Abstract:
The normal human body contains about 1014 microorganisms, whereas the total no of cells in the body is 1013. Microbiologists conclude that microbes in our body are vital when they study the effects of normal flora in living organisms. The experimental comparison between the germ-free animals (which do not have any microbes living in them) and the conventional animals (which have typical normal flora living in them) have brought forward some interesting facts. Germ-free animals were found lacking of vitamins, at greater risk of contracting an infectious disease, and were found having underdeveloped immune system. Microbiota may abet the body (boost immunity, regulate metabolism, micronutrient bioavailability), may anguish the body (endogenous disease, abscesses), and may act as commensals. For example, humans lack enzymes to digest polysaccharides, hence dependent on microbes for their metabolism. Some important dietary fiber like cellulose is only metabolized by microbes in the intestine, if these microbes are absent, the human body can’t utilize these insoluble fibers (due to lack of enzymes), the process is known as colonic fermentation. Bacteria are the only organisms that contain the essential enzymes needed to make vitamin B12; animals and plants do not. Bacteria in the intestine can produce Menaquinone which is essential for many anaerobic electron transport systems. The colon bacteria produce a diverse range of metabolites, from relatively specific fatty acids and peroxides to incredibly nonspecific bacteriocins that either inhibit or eradicate other non-indigenous species. Most of all, if normal flora is disturbed, the body will be occupied by pathogenic microbes, which leads to infections. For instance, if oral flora is unbalanced, some opportunistic organisms such as streptococcus pneumoniae (normal flora of nasopharynx) can colonize and become pathogenic to the lungs i.e., the causative agent of pneumococcal diseases. Sustaining a balance is therefore critical. Normal microbiota comprises communities of bacteria that function as microbial ecosystems. The effects of altering these ecosystems can be hard to predict. Our typical flora can undergo alterations due to tissue injury, Xenobiotics, diet changes, etc. So, maintaining a healthy balance between the good and bad bacteria in the microbiome is essential for good health. Some of the signs when our normal flora is unbalanced are stomach discomfort, itching, and irritating skin conditions. Without normal flora, it’s hard to maintain good health. Some of the routine habits that help improve the normal flora of the body are eating a diverse range of foods, supplementing with probiotics and prebiotics, avoid unnecessary medications. Our understanding of the complexity and function of the normal flora in the human body is just at the beginning now. Advancing our understanding of normal flora will furnish us with valuable information about who we are.
Page(s):
11-11
DOI:
DOI not available
Published:
Journal: Abstract Book on Global Science Technology and Management Conference, Volume: 0, Issue: 0, Year: 2023