Although much of this course is focused on microorganisms that are considered pathogens and have the potential to cause disease in humans, there are numerous microbes that are on our side or at least list side-by-side with us without causing trouble.

Although much of this course is focused on microorganisms that are considered pathogens and have the potential to cause disease in humans, there are numerous microbes that are on our side or at least list side-by-side with us without causing trouble. There are many bacteria and fungi on or in our bodies that are beneficial or are necessary for good health.

1. Summarize the benefit (or need) for “good” microorganisms in and on the body.

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2. Choose a part of the body that is normally colonized by “good” microorganisms (e.g.- skin, intestines, vagina, other). List examples of normal microbes and their relationship with the human body. What factors or specific pathogens could threaten this microbial population and how can a person prevent this?

3. What specifically happens when the normal microbial population in this area is disrupted? Provide examples to illustrate your points. How can a patient restore this population to a normal state?

Probiotics and Prebiotics: Frequently Asked Questions
http://www.fammed.wisc.edu/files/webfm-uploads/documents/outreach/im/handout_probiotics_patient.pdf

Probiotics for healthy skin
http://dermatologytimes.modernmedicine.com/dermatology-times/news/probiotics-healthy-skin?page=full

Fecal Transplantation for the Treatment of Clostridium difficile Infection
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3365524/pdf/GH-08-191.pdf