1. Which bacteria found in
Cayey’s spring water are
beneficial to humans?
Rafael J. Cummings Lopez

2. What are beneficial bacteria to
humans?
They are microscopic organisms.
These microorganisms produce chemical toxins
that prevents the growth of pathogens.
Pathogens are biological agents that cause
disease or illness to its host.

3. What are beneficial bacteria to
humans?
Bacteria are essential to our body.
They improve our nutritional status helping us
digest food and produce essential vitamins.
They have important specific therapeutic roles.
All of this is possible if you do not have an excess
of them, if you have it, they would become
pathogen microorganisms.

4. Beneficial Bacteria and their effects on
humans:
L. acidophilus LC1- Helps in the balance of
intestinal flora and has effects on the immune
system.
L. acidophilus NCFCO1748- reduces the activity
of cancer-causing and diarrhea enzymes.
L. acidophilus NCFM- reduces the activity of
cancer-causing enzymes.

5. Beneficial Bacteria and their effect on
humans:
L. jonsonii LA1- It is an immuno-stimulatory and is
used in the treatment of gastritis and ulcers.
L. rhamnosus GG- It is an immuno-stimulatory
and helps fight the diarrhea and bowel
inflammation.
L. bulgaricus- It is an immuno-stimulatory and
aids in the absorption of lactose.

6. Beneficial Bacteria and their effect on
humans:
L. casei- It is a promoter of growth and viability
of prebiotics.
B. bifidum- Fights rotavirus diarrhea and helps in
the balance of the microbiota.
D. thermophiles- It is an immuno-stimulatory and
aids in the absorption of lactose.
S. boulardi- Prevents diarrhea and its used in the
treatment of colitis.

7. Purpose:
Area where people can collect water is located
on Highway PR-52 in Cayey, P.R., exactly at
kilometer 27.2.

8. Purpose:
Many people go there to collect water and
bring it to their homes, possibly the main purpose
is for consumption.
The focus of the research is to identify the
bacteria found in order to see whether or not
their presence is beneficial to humans.
Knowing if there is beneficial bacteria present,
this research will raise awareness of the benefits
that consuming this water can bring.

9. Purpose:
Also, this research will recommend people that
they should consume this water moderately to
lower the risk of diseases caused by the excess
of bacteria in their bodies.

10. Hypothesis:
Because they are not treated waters, it will
provide a favorable environment for the
existence of pathogenic and non-pathogenic
bacteria.

11. Samples at
different times of
day in sterile
containers will
be collected
and maintained
in optimum
temperature
Shigella and Salmonella
Agar (SSA)
water samples will be
deposited in different
culture media to see if any
bacteria develops
Mannitol Salt Agar (MSA)
Eosine Methylene Blue Agar
(EMBA)
Tryptic Soy Agar (TSA))
Bacteriological Analysis:

12. New bacteria found:
If a new bacteria is found, its pathogenicity will
be investigated.
If bacteria found are not pathogenic, further
research will include how this may contribute to
populations that consume this water to find out
why they do not cause any hazard and what
benefits they could bring.

13. New bacteria found:
For this, I will conduct interviews to whom are
willing to accept the invitation.
Also, I will compare their medical records to see
any particular disease or possible pattern.
A genetic study of people drinking or using this
water vs. those who do not ingest this water and
determine if it has changed their genetic profile
(if the bacteria has added a new gene.)

14. Permits:
If any human participation is required, I will
gather the necessary permits expedited by The
Institutional Review Board (IRB).

15. References:
INGRAHAM, John L. Introducción a la
Microbiología. España: Ediciones REVERTE, 1998.
751 p. ISBN: 8429118713, 9788429118711
HERNANDEZ, Alicia. Microbiología Industrial.
Costa Rica: Ediciones EUNED, 1994. 103 p. ISBN:
996831255X, 9789968312554
Http://biologiamedica.blogspo.com/2010/09/mi
croorganismos-beneficiosos-para-el.html?m=1