Bacteria is a very close ‘friend’ of human beings as it resides with and within us. There are millions of millions of bacteria found in nature. Soil, plants, water, air and literally, they are everywhere. They help in decomposing, nutrient cycling, and supporting plant growth by fixing nitrogen in the soil. As humans are considered, these microorganisms play a vital role in maintaining our overall health. Bacteria in our stomach help digestion, help produce vitamins, and protect against other harmful microbes. They form a complex ecosystem known as a microbiome which influences various bodily functions including our immune system. On the other hand, harmful bacteria can cause severe diseases like TB, food poisoning, pneumonia and other infections.

What is Bacterial Infection?

Bacterial infections are caused by harmful bacteria in our body which may result in certain diseases affecting our skin, lungs, bloodstream, brain and other body parts. The symptoms would appear after these microorganisms start to multiply and release toxins. Minor bacterial infections could be treated with antibiotics.

Types of Bacterial Infection

• Food poisoning
• Bacterial pneumonia
• Skin infections
• STI’s
• UTI’s

Examples of Bacterial Infection

• E.coli bacteria
• Chlamydia
• Campylobacter and Salmonella
• Lyme disease
• Bacterial vaginosis
• Skin boils, impetigo, and cellulitis
• Strep throat

Causes of BI 

Bacterial infections can be spread through various ways;

• Transmitted through air
• Contact from the infected
• From a vector (mosquito or housefly)
• Consumption of contaminated food and water

Infections are caused by different kinds of bacteria. An infection appears after bacteria enter the human body through the nose, mouth, skin cuts, and eyes. Also, bacteria living with us can cause trouble when they happen to be in places they’re not supposed to and reproduce there.

Symptoms of BI

Symptoms of bacterial infection may vary according to the body part they’re infected.

• Fever
• Fatigue
• Chills
• Headache
• Redness or blisters on the skin
• Diarrhea, stomach pain and vomiting for GI tract infection
• Cough, chest pain and breathing troubles for lung infection
• Nausea, sensitivity to light, neck stiffness for Meningitis (lining around the brain)
• Extreme fever, sweating, low BP and fatigue for blood infection
• Extreme fever, breathing troubles, cough and muscle pain for heart infection
• Trouble while peeing, pain, and discharges for UTI infections

How to Diagnose BI? 

• Examining the symptoms
• Samples test
• X-rays
• Ultrasound
• MRI
• CT scan
• Certain lab tests

Treatment for BI 

Every bacterial infection doesn’t require treatment. Many of them would cure within some period. In other cases, medications (antibiotics), ointments, eye drops and IV medication are prescribed.

How to Prevent BI? 

• Ensure necessary vaccinations like tetanus
• Keep hygiene
• Keep wounds and cuts clean
• Develop safe and clean food habits
• Aware and stay away from bug bites

FAQ

1) Are BIs contagious?

- Certainly, BIs spread from person to person, from bugs and bacterial STIs

2) What is the difference between BI and viral infection?

- Bacteria are living, single-celled organisms that can multiply and reproduce on their own cause BI.

An organism without a cell causes VI’s. They need to infect living beings for their multiplication.

3) Who are the most vulnerable for BI?

- Persons with diabetes, weakened immune system, open wounds or cuts, and recent surgery history are at high risk of BI.

4) Can bacterial infections be prevented?

- Good hygiene practices like handwashing, vaccination, and safe food handling can prevent many bacterial infections.

5) What happens if a bacterial infection is not treated?

- Untreated bacterial infections can lead to serious complications, including spreading to other body parts and causing chronic health problems.

6) What are the potential side effects of antibiotic treatment?

- Common side effects include diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and yeast infections. While rare, more adverse effects are possible.