It is common knowledge that bacteria are tiny organisms that play a vital role in sustaining life on earth. While they are beneficial in many ways, they are also associated with a plethora of misconceptions. Here, we aim to clear up some common myths about bacteria and provide invaluable insights into what is true and what is not.
Myth 1: All Bacteria are Harmful
The truth is that not all bacteria are harmful. In fact, some bacteria are incredibly beneficial to human existence. Many bacteria found in the human body, including the gut, mouth, and skin play a crucial role in maintaining our immune systems, aiding in digestion, and keeping our skin protected against harmful substances.
The gut microbiome, for example, is composed of millions of beneficial bacteria that help break down food and prevent the growth of harmful bacteria that cause intestinal infections. These bacteria also help produce vitamins essential for healthy living, including B vitamins and vitamin K.
Myth 2: Antibiotics Kill All Bacteria
While antibiotics are crucial in fighting bacterial infections, they do not kill all bacteria. Antibiotics are specific to certain bacterial strains, and their effectiveness depends on the bacteria’s susceptibility to specific drugs. Additionally, antibiotics can lead to the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, rendering the drugs less effective over time.
What are antibiotic-resistant bacteria?
These are bacteria that have evolved mechanisms that make them resistant to antibiotics. This resistance makes them difficult or impossible to treat with antibiotics, leading to increased mortality rates and higher healthcare costs.
Myth 3: Eating Sugar Causes Tooth Decay
Although sugar is a leading cause of cavities, it does not directly cause tooth decay. Bacteria in the mouth feed on sugar and produce acid that erodes the enamel of the teeth, leading to cavities. So, it is the bacteria in the mouth and the acid they produce that cause tooth decay and not the sugar itself.
Myth 4: Bacteria Spread Diseases
While some bacteria are responsible for causing diseases, not all bacteria spread diseases. Pathogenic bacteria like Salmonella, E.coli, and Listeria are common causes of foodborne illnesses. However, not every bacterium causes diseases, and some may lead to infections only if they get into the body through a wound or break in the skin.
What is a pathogen?
It is a bacterium, virus, or other microorganisms that cause disease.
Myth 5: Alcohol-Based Sanitizers Kill All Bacteria
Alcohol-based sanitizers are highly effective in killing most bacteria, but not all. Some bacteria like Norovirus, which causes stomach flu, and Clostridium difficile, responsible for severe diarrhea, can survive the sanitizing process. So, it is essential to use soap and water to clean visibly soiled hands and surfaces.
Myth 6: Bacteria can Survive in Outer Space
This is partially true. Some bacteria can survive the harsh conditions of outer space, including extreme cold, radiation, and vacuum. Studies have shown that bacteria like Deinococcus radiodurans can survive exposure to vacuum and radiation, increasing the possibility of bacterial contamination of the moon or Mars in future space exploration expeditions.
Myth 7: Raw Meat is Safe to Eat if Smelled Okay
This is a dangerous misconception. Raw meat can contain harmful bacteria like Salmonella, E.coli, and Listeria, even if it smells okay. It is always essential to cook meat to the recommended internal temperature to kill all bacteria present and prevent foodborne illnesses.
What is the recommended internal temperature for cooking meat?
| Meat Type | Internal Temperature |
|---|---|
| Beef, Pork, Veal, and Lamb (Steaks, Roasts, and Chops) | 145°F (63°C) |
| Ground Meats (Beef, Pork, Veal, and Lamb) | 160°F (71°C) |
| Poultry (Chicken, Turkey, Duck) | 165°F (74°C) |
| Fish and Shellfish | 145°F (63°C) |
Myth 8: All Bacteria Reproduce Sexually
Most bacteria reproduce asexually, by a process called binary fission. In this process, one bacterium divides into two genetically identical daughter cells, which continue to grow and divide. Sexual reproduction in bacteria is rare but does occur in some species.
