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8 Things to Know About Bacteria

Bacteria are simple forms of life made up of just one cell. There are both good and bad forms of bacteria and some are actually very useful. Many forms are harmless. They are divided into separate groups using characteristics like size, shape and level of toxicity. There are a few things to remember to safely navigate the world of bacteria, which is all around us every day.

  1. Locations

    • Most bacteria are spread via handshakes or doorknobs.

      Bacteria, in its many forms, can be found almost anywhere. These microscopic cells are present on and in our own bodies and almost everything we touch. Bodily fluids and food items tend to contain the most potentially harmful bacteria.

    Infections

    • Bacterial infection takes many forms in humans, with the resulting conditions often having an adverse effect on the skin, intestines and respiratory system, among others. The level of infection is measured by the number of bacterial organisms present and the toxins they are releasing.

    Diseases

    • Most species of bacteria cannot cause disease and are harmless, but some can be dangerous because the organisms are designed to invade us. Deadly diseases that are the result of bacterial infection include botulism and meningitis.

    Prevention

    • Keep your kitchen clean to help avoid bacterial infections.

      Maintaining a level of cleanliness, especially in areas of the house like the kitchen or bathroom, is extremely important. Food must be carefully stored and prepared. Even if a food item looks and smells fine it may not be free of bacteria.

    Good and Bad Bacteria

    • All bacteria are classified as good, or healthy, or bad, as a pathogen. An infection is the result when one kind of pathogenic bacteria enters the body and reproduces faster than the good bacteria.

    Pathogenic Types

    • Salmonella is a commonly known type of bacteria that causes food poisoning. Other types of bacteria cause ulcers or gastritis. The sexually transmitted infection gonorrhea is caused by bacterial infection. Other bacteria are not so specific and can cause a variety of conditions from toxic shock to infecting cuts and even pneumonia.

    Treatment

    • Specific antibiotics are needed to treat bacterial infections. These antibiotics are designed to kill only the malevolent bacteria. The proper antibiotic to administer to a patient is determined after a urine sample, or swab from an infected area, has been examined.

    Emergency Symptoms

    • Some of the symptoms of bacterial infection can be severe and require immediate medical attention. Universal symptoms of bacterial infections include a high fever, lethargy and unresponsiveness.

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