Bacteria are microscopic life forms and can be beneficial, harmful or neutral to us. Harmful bacteria are those bacteria that cause some adverse effects to us, which are not just limited to our health (although that is a major concern). Apart from causing infection and diseases to human beings, cattle and plants, the harmful bacteria can cause corrosion of metals, fouling of membranes, etc. Some examples of harmful bacteria and their effects on us are:
- Vibrio cholerae: cholera
- Shigella spp.: dysentery
- Pasteurella pestis: plague
- Bacillus antracis: anthrax
- Neisseria meningitides : meningitis
- Neisseria gonorrhoeae: gonorrohoea
These are all pathogenic bacteria--disease causing bacteria.
Iron and sulfur bacteria commonly cause the fouling of wells. Biofouling costs the shipping industry billions of dollars every year. Certain oral bacteria may be responsible for bad mouth odor.
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