The Dangers of Microorganisms

Microorganisms: A Lurking Threat

Microorganisms are microscopic forms of life that are ever-present both in the environment and on the human body, and although you can’t see them, they can be deadly. To be clear, the vast majority of microorganisms are harmless, if not beneficial, to human beings. Some, however, such as a human strain of Influenza A (H1N1) and Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), are extremely dangerous, capable of causing disease, illness and even death.

A host of infectious diseases, including chicken pox, AIDS and pneumonia, all begin with a harmful microorganism. Because of their ability to mutate, survive and reproduce in the presence of antibodies that were previously effective in controlling them, microorganisms have historically proven to be difficult to combat.

Therefore, controlling the spread of infection and disease means developing technologies that not only destroy microorganisms, but that also prevent them from developing into resistant forms.