Introduction
Pathogenic or harmful micro-organisms have the ability to wipe out the whole of humanity directly or indirectly. They therefore must be controlled through some measures in order to stay healthy.
Control of Harmful Micro-Organisms
- The use of drugs like antibodies performs key role in checking the spread of microorganisms
- Dehydration tends to inactivate the micro-organisms since most of them require water for metabolism
- The use of high salinity or salt especially in preservation of food
- Application of high temperature destroys pathogens. This is used in sterilization of materials e.g. in hospitals
- Antiseptic application involves the use of low concentration of chemicals like phenol (carbonic acid). They prevent or inhibit the growth of micro-organisms. At times they kill them
- Disinfectants are high concentration of phenol (carbolic acid). They kill micro-organisms outright.
- The use of low temperature (freezing) also kills or inactivates some micro-organisms
- The use of irradiation controls the growth of micro-organisms
- Immunization: Vaccination or inoculation of anti-disease sera protects the individual from contacting the disease. This is because antibodies or anti-toxins are produced by the body
Vectors
A vector is an organism that does not cause disease itself but which spreads infection by conveying pathogens from one host to another.
Species of mosquito, for example, serve as vectors for the deadly disease Malaria…
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