Bacterial infections
Bacterial Infections
Bacterial infections (/bækˈtɪəriəl ɪnˈfɛkʃənz/) are diseases caused by bacteria. Bacteria are single-celled microorganisms that can exist independently, symbiotically (in cooperation with another organism) or parasitically (causing harm to another organism).
Etymology
The term "bacteria" is derived from the Greek word "βακτήριον" (baktērion), the diminutive of "βακτηρία" (baktēria), which means "staff, cane". This is because the first ones to be discovered were rod-shaped. The term "infection" comes from the Latin word "infectio", which means "to dye or stain".
Types of Bacterial Infections
There are numerous types of bacterial infections, some of which include:
- Streptococcal Infections: These are caused by the bacterium Streptococcus.
- Staphylococcal Infections: These are caused by the bacterium Staphylococcus.
- Tuberculosis: This is caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
- Pneumonia: This can be caused by various bacteria, including Streptococcus pneumoniae and Mycoplasma pneumoniae.
- Lyme Disease: This is caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi.
Symptoms of Bacterial Infections
Symptoms of bacterial infections can vary greatly depending on the type of infection and the area of the body that is infected. However, common symptoms often include fever, fatigue, chills, sweating, and pain in the affected area.
Treatment of Bacterial Infections
Bacterial infections are typically treated with antibiotics, which are designed to kill the bacteria or inhibit their growth. The specific type of antibiotic used will depend on the type of bacteria causing the infection.
Prevention of Bacterial Infections
Prevention of bacterial infections can often be achieved through good hygiene practices, such as regular hand washing, and through the use of vaccines where available.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Bacterial infections
- Wikipedia's article - Bacterial infections
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