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Infections Caused by Bacteria

We hear a lot about infectious diseases in the news. Headlines of outbreaks fill the front pages of newspapers. But do we know which ones are bacterial and which stem from another type of organism? This article lists and explains some widely publicized and not-so-publicized bacterial infections.

  1. Strep Throat

    • Strep throat is not a pretty condition that gives people an infectious sore throat. It comes from the bacteria called streptococcal pharyngitis. The bacteria is round in shape and groups into chains. In children, the symptoms of strep throat are irritability and swollen glands. In adults, the symptoms are severe pain with trouble swallowing; sometimes in adults, there are no symptoms at all.

    Tuberculosis

    • Tuberculosis is caused by the bacterium mycobacterium tuberculosis. It originates from a fungus. The bacteria enter the lungs. The body forms a barrier to fight the infection called a tubercle. This is why a person can have the disease (and have it detected by a TB test) but not be actively sick. This disease must be treated quickly upon onset and monitored closely by health care professionals so as to eradicate it and prevent it from spreading to others.

    MRSA

    • MRSA stands for Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus. It is caused by the bacterium Staphylococcus Aureus and is resistant to the antibiotic methicillin, which is a form of penicillin. It is also resistant to cousins of penicillin, such as, amoxicillin, erythromycin and tetracyclines. It is usually found on the skin and mucous membranes but can also be caught through body fluids. MRSA must be taken care of as soon as it is detected and it must not be left to spread. Other antibiotics that are not resisted by the staphylococcus infection are used to combat the condition.

    E. Coli

    • We've all heard about E. coli (escherichia coli) in the news. Did you know that this general strain of bacterium is supposed to be in your body? But this strain wreaks havoc in your intestines when you ingest it from undercooked ground beef or unpasteurized milk or apple juice. The best way to avoid the serious complications (including death) of E. coli is to make sure your food is well-cooked.

    Salmonella

    • Salmonella is a rod-shaped bacterium with flagella that go to the intestines and cause food poisoning. The symptoms are abdominal cramping, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and consequently dehydration.This infection, like E. coli, is prevented by preserving poultry correctly, cooking it thoroughly or throwing it out if it appears expired.

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