. G., & Kutter, E. M. (2011). Phage treatment of human infections. Bacteriophage, 1(2), 66-85.
Fair, R. J., & Tor, Y. (2014). Antibiotics and bacterial resistance in the 21st century. Perspectives in medicinal chemistry, 6, PMC-S14459.
Lambrecht, E., Baré, J., Chavatte, N., Bert, W., Sabbe, K., & Houf, K. (2015). Protozoan cysts act as a survival niche and protective shelter for foodborne pathogenic bacteria. Appl. Environ. Microbiol., 81(16), 5604-5612.
Noor, A., & Khetarpal, S. (2019). Anaerobic infections.
Principi, N., Silvestri, E., & Esposito, S. (2019). Advantages and limitations of bacteriophages for the treatment of bacterial infections. Frontiers in pharmacology, 10, 513.