In this week one of microbiology class, I learnt microbiology is the study of microorganisms in the form of animals, vegetables, or minerals that are too small for visibility to the eyes so microscope is used to view them. There are different types of microorganism, which includes bacterial, fungi, protozoa and microscopic Algae. Most of the bacterial are beneficial to humans in a lot of ways for example certain microbes play important roles in photosynthesis, food and oxygen generating process important to humans, microbes are used to produce vinegar, sauerkraut, pickle, alcohol beverages, green olives, soy sauce, buttermilk, cheese, yogurt, and bread and so many uncountable benefits I did not mention (Tortora, Funke, & Case, 2009). I also learn how they are classified according to the organism systems called taxonomy by Carolus Linnaeus in the 1700’s, into five kingdom named Monera, Protista, Fungi, Plantae, and Animal kingdoms.
On the other hand this week, I have learnt that scientist and philosophers have improved the way of thinking about this little creature’s germ producing aspect to develop cure to lots of diseases like sterilization of hospital surgical equipment, from Koch Postulates. Vaccinations of milder sickness cow pox, to create immunity to much worsen sickness small pox. Paul Ehrlich, chemotherapy therapy invention that he called the “magic bullet” known as salvarsan which is used to cure syphilis. Alexander Fleming invention of antibiotic penicillin from mold and many more improvements has occurred and still practiced until today.
These tools I will be applying to my career as a RN, knowing about microbes and the effects on compromised immunity for sick people, how to prevent sickness by washing my hands frequently, using protective devices as required, teaching on medication compliances to patient and promotion of good health.