Question
Dear Jim,

I am trying to find out what pathogenic or otherwise harmful microbes live in our gardens. I would be really grateful if you could tell me about any of them and what effects they can have.

If you can help in any way, please let me know.

Thanks,

Liz  

Answer
Species of soil bacteria which can be implicated in human syndromes include members of the genera:
Clostridia (causing 'Tetanus'),
Mycobacteria (causing lung and skin diseases),
Streptococcus,
Staphylococcus,
Proteus,
Pseudomonas,
Diptheroids,
Anthrax and many others.

Exposure to common non-pathogenic soil mycobacteria with people employed in horticulture and agricultural occupations can cause false-positive ppd Tuberculosis testing results in humans.

Several species of microscopic fungi can also be implicated in human pathologies, including Coccidiomycoses, Aspergillus, Actinomycetes, etc.  

In general, the average gardener or horticulturalist who practices basic hygiene measures and washes their hands and skin after working the soil will have little to fear from the potentially pathogenic microbes in the soil. If the individual has a compromised immune system or open sores coming in contact with the soil, the chances of becoming infected with an opportunistic microbe are of course greater.

All citizens are urged to have a Tetanus/Diptheria Vaccination.


LINKS:

http://www.cdc.gov/nip/vaccine/tetanus/default.htm

http://www.textbookofbacteriology.net/
(This On-Line Textbook has a chapter on Soil Bacteriology)
---

I Hope this has answered your question(s)!

Visit Science Quotations page:

http://hometown.aol.com/eilatlog/quoteset/sciquote.html

Your Questions and Comments are welcome at ALLEXPERTS.com
No Home-work questions please!