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See Also
See Again
© Shutterstock
0 / 31 Fotos
Escherichia coli
- This is probably the most commonly known bacterium on this list, and can be found in the human gut. Some strains of E. coli can cause food poisoning, but the majority are harmless or even beneficial, with the ability to aid in digestion and produce vitamin K.
© Shutterstock
1 / 31 Fotos
Lactobacillus acidophilus
- This bacterium can not only be found in the intestines of humans, but also in yogurt and probiotic supplements. It produces lactic acid, which helps create an acidic environment in the gut that inhibits the growth of harmful bacteria and prevents diarrhea.
© Getty Images
2 / 31 Fotos
Bifidobacterium
- This is another beneficial gut bacterium that aids in digestion and boosts the immune system. It is particularly abundant in the gut of breastfed infants and is thought to play a crucial role in establishing a healthy gut early in life.
© Shutterstock
3 / 31 Fotos
Streptococcus thermophilus
- Yogurts and other dairy products need this bacterium in order to ferment. In fact, the bacterium produces lactase, an enzyme that helps digest lactose, which makes yogurt and other fermented dairy products more easily digestible for people with lactose intolerance.
© Shutterstock
4 / 31 Fotos
Bacillus subtilis
- This bacterium produces antibiotics and enzymes that are often used in probiotics. It is known for its ability to survive in harsh conditions–like heat and radiation–and for its use in agriculture as a way to improve soil health.
© Shutterstock
5 / 31 Fotos
Acetobacter
- If you have ever wondered how vinegar gets its signature acidic taste, it is all thanks to this bacterium. Acetobacter helps ferment vinegar by converting ethanol into acetic acid. Interestingly, it's also used in the production of kombucha, a fermented tea beverage.
© Shutterstock
6 / 31 Fotos
Propionibacterium
- This bacterium contributes powerfully to the flavor and texture found in Swiss cheese. Indeed, this bacterium is the reason why Swiss cheese has its well-known holes, which are formed when Propionibacteria produce carbon dioxide bubbles during fermentation.
© Shutterstock
7 / 31 Fotos
Pseudomonas putida
- This bacterium has truly helped humans in the fight against pollution, as it is able to degrade environmental pollutants, including pesticides and heavy metals. It's also being studied for its potential applications in cleaning up contaminated soil and water.
© Getty Images
8 / 31 Fotos
Rhizobium
- A symbiotic relationship can usually be found between this bacterium and leguminous plants such as beans, peas, and lentils. The bacterium provides an essential source of nitrogen for the plants, allowing them to grow and thrive in nitrogen-poor soils.
© Shutterstock
9 / 31 Fotos
Mycobacterium vaccae
- Here is another bacterium that can be found in soil. Human exposure to M. vaccae has been shown to stimulate the production of serotonin and reduce inflammation, leading to improvements in mood and stress resilience. It's being investigated for its potential as a natural antidepressant.
© Getty Images
10 / 31 Fotos
Bacillus thuringiensis
- Organic farming has been significantly helped by this bacterium, as it is used as a biological pesticide. It produces proteins that are toxic to certain insects when ingested, and so it has helped control pests while minimizing negative impacts on the environment.
© Shutterstock
11 / 31 Fotos
Streptomyces
- Bacterial species from the Streptomyces family are prolific producers of antibiotics. They’ve been largely used in medicine, agriculture, and industry to help humans in thousands of ways. For example, it is used to treat tuberculosis and other bacterial infections.
© Getty Images
12 / 31 Fotos
Saccharomyces cerevisiae
- This bacterium is used in almost every household around the world for baking and brewing, helping to leaven bread and ferment beer. It also has some fundamental uses in biotechnology to produce medicine and biofuels.
© Getty Images
13 / 31 Fotos
Lactococcus lactis
- Here is another bacterium that helps in the fermentation of cheese and other dairy products. It has also been genetically modified to produce therapeutic proteins and vaccines.
© Getty Images
14 / 31 Fotos
Clostridium butyricum
- This is yet another bacterium that lives in your gut! It produces butyric acid, which has valuable anti-inflammatory effects and alleviates gastrointestinal disorders like diarrhea and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
© Shutterstock
15 / 31 Fotos
Enterococcus faecalis
- Also part of the gut microbiota, E. faecalis helps maintain intestinal health. Interestingly, the more extreme version of this bacterium can cause urinary tract infections and endocarditis. But in its positive form, E. faecalis can be used as a probiotic.
