The surface tissues including skin and mucous membranes are all the time in contact with environmental organisms and become gamely occupied by certain microbial species. Now, Researchers on a safari for microbes has promulgated the fact that the human skin (the largest organ) is inhabited by 182 species of bacteria with some of them residing there everlastingly and some just use it as a passenger bus to take the seat for a few time and then get off it. Nevertheless, microbiologist Dr. Martin Blaser of New York University School of Medicine said that since some of these bacteria are useful so we don’t need to be bothered much about it.
The research was carried out by Blaser and his colleagues who examined swabs from the forearms of six healthy people to study the bacterial populations in human skin and found 182 species of bacteria. Thinking around the number, they expect the total probable count to be 250. Undenieably, the human skin can be compared to a zoo as a well maintained zoo could may have between 100 to 200 species of animals. Blaser, in context to the useful bacteria, said:
We think that many of the normal organisms are protecting the skin. So that’s why I don’t think it’s a great idea to keep washing all the time because we’re basically washing off one of our defense layers
Research popped out the conclusion that nearly half of the bacterial population includes permanent members including four genera i.e. Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, Propionibacteria and Corynebacteria. The study also brought the fact to light that there is difference in count of the bacteria found on skin and the bacteria found inside our bodies. Microbes in our bodies are not an accident, they have evolved with us.
Via: Reuters
