Humans and microbes typically have three main types of relationships: mutualism, commensalism, and parasitism.
Mutualism: Both the human and the microbe benefit. For example, gut bacteria help humans digest food and make vitamins. In return, the microbes get a safe place to live and nutrients.
Commensalism: The microbe benefits, and the human is not harmed or helped. Many microbes on the skin or in the intestines live this way, using the body as a home without causing any problems.
Parasitism: The microbe benefits while the human is harmed. This includes harmful bacteria, viruses, or fungi that cause infections. These microbes take nutrients from the body and may damage tissues.
Some microbes can change their relationship type. For example, a normally harmless microbe can become harmful if a person has a weak immune system. These are called opportunistic pathogens.
No comments:
Post a Comment