© Shutterstock
16 / 31 Fotos
Bacteroides fragilis - This bacterium is very important in the maintenance of your immune system and intestines. It's being studied for its potential therapeutic uses in autoimmune diseases like multiple sclerosis and inflammatory bowel disease.
© Shutterstock
17 / 31 Fotos
Staphylococcus epidermidis
- This is one of the most important bacterium on this list, and is found on your skin. It helps prevent harmful bacteria from colonizing your skin by creating a biofilm on it. For people who are immunocompromised, this bacterium could cause infections.
© Shutterstock
18 / 31 Fotos
Bacillus coagulans
- Another bacterium that helps maintain gut health, B. coagulans is used as a probiotic to alleviate gastrointestinal symptoms like bloating, gas, and diarrhea. Its ability to survive in harsh conditions have made it suitable for use in food products and dietary supplements.
© Getty Images
19 / 31 Fotos
Aeromonas hydrophila
- A. hydrophila is a bacterium that helps break down organic matter in aquatic environments. Although it has major advantages for marine biology that humans rely on for food and oxygen, it can cause infections in wounds that result in septicemia.
© Getty Images
20 / 31 Fotos
Deinococcus radiodurans
- This bacterium has an incredibly extreme resistance to radiation, which has made it perfect for applications in medicine. It's also being studied for its potential to clean up radioactive waste sites, protect astronauts from space radiation, and develop radiation-resistant materials.
© Getty Images
21 / 31 Fotos
Azospirillum brasilense
- Plants and agricultural spaces are at a significant advantage thanks to this bacterium, which is used a biofertilizer to help plant growth, increase crop productivity, and reduce the reliance on chemical fertilizers.
© Shutterstock
22 / 31 Fotos
Nitrosomonas
- In the natural nitrogen cycle of plants, this bacterium converts ammonia into much-needed nitrites–which play a crucial role in the fertility of soil and nutrient cycling.
© Getty Images
23 / 31 Fotos
Leuconostoc mesenteroides
- The German cuisine sauerkraut–which is fermented cabbage–relies primarily on this bacterium for the fermentation process. Indeed, a lot of fermented vegetables and dairy products like kefir are indebted to this particular bacterium.
© Shutterstock
24 / 31 Fotos
Akkermansia muciniphila
- The overall metabolic health of humans is kept in check by this bacterium, which includes the heart and intestines of every person on the planet. It is being studied for its potential in treating obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.
© Shutterstock
25 / 31 Fotos
Pediococcus
- Pediococcus produces acids that contribute to the preservation and flavor of fermented foods. They're used as starter cultures in the production of sausages, pickles, and other fermented vegetables.
© Shutterstock
26 / 31 Fotos
Methanobrevibacter smithii - Your digestive system would not be the same without this bacterium! It helps produce methane in the gut, which breaks down carbohydrates, and is also responsible for various gastrointestinal disorders, including constipation and IBS.
© Shutterstock
27 / 31 Fotos
Bacillus licheniformis
- Most detergents found in households include an enzyme that is produced by this bacterium. In fact, it has a wide range of enzymes that have been employed in the production of laundry detergents, leather, and biofuels.
© Shutterstock
28 / 31 Fotos
Geobacillus stearothermophilus
- This bacterium has the ability to thrive in high-temperature environments, which has made it incredibly beneficial for food processing and the production of biofuel.
© Getty Images
29 / 31 Fotos
Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron
- This is another bacterium that is responsible for breaking down complex carbohydrates in the gut. It helps in digestion and nutrient absorption, which nourishes all the cells in the human body and influences metabolism. Sources: (Biology Wise) (NIH) (Medical News Today) (National Geographic Society) (Healthline) (Britannica)
© Shutterstock
30 / 31 Fotos
© Shutterstock
0 / 31 Fotos
Escherichia coli
- This is probably the most commonly known bacterium on this list, and can be found in the human gut. Some strains of E. coli can cause food poisoning, but the majority are harmless or even beneficial, with the ability to aid in digestion and produce vitamin K.
