Bacteria, a name that has a very negative connotation, is now considered very beneficial in terms of curing different illnesses and diseases. There was a time when nothing good came from that "horrible" organism, but both doctors and patients are beginning to recognize its positive effects.
Acute Otitis Media, a form of ear infections in small children is caused by the spread of Streptocococcus Pneumoniae and other bacteria from the throate and ear. While it is very commin and is normally treated with antibiotics, researchers have found that children who get a lot of ear infections have a relatively small amount of alpha streptococci, a naturally occuring bateria.
Scientists collected a group of 130 kids infected with Streptococcus P. and issued them all antibiotics for about ten days. Afterward, half were given growth-inhibiting bacteria, and the other half were given a placebo. 42% of the kids given the bacteria had no recurrence of infection, while around half of the amount given the placebo were still suffering from the infection.
As it turns out, bateria has other medical uses aside from curing ear infection.Natto, a type of bacteria that lives in many common Japanese foods, has had many positive effects on the people living in Japan.
Natto contains an agent that has the ability to cure blood clots. This, in turn, helps prevent heart attacks and strokes, two very fatal occurences.
On top of that, it can possiblly treat brain infraction, cardiac infraction, and brain apoplexy. Food containing natto costs only .5% the amount that urokinase, an enzyme now being used to dissolve blood clots. Patients prescribed Natto no longer experience retinal blood clots and hemmoraging.
So bacteria really isn't so bad after all. Scientists and researchers are still experimenting with various forms of bacteria, and it is found that it is more helpful than harmful in several cases. From Streptococcus to natto and beyond, we are using this microscopic organism to improve our health and quality of life.
