Do you know that the human body contains more bacteria cells than human cells? Bacteria are one of the earliest forms of life discovered on earth and are essential to sustaining the planetary ecosystem.
They are found around us and are necessary for metabolic processes such as food digestion, nutrient absorption, and even protection against harmful microbes.
Some microscopic single-celled organisms can survive under the most extreme conditions. While most bacteria are harmless and helpful, certain species of bacteria classified as pathogens are harmful to humans, causing diseases and infections. These dangerous species are called pathogens.
Bacterial infections were once a dreaded infection; however, you can now use antibiotics in recent times to treat this infection. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), vaccination prevents an estimated 2-3 million deaths annually.
Meningitis, food poisoning, and pneumonia are common illnesses caused by bacteria infection. Certain strains of bacteria become resistant to antibiotics over time; nevertheless, antibiotics effectively cure and prevent bacterial infection.
Symptoms of Bacteria Infection
Symptoms of bacterial disease are determined by several colluding factors such as the patient’s age, type of infection, the sensitivity of the affected area, and medical history.
Bacteria diseases share specific symptoms such as influenza or viral infections, so if you experience any of the symptoms below, it’s essential to visit your health care provider for a proper diagnosis and treatment course.
Frequently diagnosed symptoms of bacterial diseases include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Weakness
- Rashes, lesions, and abscesses
- Pain such as joint, ear, or abdominal pain
- Stiff neck
- Diseases Caused by Bacteria
Diseases caused by Bacteria
1. Tetanus
Causative agent: Clostridium tetani
Tetanus is a life-threatening bacterial disease that paralyzes the nervous system and muscles of the affected person. This condition occurs when Clostridium tetani release toxins that disrupt nerves responsible for movement.
Standard modes of transmission include contaminated fecal matter, animal bites, or contaminated saliva.
2. Tuberculosis
Causative agent: Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
Tuberculosis, commonly called T.B., is a highly infectious disease of the lungs caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Tuberculosis is an airborne disease that can be transmitted when an infected person drops viable droplets of the bacteria while sneezing or coughing.
Symptoms of tuberculosis include fever, night sweats, and weight loss. The treatment administered during an active breakout depends on the severity of the condition. Antibiotics such as isoniazid and rifampin are standard prescriptions for treating this condition.
3. Pneumonia
Causative agent: Klebsiella pneumoniae
- pneumonia, residing in the respiratory tract. Pneumonia is an infection caused by Streptococcus pneumonia. These bacteria predominantly attack the lungs, making it difficult to breathe. The active disease begins when you inhale the bacteria, leading to the rapid reproduction of bacteria in the lungs.
Symptoms of pneumonia include fever, chest pain, cough with phlegm, and night chills. pneumococcal vaccine and antibiotics are effective in preventing and treating Pneumonia infections
4. Cholera
Causative agent: Vibrio cholerae.
Cholera is a bacterial disease caused by an active Vibrio cholera bacteria in food and water. Consumption of contaminated food causes dehydration which can be life-threatening if not properly managed.
Cholera is responsible for more than 100,000 deaths worldwide. Infection is common in regions with poor sanitation and unclean water. Symptoms of cholera include vomiting, diarrhea, and cramps.
An infected person can be treated by hydration, whereas antibiotics may be suitable for treatment in some cases.
5. Dysentery
Causative agent: genus Shigella
Dysentery is an irritation in the intestine caused by the genus Shigella. Like cholera, contaminated food and water are the prevalent modes of transmitting the bacterium causing dysentery.
The prevalent transmission mode is people who fail to adhere to proper hygiene after using the toilet. Symptoms of dysentery include fever, pain, and bloody diarrhea. Hydration or the use of antibiotics are effective in treating an infected person.
6. Pseudomonas Infection
Causative agent: Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
Pseudomonas infection is caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa attacking the human respiratory system. Pseudomonas aeruginosa is ubiquitous, and disease occurs through food, surgical equipment, or physical contact with an infected person.
Symptoms of Pseudomonas infection include skin rash, pains, or inflammation. Antibiotics may be effective in treating an active Pseudomonas infection.
7. Gonorrhea
Causative agent: Neisseria gonorrhoeae.
Gonorrhea, also known as “the clap,” is a commonly diagnosed sexually transmitted disease, making it the second most predominant sexually transmitted disease in the U.S. Gonorrhea is caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae and transmitted during sexual intercourse.
If not treated early, gonorrhea can lead to complications in both men and women. The bacteria may cause infections of the uterus and fallopian tube in women and epididymis in men. In severe cases, this condition may lead to infertility.
Symptoms include a painful burning sensation when pee, white or yellowish discharge from the vagina, or bleeding between periods.
8. Syphilis
Causative agent: Treponema pallidum.
Syphilis is a bacteria disease prevalently transmitted by sexual activities. This disease is caused by a bacterium called Treponema pallidum. Syphilis can cause damages to organs like the brain, joints, and eyes and can be transmitted to an infant from an infected pregnant mother during labor.
9. Meningitis
Causative agents: Neisseria meningitidis, E.coli, Listeria monocytogenes, and Streptococcus pneumonia
Meningitis is a bacterial disease-causing inflammation of the meninges around the brain and spinal cord. The active bacterium causing this disease is transmitted through droplets dispersed when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
Common symptoms of meningitis include vomiting, nausea, and a stiff neck.
10. Leptospirosis
Causative agent: Leptospira sp.
Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection caused by the bacterium Leptospira sp. This infection occurs when exposed organs such as the eyes and nose contact contaminated water or soil containing the bacteria. Animal urine is a typical habitat for Leptospirosis bacteria.
Severe cases of this infection can lead to organ failure, which may cause death if left untreated.
While there are several treatment courses to eradicate this bacteria, some are resistant to treatment and may be challenging to manage properly.
It is important to observe good hygiene, eat healthily and avoid physical contact with people showing noticeable symptoms.