© Shutterstock
1 / 31 Fotos
Lactobacillus acidophilus
- This bacterium can not only be found in the intestines of humans, but also in yogurt and probiotic supplements. It produces lactic acid, which helps create an acidic environment in the gut that inhibits the growth of harmful bacteria and prevents diarrhea.
© Getty Images
2 / 31 Fotos
Bifidobacterium
- This is another beneficial gut bacterium that aids in digestion and boosts the immune system. It is particularly abundant in the gut of breastfed infants and is thought to play a crucial role in establishing a healthy gut early in life.
© Shutterstock
3 / 31 Fotos
Streptococcus thermophilus
- Yogurts and other dairy products need this bacterium in order to ferment. In fact, the bacterium produces lactase, an enzyme that helps digest lactose, which makes yogurt and other fermented dairy products more easily digestible for people with lactose intolerance.
© Shutterstock
4 / 31 Fotos
Bacillus subtilis
- This bacterium produces antibiotics and enzymes that are often used in probiotics. It is known for its ability to survive in harsh conditions–like heat and radiation–and for its use in agriculture as a way to improve soil health.
© Shutterstock
5 / 31 Fotos
Acetobacter
- If you have ever wondered how vinegar gets its signature acidic taste, it is all thanks to this bacterium. Acetobacter helps ferment vinegar by converting ethanol into acetic acid. Interestingly, it's also used in the production of kombucha, a fermented tea beverage.
© Shutterstock
6 / 31 Fotos
Propionibacterium
- This bacterium contributes powerfully to the flavor and texture found in Swiss cheese. Indeed, this bacterium is the reason why Swiss cheese has its well-known holes, which are formed when Propionibacteria produce carbon dioxide bubbles during fermentation.
© Shutterstock
7 / 31 Fotos
Pseudomonas putida
- This bacterium has truly helped humans in the fight against pollution, as it is able to degrade environmental pollutants, including pesticides and heavy metals. It's also being studied for its potential applications in cleaning up contaminated soil and water.
© Getty Images
8 / 31 Fotos
Rhizobium
- A symbiotic relationship can usually be found between this bacterium and leguminous plants such as beans, peas, and lentils. The bacterium provides an essential source of nitrogen for the plants, allowing them to grow and thrive in nitrogen-poor soils.
© Shutterstock
9 / 31 Fotos
Mycobacterium vaccae
- Here is another bacterium that can be found in soil. Human exposure to M. vaccae has been shown to stimulate the production of serotonin and reduce inflammation, leading to improvements in mood and stress resilience. It's being investigated for its potential as a natural antidepressant.
© Getty Images
10 / 31 Fotos
Bacillus thuringiensis
- Organic farming has been significantly helped by this bacterium, as it is used as a biological pesticide. It produces proteins that are toxic to certain insects when ingested, and so it has helped control pests while minimizing negative impacts on the environment.
© Shutterstock
11 / 31 Fotos
Streptomyces
- Bacterial species from the Streptomyces family are prolific producers of antibiotics. They’ve been largely used in medicine, agriculture, and industry to help humans in thousands of ways. For example, it is used to treat tuberculosis and other bacterial infections.
© Getty Images
12 / 31 Fotos
Saccharomyces cerevisiae
- This bacterium is used in almost every household around the world for baking and brewing, helping to leaven bread and ferment beer. It also has some fundamental uses in biotechnology to produce medicine and biofuels.
© Getty Images
13 / 31 Fotos
Lactococcus lactis
- Here is another bacterium that helps in the fermentation of cheese and other dairy products. It has also been genetically modified to produce therapeutic proteins and vaccines.
© Getty Images
14 / 31 Fotos
Clostridium butyricum
- This is yet another bacterium that lives in your gut! It produces butyric acid, which has valuable anti-inflammatory effects and alleviates gastrointestinal disorders like diarrhea and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
© Shutterstock
15 / 31 Fotos
Enterococcus faecalis
- Also part of the gut microbiota, E. faecalis helps maintain intestinal health. Interestingly, the more extreme version of this bacterium can cause urinary tract infections and endocarditis. But in its positive form, E. faecalis can be used as a probiotic.
