Document Code: CNAHS-F-AOLMT

MANUEL S. ENVERGA UNIVERSITY FOUNDATION

Lucena City
Document Title: Asynchronous Online Learning
An Autonomous University Module Template
Page No.: Page 1 of 3
Revision No.: 1
COLLEGE OF NURSING &
Effectivity Date: August 2020
ALLIED HEALTH SCIENCES Prepared by: Dean
Reviewed by: QMR
QUALITY FORM Approved by: President

MICROBIOLOGY AND PARASITOLOGY

Module Title: The Good, The Bad & The Ugly – Microbes
Overview
Bacteria are everywhere, including your entire body. The bacteria in our body weighs as much as our brain–3
lbs! Bacteria can be harmful, but some species of bacteria are needed to keep us healthy. The bacteria on our
skin, in our airways, and in our digestive system are the first line of defense against foreign “invaders”
(pathogens) that can cause infection and other problems.

Bacteria also act as “tuning forks” for our body’s immune system, making sure it’s pitched just right. The
immune system shouldn’t be too sensitive or too sluggish: it needs to respond quickly to an infection but it
shouldn’t over-react. (If it does over-react and attacks the body itself, the result is an autoimmune disease, such
as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, or MS). Each person has a personalized collection of bacteria, called the
microbiome.[1] We acquire our first bacteria while being born, and every day our environment exposes us to
more. Some of these bacteria will take up residence inside the body and help develop a robust immune system.

Time needed to complete: 3 hours

Objectives:
1. To classify the different bacteria into good or bad or pathogens or non-pathogens;
2. To describe the bacteria, and explain the benefits or its causal effect; and

Learning Outcome/s
After successful completion of this module, you should have the ability to:
* Learning Outcome 1: Familiarization of the different microorganism whether pathogenic or non-
pathogenic.
* Learning Outcome 2: Identify which body parts are affected or benefited by the microorganism.

Course Materials

The Good
The species of bacteria that colonize our respiratory and digestive systems help set up checks and balances in
the immune system. White blood cells police the body, looking for infections, but they also limit the amount of
bacteria that grow there. Likewise, bacteria keep white blood cells from using too much force. Bacteria also
help out by doing things cells are ill-equipped to do. For instance, bacteria break down carbohydrates (sugars)
and toxins, and they help us absorb the fatty acids which cells need to grow. [2] Bacteria help protect the cells in
your intestines from invading pathogens and also promote repair of damaged tissue. Most importantly, by
having good bacteria in your body, bad bacteria don’t get a chance to grow and cause disease.
 Document Code: CNAHS-F-AOLMT
MANUEL S. ENVERGA UNIVERSITY FOUNDATION
Lucena City
Document Title: Asynchronous Online Learning
An Autonomous University Module Template
Page No.: Page 2 of 3
Revision No.: 1
COLLEGE OF NURSING &
Effectivity Date: August 2020
ALLIED HEALTH SCIENCES Prepared by: Dean
Reviewed by: QMR
QUALITY FORM Approved by: President

The Bad
Of course, some species of bacteria in your body can result in diseases, such as cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular
disease, and obesity. [3] Usually, these diseases happen only when the normal microbiome is disrupted, but that
can occur even from antibiotics. Antibiotics kill bacteria, and some of those will be good bacteria that we need
to protect our health. When that happens, the bad bacteria that normally are kept in check have room to grow,
creating an environment ripe for disease.

Bad bacteria can exist at low levels in your body without causing harm or can grow too much and wreak
havoc. Staphylococcus aureus can cause something as simple as a pimple or as serious as pneumonia or toxic
shock syndrome. P. gingivalis can cause gum disease, and was recently linked to pancreatic cancer (read
our article find out more). Similarly, when not suppressed by good bacteria, Klebsiella pneumoniacan cause
colitis, and subsequently lead to colorectal cancer. [4]

The Ugly
In addition to allowing disease-causing bacteria to flourish, the elimination of good bacteria throws the immune
system out of whack. The result can be simple allergies or very debilitating autoimmune diseases. Without the
right balance of bacteria, your body might suffer from constant inflammation.

Inflammation is the body’s alarm system, which calls white blood cells to heal a wound or to get rid of infection.
Chronic inflammation, however, can make the body more susceptible to autoimmune diseases and cancer, such
as causing inflammatory bowel disease which if uncontrolled can cause colon cancer. [5

Activities/Assessments
Complete the table below:

Microorganism Classify if the bacteria is Part or parts of the body Disease it may produce
pathogenic or non- usually infected or or benefit it may give
pathogenic located or where can
you usually get it from
(plant or animal)?

Lactobacillus
acidophilus

Penicillium
notatum
 Document Code: CNAHS-F-AOLMT
MANUEL S. ENVERGA UNIVERSITY FOUNDATION
Lucena City
Document Title: Asynchronous Online Learning
An Autonomous University Module Template
Page No.: Page 3 of 3
Revision No.: 1
COLLEGE OF NURSING &
Effectivity Date: August 2020
ALLIED HEALTH SCIENCES Prepared by: Dean
Reviewed by: QMR
QUALITY FORM Approved by: President

Staphylococcus
aureus

Candida albicans

Neisseria
gonorrhoeae

Aspergillus
fumigatus

Helicobacter pylori

For Further Study: Talaro, K. & Chess, B. (2015). Foundations in Microbiology. 9th edition. New York. McGraw-
Hill.

NOTE: All assignments on this module must be submitted through google drive folder that your professor will
provide.

If the student has no access to a computer or laptop, they can submit all requirements through hardcopy (hand
written) and delivered to the Office of CNAHS. If the student is a non-resident of Lucena City, they can send
assignments in this address: Office of the College of Nursing and Allied Health Sciences, Manuel S. Enverga
University Foundation, University Site, Lucena City, Quezon, 4301.