: Not all microbes are harmful. Many viruses and bacteria are essential to life, such as probiotics in the gut or bacteriophages (viruses that kill harmful bacteria).
: The text discusses the scientific debate over whether viruses are truly "alive," as they lack their own metabolism and must hijack host cells to reproduce. Viruses Are Not the Only Nasties in Town – AZMATH
The article breaks down key concepts regarding these "nasties": : Not all microbes are harmful