Germs are everywhere. Humans carry them on their skin, in their bodies, and spread them by means of coughing, sneezing, and any form of physical contact. Animals carry germs from one end of the country to the other, often even from one continent to the next. Whether it’s the armrest on a train, doorknobs or shopping carts outside the supermarket, they all have one thing in common: they are littered with germs. Unlike our fear of car accidents, unhealthy diets, cigarette smoke or genetically modified food, the danger of germs is easily overlooked.
What are germs?
Out of sight out of mind is one possible explanation for why germs are given so little importance as a cause of disease. Understandably so, because germs are nothing more than microorganisms. Microorganisms are composed of the commonly known bacteria, viruses and fungi as well as protozoa, archaea and microalgae. They all have one thing in common: they are microscopic. What they do not have in common is their effect. Microorganisms can have both positive and negative effects on humans and their environment. Germs, however, refer to microorganisms that have a dangerous to life-threatening effect on human health.
Meaning and function
The bacteria Lactobacillus acidophilus live in our intestines and perform important functions in digestion. This is an important microorganism for humans. While fungi, in the production of bread, wine and beer is inevitable. Many protozoa hunt and gather microbes for food. And this in the human digestive tract. Without causing harm to the human host.
Diseases
Still, the world of germs is not to be underestimated. Cholera, meningitis, food poisoning, scarlet fever and many other infectious diseases are caused by bacteria. Sterilization of equipment, disinfection of body parts, and antibiotics are the three ways to combat bacteria. While sterilization and disinfection never lose their validity, fighting bacteria with antibiotics is becoming increasingly difficult. Multi-resistant is the technical term for the fact that some germs have become resistant to one or more antibiotics. The causes are many, but the three most commonly cited are:
Antibiotics are prescribed unnecessarily, even when it has been proven not to help. Patients not taking antibiotics properly and the vast amounts of antibiotics used in livestock production. In ordinary everyday life, disinfection is the most common method in the fight against germs. Whether it’s brand-name products or just hot water and vinegar, being completely germ-free is an illusion. However, most common cleaners, as well as common sense, are sufficient for reducing germs. For example, 99% of all germs in the kitchen sponge can be killed with the help of the microwave. Only it should be remembered that the sponge must be moistened. It is interesting to note that most germs do not live in the toilet, as is often assumed, but on the floor. Also, while warm and humid is an ideal breeding ground, some microorganisms can survive even in temperatures ranging from -15°C to +113°C.
While germs in the form of bacteria and fungi can very well be stopped by hygiene, the situation is different with viruses. The main problem with viruses is that they are not living organisms in the classical sense. They need a cell, whether human, animal or plant, in order to survive. Thus, the host cell must be fought to eliminate the virus. This also explains the severe side effects associated with antiviral drugs. About 17% of all cancer cases are caused by viruses. And nowadays everybody knows the HI virus, which causes the disease AIDS. In addition, viruses cause influenza, measles and other less deadly diseases. The effects of germs on the human organism strongly depend on the type of microorganism as well as the immune defenses of the patient and the environment of the sick person. Hundreds of thousands of people die each year not from their disease alone, but from germs that survive in hospitals despite sterile environments. The battle against germs is like that between an almost invisible David and a human Goliath.
