Bacteria
Bacteria are microorganisms which are composed of one single cell. They occur everywhere in our body and in the environment.
Our topics in the area of bacteria
As opposed to viruses, bacteria can multiply themselves. They divide in the middle and constitute autonomous cells. This is referred to as bacterial growth or bacterial multiplication.
Useful bacteria can become dangerous too
Many bacteria are vital for humans, like those which prevent a multiplication of pathogens. However, in some cases even useful bacteria can become pathogens and cause an infection. These infections are possible in humans with a weakened immune system or if bacteria penetrate our body e.g. through wounds.
What does BfRshort forGerman Federal Institute for Risk Assessment do?
BfRshort forGerman Federal Institute for Risk Assessment assesses risks which are caused by pathogenic bacteria in foods. Such bacteria can enter food, for example, through poor hygiene in food production or directly from the agricultural domain. Microbial pathogens, which are transmitted from animals to humans, are referred to as zoonotic agents. Diseases which can be transmitted from animals to humans are consequently referred to as zoonoses.