Microbes: the good and the bad

A damaging microbe is called a pathogen, while a helpful microbe is called a mutualist.

Damaging Microbe: Pathogen

• Scientific term: Pathogen

• Meaning: An organism, such as a bacterium, virus, or fungus, that invades a host and causes disease or damage.

• Example: Streptococcus pneumoniae is a bacterial pathogen that causes pneumonia.

  
  

Beneficial Microbe: Mutualist

• Scientific terms: Mutualist, or probiotic.

• Meaning: An organism that lives in or on another living thing and provides a benefit, such as helping with digestion or protection.

• Example: Lactobacillus acidophilus is a mutualistic bacterium that lives in the human gut and helps digest food.

  
  

Why the Name Changes

• The word pathogen comes from Greek roots meaning "disease creator."

• Because a helpful microbe does not cause disease, calling it a "beneficial pathogen" is a contradiction.

• Scientists use mutualism when both organisms benefit from each other.

Cold Pain Management therapy targets a present pathogen, specifically bacteria, viruses, and fungi. This does not include helpful microbes. When a pathogen is present the therapy triggers an auto response in that pathogen.  If the pathogen is not present, then the pathogen cannot be targeted using Cold Pain Management therapy.

Once a pathogen is targeted, that specific genus and species cannot return.

Continuing studies are needed.

This is for informational purposes only. For Medical advise or diagnosis, consult a professional.