These microorganisms are known as normal microbiota or normal flora. These microorganisms benefit us in that it prevents us from being sick all the time. They also produce growth factors such as Vitamin K and folic acid. Though these microbiota live in harmony with their host under normal conditions, they can be harmful if they find their way into different parts of the body or a different habitat. These microbes would be considered pathogenic or disease-causing, and are not exclusive to the body’s normal flora. An example of a normal microbiota that becomes harmful when introduced into a foreign environment is the bacterium Escherichia coli. This bacterium is normally found in the colon. The bacterium may come in contact with the stomach by ingestion and certain strains can cause food poisoning which leads to diarrhea, dehydration, and …show more content…
Some countries have a high percentage of elderly people who are more susceptible to microbial diseases because their immune system does not work as well anymore. Also in some countries where there is poor nutrition, children lack immunization therefore they are also more susceptible to common childhood diseases. Increased urbanization contributes to the transmission of disease because families are starting to migrate to cities where there is more work, higher income, and a better life. Where there are more people there is a higher risk of getting a disease by mode of transmission. Ecological disturbances such as the New Orleans flood are a major mode of transmission because the water created many diseases such as hepatitis A and influenza (Floods and