Bacteria are beneficial as well as harmful. Cleanliness and hygiene do prevent it. There are several diseases caused by bacteria that affect the human body.
Bacteria are organisms that are all around us and can be helpful. Bacteria aids food digestion, nutrient absorption, vitamin production, and protect against other harmful microbes. On the other hand, a number of diseases that impact humans are caused by bacteria. Bacteria that cause disease are referred to as pathogenic bacteria, and they do so by producing poisonous substances such as endotoxins and exotoxins. These substances are rather responsible for the symptoms that occur with bacteria-related diseases. The symptoms may in fact range from mild to serious, and some can be deadly as well.
Disease, diseases caused by bacteria are several.
Table of Contents
1. Necrotizing Fasciitis (Flesh-eating Disease)
Necrotizing fasciitis is a serious infection most often caused by Streptococcus pyogenes bacteria. They are flesh-eating bacteria, producing toxins that tend to destroy body cells, specifically red blood cells and white blood cells. This causes the death of the infected tissue, a process referred to as known as necrotizing fasciitis. Other types of bacteria that can cause necrotizing fasciitis do include Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella, and Clostridium.
These bacteria enter the body through a cut or other open wound in the functioning immune systems. Those who practice good wound care hygiene are at low risk for developing the disease.
2. Staph Infection
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) are bacteria that can cause serious health issues. MRSA is a strain of Staphylococcus aureus bacteria or Staph bacteria that have developed a resistance to penicillin and penicillin-related antibiotics, including methicillin.
3. Meningitis
Bacterial meningitis is an inflammation of the protective covering of the brain and spinal cord referred to as the meninges. This is a serious infection that can indeed lead to brain damage and even death. The common symptom of meningitis is a severe headache. Other symptoms do include neck stiffness and high fever. Meningitis is treated with antibiotics
Bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites can all cause meningitis. Disease, diseases caused by bacteria cannot be ignored.
4. Pneumonia
Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs, symptoms of which include a high fever, coughing, and difficulty breathing. While a number of bacteria can cause pneumonia, the most common cause is Streptococcus pneumonia.
5. Tuberculosis
Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease of the lungs. It is typically caused by bacteria known as Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Tuberculosis can be deadly without proper treatment. The disease does spread through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or even talks. Treatment can be no doubt be long-lasting from six months to a year, depending on the severity of the infection.
6. Cholera
Cholera happens to be an intestinal infection caused by the bacteria Vibrio cholera. It is a food-borne disease typically spread by food and water contaminated with Vibrio cholerae. Cholera can be mild or severe. Symptoms of severe form do include diarrhea, vomiting, and cramps. The disease is typically treated by hydrating the infected individual. In more severe cases, antibiotics may be used in order to cure the affected person.
7. Dysentery
Bacillary dysentery is an intestinal inflammation that is caused by bacteria in the genus Shigella. Similar to cholera, it spreads via contaminated food and water. Dysentery is also spread by individuals who do not wash their hands after using the toilet. Dysentery symptoms can range from mild to severe. Severe symptoms do include bloody diarrhea, high fever, and pain. Similar to cholera, dysentery is typically treated by hydration. It can also be treated with antibiotics based on severity. The best way to prevent the spread of Shigella is to wash and dry the hands properly before handling food as well as avoid drinking local water in areas where there may be a high risk of getting dysentery.
Disease, diseases caused by bacteria do affect health in several ways.
Also read: Diseases Caused By Nutritional Deficiencies