Bacteria -- Bacillus

• Bacillus bacteria have rod-shaped cellular forms. The rod-shape of bacillus gives them an aggressive profile for attacking organisms. Two types of bacilli exist: the gram positive and gram negative. Either type of these bacillus can cause severe infections, like salmonella with the gram positive type and influenza with the negative gram type. Some bacteria provide benefits to the human digestive system by safely breaking down enzymes.
  
  

Bacteria -- Cocci

• Cocci bacteria have spherical or ball-like shapes. They can originate in separate forms or congregate together in large groups, forming long chains. One type, Staphylococci, causes infections in and on the skin in the form of boils, spots and pustules. Another type, Streptococci, bonds in long chains and causes irritations and infections in the throat.
  
  

Bacteria -- Vibrio

• Vibrio bacteria can be distinguished by their thin sickle-like shapes, similar to a crescent moon. They look similar to protozoa but should not be confused with them since vibrio bacteria are hundreds of times larger than protozoa. The germ-like versions of vibrio bacteria, like Vibrio cholera, produce the disease cholera in humans.
  
  

Fungi -- Benificial

• Fungi cells have a central nucleus and an outer cell wall membrane. They can bond together to produce long tubes (hyphae), which multiply into a network of fibers that invade and cling to their food substance. One example of a beneficial fungus organism includes the edible mushroom. The common toadstool is another form of fungus. Mushrooms and toadstools manufacture fungal spores, which can be carried on the wind currents for great distances. Beneficial fungi can grow as individual cells, which can be used in the production of baker's and brewer's yeast, found in bread, wine and beer.
  
  

Fungi -- Pathogenic

• The most harmful fungi cause serious skin infections in animals and humans. The fungi cells contain fibrous structures that grow and entwine within the tissues of the upper skin layer and this causes cell damage and inflammation. The open lesions and intrusions allow other aggressive diseases to establish a foothold in the cells, complicating the infection. Pathogenic forms of fungi that cause diseases include vaginal and oral thrush, ringworm of the intestines and athlete's foot.