Final answer:
Microbes have historically been used in food processing and have been significant in understanding and treating infectious diseases. The types of infectious diseases prevalent from 1900 to today have changed due to medical advancements, but new challenges like antibiotic resistance continue to arise.
Step-by-step explanation:
Microbes have played a significant role in human health and well-being throughout history. Prior to the invention of the microscope, our ancestors used microbes to improve foods, such as bread and cheese, without a clear understanding of the underlying processes. The discovery of microbes has since revolutionized our understanding of disease, leading to advancements in medical microbiology and the treatment of various infectious diseases.
Historically, diseases like bubonic plague, smallpox, and tuberculosis caused significant human plagues and epidemics. With the progress of microbiology, the rise of vaccines and antibiotics decreased the prevalence of many such diseases. However, today we face new challenges such as antibiotic resistance, leading to the emergence of "superbugs" like MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus).
In terms of food processing, microbes are still instrumental today. Lactic acid bacteria are used in the production of yogurt, cheese, and other fermented foods. In bioremediation, bacteria are employed to clean up oil spills and degrade pollutants, showcasing their environmental benefits. Internally, our own gut flora performs essential functions, such as aiding digestion and training our immune system, although the misuse of antibiotics can disrupt this delicate balance by killing beneficial bacteria along with harmful ones.
The types of infectious diseases found in humans, animals, and plants have shifted from 1900 to today due to increased hygiene, vaccinations, and antibiotics. However, diseases continue to evolve and new pathogens emerge, posing ongoing challenges for public health.