Bacterial diseases

Bacterial diseases are a type of infectious disease caused by bacteria. Bacteria are microscopic, single-celled organisms that thrive in diverse environments. They can live within soil, in the ocean, and inside the human gut. Humans' relationship with bacteria is complex. Sometimes they lend a helping hand, such as by curdling milk into yogurt or helping with our digestion. At other times they are destructive, causing diseases like pneumonia and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections.

Types of Bacterial Diseases

There are numerous types of bacterial diseases. Some of the most common include:

• Tuberculosis: This is a serious infectious disease that mainly affects the lungs. The bacteria that cause tuberculosis are spread from person to person through tiny droplets released into the air via coughs and sneezes.

• Pneumonia: This is an infection that inflames the air sacs in one or both lungs. The air sacs may fill with fluid or pus, causing cough with phlegm or pus, fever, chills, and difficulty breathing.

• Lyme Disease: This is an infectious disease caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi. It is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected black-legged ticks.

• Gonorrhea: This is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae.

Symptoms of Bacterial Diseases

The symptoms of bacterial diseases vary depending on the type of bacterial infection, the area of the body that is infected, and the person's age and overall health status. Common symptoms include fever, cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, and pain in the specific area of the body that is infected.

Treatment of Bacterial Diseases

Bacterial diseases are typically treated with antibiotics. Antibiotics are powerful medicines that fight bacterial infections. They either kill bacteria or keep them from reproducing. Your body's natural defenses can usually take it from there.

Prevention of Bacterial Diseases

Prevention of bacterial diseases involves practicing good hygiene, getting vaccinated, and taking care to avoid close contact with people who are currently sick.