Microorganisms
We are constantly exposed to microorganisms. These microorganisms are classed as bacteria, viruses, mould and fungi and are present around us all of the time, are part of life's delicate balance and normally do not cause us harm.
But certain microorganisms can at times pose real health hazards and cause food poisoning, sickness and diarrhoea, along with other debilitating conditions.
So what are;
Bacteria
With the ability to survive intensely hostile environments bacteria are ubiquitous and are found in every habitat on earth. They are capable of free living and the numbers of bacteria on a surface can double every 15 to 20 minutes. Bacteria are adept at survival using many different methods to assist growth including the use of bio-films and the emergence of drug resistant strains such as MRSA.
Bacterial Spores
Some bacteria like Clostridium difficile have the ability to develop a tough heat resistant coating that enables it to survive in unfavourable conditions for extended periods of time and are very difficult to eradicate using standard disinfectants and decontamination methods.
Viruses
These true intra cellular parasites require a "vector" such as water or body fluids to carry them. Once infected the virus invades the cells of the contaminated organism, using the cell to replicate. Viruses are difficult to deactivate or destroy.
Moulds and Fungi
These are plants lacking in chlorophyll, capable of surviving in all conditions, they are abundant in the environment and often thought as relatively harmless, however some can cause dangerous diseases including Aspergillosis an infection of the respiratory system or other organs.