🦠 Bacterial Infections
Bacterial infections occur when harmful bacteria (single-celled microorganisms) enter the body, multiply, and cause illness. Unlike viruses, bacteria can live and reproduce outside of host cells, and many can be treated with antibiotics.
Not all bacteria are bad — some are helpful (like those in your gut) — but pathogenic bacteria can cause disease.
🧬 How Do They Spread?
🤧 Person-to-person contact (touch, coughing, sneezing)
🥩 Contaminated food or water
🦟 Insect bites (e.g., Lyme disease, plague)
🧼 Poor hygiene or sanitation
💉 Through wounds or surgical procedures
⚠️ Common Types & Symptoms:
1. Skin Infections:
Examples: Cellulitis, impetigo, boils
Symptoms: Redness, swelling, warmth, pus, pain
2. Respiratory Infections:
Examples: Strep throat, pneumonia, whooping cough (pertussis), tuberculosis
Symptoms: Cough, sore throat, fever, chest pain
3. Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs):
Bacteria: E. coli (most common)
Symptoms: Painful urination, frequent urge, cloudy urine
4. Gastrointestinal Infections:
Examples: Salmonella, Shigella, E. coli, Campylobacter
Symptoms: Diarrhea, cramps, nausea, fever
5. Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs):
Examples: Chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis
Symptoms: Discharge, pain, sores (can be silent too)
6. Bloodstream Infections (Sepsis):
Bacteria enter the bloodstream and trigger widespread inflammation
Symptoms: Fever, confusion, low blood pressure — medical emergency
🧪 Diagnosis:
🧫 Cultures (blood, urine, sputum, or wound)
🩸 Blood tests (CBC, inflammatory markers)
🔬 Microscopy and sensitivity testing
🧬 Rapid antigen or PCR tests for specific bacteria
💊 Treatment:
Antibiotics — kill or stop bacteria from growing
Must be taken as prescribed to avoid resistance
Fluids and rest for mild infections
Hospitalization and IV antibiotics for serious cases (like sepsis or pneumonia)
🚫 Antibiotic Resistance Warning:
Misuse of antibiotics leads to resistant bacteria (e.g., MRSA)
Don’t take antibiotics for viral infections (like colds or flu)