Bacteriology & Microbiology 3.8.5

Big scientific encyclopedia "Bacteriology and Microbiology" delves into archaea, microscopic eukaryotes, parasites, prokaryotes, viruses, and infectious diseases.

Microbiology is the scientific discipline that examines microorganisms, encompassing single-celled organisms, multicellular organisms, and acellular entities. This field scrutinizes their biological features, interconnections with other organisms, as well as various aspects like taxonomy, morphology, physiology, biochemistry, evolution, role in ecosystems, and practical applications.

The realm of microbiology is divided into areas such as bacteriology, mycology, virology, parasitology amongst others. Due to the diverse ecological conditions in which microorganisms thrive and human practicalities, microbiology has evolved into specialized branches like general microbiology, medical microbiology, industrial (technical) microbiology, space microbiology, geological microbiology, agricultural microbiology, and veterinary microbiology.

Bacteria belong to the domain of prokaryotic microorganisms. Typically several micrometers in length with cells varying in shapes—spherical, rod-shaped, or spiral—they have been present since early Earth times. Bacteria inhabit diverse environments like soil, water bodies (fresh and marine), hot springs, radioactive waste sites, and deep earth layers; often acting as symbionts or parasites of flora and fauna.

Infection signifies the introduction of microorganisms (bacteria, fungi, protozoa) into living organisms. This term extends to infections caused by viruses, prions, rickettsiae, mycoplasmas, proteas, vibrios, and parasites. Infections entail different interactions of foreign microorganisms with human bodies, animals, or plants.

An epidemic signifies the widespread occurrence of an infectious disease surpassing ordinary levels of morbidity within a specific area. The outbreak affects a significant portion of the population leading to an emergency situation. Epidemiology is a medical branch studying epidemics of both infectious and non-infectious diseases along with strategies for combatting them.

A virus is an infectious agent lacking cells; it replicates solely within living cells. Viruses infect varied organisms from plants and animals to bacteria and archaea—bacterial viruses are termed bacteriophages. Certain viruses need other viruses for replication (called satellite viruses).

Antibiotics are medications used against bacterial infections but are ineffective against viral or other non-bacterial infections. These drugs either kill microorganisms or impede their proliferation enabling natural defenses to eradicate them.

Bactericides (often noted as Bcidal) are substances annihilating bacteria. These can be disinfectants, antiseptics, or antibiotics. Additionally materials can possess bactericidal attributes based on physical properties like surface structure seen in biomaterials such as insect wings.

Probiotics are live microorganisms beneficial when taken in appropriate doses for health purposes; they are found in foods and dietary supplements.

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