It's a common misconception that all bacteria are harmful and disease-causing. However, the truth is that our bodies are inhabited by both beneficial and harmful bacteria. In fact, the beneficial ones often outnumber the harmful ones.
Probiotics are essentially a mixture of microorganisms, including bacteria, that are beneficial to our health. They are crucial in maintaining gut health and also have other benefits, like enhancing immunity, aiding in weight loss, and helping with digestion. They are primarily responsible for managing disorders of the gastrointestinal tract.
Probiotics, generally, are safe for human consumption, with the most common form being yoghurts.
Pathogenic Bacteria
Pathogens
are microorganisms that cause diseases. Pathogenic bacteria, therefore, are harmful bacteria that attack their host and cause damage, either directly or indirectly, resulting in infections that need to be treated.
Some pathogenic bacteria can invade the skin and mucus, while others can infiltrate our bloodstream.
Differences between Probiotic and Pathogenic Bacteria
Probiotics
Pathogenic Bacteria
They are beneficial to our health.
These are harmful and cause diseases.
They do not have any virulence.
They have the potential to induce toxicity.
They do not form colonies.
Pathogenic bacteria are known to form colonies.
They maintain gut health and manage the gastrointestinal tract.
They cause severe illnesses that require prevention and treatment.
Examples –
Enterococcus faecium, Leuconostoc mesenteroides, Pediococcus acidilactici, etc.
Examples –
Salmonella enterica, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, etc.
.
Pathogenicity is the capacity to deliver illness in a host creature. Microorganisms express their pathogenicity through various means. They attack the host cell by releasing toxins or directly damaging the cells.
What are prebiotics?
Probiotics are live strains of microscopic organisms that also include bacteria. They take care of human gut health. In contrast, prebiotics help in the stimulation of healthy gut bacteria. Prebiotics are generally plant-based sources that are considered as food for beneficial microorganisms.
Can probiotics eliminate pathogenic bacteria?
Probiotics are composed of many beneficial bacteria. They help in maintaining our immune system. Thus, it leads to a healthy body that can fight off harmful bacteria. A few probiotic bacteria can also secrete bacteriocins (antibacterial peptides) that harm other microbes.
Is yeast a probiotic?
Yeast also functions as a probiotic. They help maintain the gastrointestinal tract. For example, Saccharomyces boulardii is a probiotic.