© Shutterstock
16 / 31 Fotos
Bacteroides fragilis - This bacterium is very important in the maintenance of your immune system and intestines. It's being studied for its potential therapeutic uses in autoimmune diseases like multiple sclerosis and inflammatory bowel disease.
© Shutterstock
17 / 31 Fotos
Staphylococcus epidermidis
- This is one of the most important bacterium on this list, and is found on your skin. It helps prevent harmful bacteria from colonizing your skin by creating a biofilm on it. For people who are immunocompromised, this bacterium could cause infections.
© Shutterstock
18 / 31 Fotos
Bacillus coagulans
- Another bacterium that helps maintain gut health, B. coagulans is used as a probiotic to alleviate gastrointestinal symptoms like bloating, gas, and diarrhea. Its ability to survive in harsh conditions have made it suitable for use in food products and dietary supplements.
© Getty Images
19 / 31 Fotos
Aeromonas hydrophila
- A. hydrophila is a bacterium that helps break down organic matter in aquatic environments. Although it has major advantages for marine biology that humans rely on for food and oxygen, it can cause infections in wounds that result in septicemia.
© Getty Images
20 / 31 Fotos
Deinococcus radiodurans
- This bacterium has an incredibly extreme resistance to radiation, which has made it perfect for applications in medicine. It's also being studied for its potential to clean up radioactive waste sites, protect astronauts from space radiation, and develop radiation-resistant materials.
© Getty Images
21 / 31 Fotos
Azospirillum brasilense
- Plants and agricultural spaces are at a significant advantage thanks to this bacterium, which is used a biofertilizer to help plant growth, increase crop productivity, and reduce the reliance on chemical fertilizers.
© Shutterstock
22 / 31 Fotos
Nitrosomonas
- In the natural nitrogen cycle of plants, this bacterium converts ammonia into much-needed nitrites–which play a crucial role in the fertility of soil and nutrient cycling.
© Getty Images
23 / 31 Fotos
Leuconostoc mesenteroides
- The German cuisine sauerkraut–which is fermented cabbage–relies primarily on this bacterium for the fermentation process. Indeed, a lot of fermented vegetables and dairy products like kefir are indebted to this particular bacterium.
© Shutterstock
24 / 31 Fotos
Akkermansia muciniphila
- The overall metabolic health of humans is kept in check by this bacterium, which includes the heart and intestines of every person on the planet. It is being studied for its potential in treating obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.
© Shutterstock
25 / 31 Fotos
Pediococcus
- Pediococcus produces acids that contribute to the preservation and flavor of fermented foods. They're used as starter cultures in the production of sausages, pickles, and other fermented vegetables.
© Shutterstock
26 / 31 Fotos
Methanobrevibacter smithii - Your digestive system would not be the same without this bacterium! It helps produce methane in the gut, which breaks down carbohydrates, and is also responsible for various gastrointestinal disorders, including constipation and IBS.
© Shutterstock
27 / 31 Fotos
Bacillus licheniformis
- Most detergents found in households include an enzyme that is produced by this bacterium. In fact, it has a wide range of enzymes that have been employed in the production of laundry detergents, leather, and biofuels.
© Shutterstock
28 / 31 Fotos
Geobacillus stearothermophilus
- This bacterium has the ability to thrive in high-temperature environments, which has made it incredibly beneficial for food processing and the production of biofuel.
© Getty Images
29 / 31 Fotos
Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron
- This is another bacterium that is responsible for breaking down complex carbohydrates in the gut. It helps in digestion and nutrient absorption, which nourishes all the cells in the human body and influences metabolism. Sources: (Biology Wise) (NIH) (Medical News Today) (National Geographic Society) (Healthline) (Britannica)
© Shutterstock
30 / 31 Fotos
Bacteria that help humans
Not all bacteria is harmful!
© Shutterstock
All around us, there is an unseen world of microscopic marvels that quietly assist in the vital functions of everyday life. Although bacteria can sometimes have quite a negative reputation, they are actually crucial for life on Earth and are truly nature’s tiny heroes. In this gallery, we've assembled a list of some of the most important bacteria, and although their names will certainly confuse you, each of them have some interesting and important benefits to human well-being.
Curious? Click through to find out which bacteria have helped humanity.
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