Myth 9: Bacteria Do Not Develop Resistance to Disinfectants
Bacteria can develop resistance to disinfectants, just as they develop resistance to antibiotics. Repeated use of the same disinfectant can lead to the growth of bacteria that are resistant to the disinfectant’s active ingredient. Moreover, some bacteria, like Mycobacterium tuberculosis, can form a protective shield around themselves, allowing them to survive even when exposed to disinfectants.
Myth 10: Bacteria are all Single-Celled Organisms
Although most bacteria are single-celled, some bacteria are multicellular, forming colonies or biofilms. These biofilms can be seen in many places, including inside water pipes, on medical implants, and on the surfaces of contact lenses. The capacity of bacteria to form biofilms makes them increasingly resistant to antibiotics, making treatment for such infections difficult.
Myth 11: All Bacteria are Visible under a Microscope
While bacteria are typically too small to be observed with the naked eye, not all bacteria are visible under a microscope. Some bacteria are ultra-small, measuring less than 0.1 microns, and may require special techniques like electron microscopy to be observed.
Myth 12: Bacteria Can Survive in the Freezer
Bacteria cannot survive in the freezer, but some can become dormant or inactive at low temperatures. Freezing foods slows down bacterial growth but does not kill bacteria. So, it is essential to cook frozen food thoroughly to kill any surviving bacteria and prevent foodborne illnesses.
Myth 13: Bacteria can only be Found in Living Organisms
Although bacteria reside in living organisms like animals and humans, they can also be found in non-living things like soil, water, and dead matter. Some bacteria can survive extreme conditions, such as high and low temperatures, and will remain dormant until conditions become favorable for their growth.
Myth 14: Bacteria and Viruses are the Same Thing
Bacteria and viruses are not the same things. Viruses are parasites that cannot survive without a host organism. They require host cells to reproduce, and they do not have their metabolic systems. Bacteria, on the other hand, are independent organisms that can survive and reproduce without a host organism. They are also more significant than viruses and can be seen under a microscope.
Myth 15: Bacteria cannot Survive pH Levels below 7
While most bacteria thrive best under neutral pH conditions, there are some acidophilic bacteria that can survive and even flourish in highly acidic environments. These bacteria have special adaptations that allow them to withstand acidic conditions, including an acidic cell wall and acid-tolerant enzymes that enable them to grow and thrive even in pH levels far below 7.
Conclusion
Our understanding of bacteria is crucial in protecting our health and everyday living. Although many misconceptions surround bacterial life, it is essential to understand the truth behind these myths to take the necessary precautions, prevent infections, and maintain better overall health.
Most Common Questions and Answers
- What are the most common types of bacteria that cause foodborne illnesses?
- Salmonella, E.coli, and Listeria.
- Can antibacterial soaps cause antibiotic resistance?
- Yes, repeated use of antibacterial soaps can lead to the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
- What is the main difference between a bacterium and a virus?
- Bacteria are independent organisms that can survive and reproduce without a host, while viruses are parasites that cannot live outside a host cell and require host cells to reproduce.
- Can bacteria survive in the vacuum of outer space?
- Yes, some bacteria like Deinococcus radiodurans can survive exposure to vacuum and radiation in space.
- Can bacteria kill viruses?
- No, bacteria cannot kill viruses.
References
- Akira, K. (2019). Carbon Footprint of Bacillus Subtilis Spores, Deinococcus Radiodurans and Lactobacilli Used for Space Technologies: A Pilot Study. Sustainability, 11(20), 5606.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022). When and How to Wash Your Hands. Accessed on April 22 2022, at https://www.cdc.gov/handwashing/when-how-hand-washing.html
- National Center for Biotechnology Information. (2020). Acidophilic Bacteria. In StatPearls Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing. Accessed on April 22 2022, at https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK544361/
- National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. (2022). Is Eating Sugar Really Bad for Your Teeth? Accessed on April 22 2022, at https://www.nidcr.nih.gov/health-info/is-eating-sugar-really-bad-for-your-teeth
- USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service. (2022). Safe Minimum Internal Temperature Chart. Accessed on April 22 2022, at https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/wcm/connect/c0b21c33-43e1-4b47-a795-e29ce14d9ccd/safe_min_internal_temp_chart.pdf?MOD=AJPERES