Bacterial Infection

Overview

Bacterial infections are diseases/illnesses caused by bacteria when they enter a host. Bacteria are unicellular(one-cell) prokaryotic microorganisms. They are free living and some micrometers in length. This means they can only be viewed via a microscope. 

Most bacteria are not harmful; therefore, there are biologically beneficial to man. Meanwhile, one-third of all types of existing bacteria are responsible for causing infections. These are parasites. Bacteria have both symbiotic and parasitic relationships with humans. A wide range of them is symbiotic. Beneficial ones exist in the gut, skin, blood, etc. Humans carry millions of them. 

However, parasites (bacteria) cause infections like pneumonia, tuberculosis, tetanus, syphilis, bronchitis, etc. Common symptoms manifest are fever, sores, pains, weakness, etc. Also, the typical therapy for bacterial infection is administering antibiotics. They can be administered orally or via injections.

Based on epidemiology, millions of bacterial infection cases are recorded annually in Nigeria. 

Key Facts

• Bacterial infections are explicitly caused by bacteria harmful to man since many bacteria have physical benefits.
• Risk factors for bacterial infections are wounds and possible openings(like a recent surgery), diabetes, weak immune system, etc.
• Millions of bacterial cases are recorded annually in Nigeria.
• Common symptoms include chills, cough, pains, inflammation, weakness, diarrhea, etc.
• It can be diagnosed in the laboratory by getting samples of body materials (fluids, solids) and employing various techniques for analysis.
• Treatment includes antibiotics, supplements, and certain foods.
• Bacterial infections can be prevented by vaccine administration and proper hygiene practices.
• Complications include sepsis, a potential organ damage condition.

Symptoms 

Symptoms of bacterial infections often manifest depending on the affected areas and the nature of the disease. However, symptoms include the following:

• Fever. Body temperature will rise, and the person will develop feverish feelings and general weakness. 
• Blisters and sores will emerge on the skin—e.g., fever blisters, as seen in Hypergina. 
• Tiredness is the result of a weak and sick feeling.
• Headache is a common symptom. Pain is also involved when breathing. 
• The affected skin area may be reddish and painful or even swollen.
• For the respiratory tract, you may experience cough, shortness of breath, and sputum formation. 
• For meningitis, individuals will experience neck paralysis and pain.
• You may experience abdominal pain, nauseating feeling, and vomiting.
• For cardiac infection, you may experience chest, cough, and joint pains.
• For genital tracts, it involves vaginal discharge, painful urination, and painful sexual experience. 

Diagnosis 

The physician will first review the patient’s medical history before carrying out a physical examination. Invariably, the following diagnostic procedures aid in diagnosing bacterial infections:

• Blood Sample

A blood sample is collected via the vein for a lab test. This lab test marks the particular organism responsible for the infection.

• Stool Sample

A sample of stool is used to examine the parasite in the stool.

• Urine Sample

The urine sample may be collected instead to diagnose the microbe. 

• Swab

A sterile swab is done in moist areas like the mouth and vagina. This is also an effective procedure.

• Lumbar Puncture

Cerebrospinal fluid may be obtained via a needle from the lumber region. This is used to diagnose conditions like meningitis.

• Tissue Biopsies

Tiny samples of the internal organ can be extracted through a needle and medically examined to ascertain the microbe.

• Imaging Techniques

Several technologies for obtaining images of the internal body may be employed as an effective tool for diagnosis. These are CT (computerized tomography) scans, MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), Ultrasound, and X-rays. 

The image report obtained are studied and used to trace different infections.

Other standard diagnostic techniques include probes and (Polymerase chain reaction), antigen detection, and serology.

Causes

Since a wide range of bacteria is beneficial to man, bacterial infections are caused by bacteria that are harmful to the body. This happens when different bacteria get to the body’s organs and tissues through different modes of transmission thus:

• Airborne: bacteria that can transmit through the air don’t need skin-to-skin contact or nearness of distance. For instance, Q fever can be passed from one animal to other animals that are miles apart. Also, Tuberculosis can be readily transmitted to another individual.
• Contact: some bacterial infections needs some form of contact for transmission. These include sex, blood transfusion, body fluid to body fluid, etc. Syphilis is transmitted in this form.
• Vehicular: just as it sounds like “vehicle,” some infections are transmitted through vehicles like food and drink and go through the mouth. In the stomach, they can cause diarrhea. For fomite form, the person came in contact with a contaminated surface and carried the microbes.
• Vectors: vectors like insect/arthropods (e.g., tick, mosquito, flies, lice) carries these microbes around. The vectors are not affected by the bacteria due to the symbiotic relationship between the two. 

Prevention

In this scientific era of numerous drug resistance, prevention is pivotal in sustaining global health.

• It is globally recognized that exterminating the source of the infection is very significant in curbing bacterial infections. This includes control of air, water, and land pollution. Proper waste disposal, avoiding spoiled food items,  
• Preventing the administration of vaccines is pivotal in handling bacterial infections. Primary prevention is when the vaccine is given before the onset of the disease. When the infection sets in and a vaccine are administered, it’s secondary prevention. But if infected people are treated to prevent spreading, it’s tertiary prevention. 
• Avoid sharing personal items like towels, toothbrushes, clothes, etc., especially with affected individuals.
• Practice proper hygiene. Use disinfectant where necessary. Sterilize items when necessary.
• Eat and drink healthily. This will have a significant impact on preventing cases of poisoning. 

Typical Treatment 

• Antibiotics

A wide range of antibiotics sold at medicine shops are remedies for bacterial infections. Meanwhile, to be sure of the bacteria involved, the doctor needs a precise diagnosis. Given the different classes of bacteria, antibiotics are also made in classes or families to deal directly with these microbes. 

On the other hand, bacteria also develop resistance to antibiotics over constant treatment.

• Domestic Remedies

For some bacterial infections, specific home methods can remedy the conditions, such as eating certain foods and taking certain fluids. Some include garlic, ginger, berries, and Ginseng.

• Supplements and Minerals 

Apart from taking medicines, certain supplements can be taken; hence, this option should be considered. It contains beneficial elements like zinc, vitamins(C, D), potassium, etc. 

Also, these minerals can be obtained from the foods we eat, like tea, vegetables, fruits, spices, etc.

Conclusion

Bacterial infections, although severe, are globally believed to be more easily treated than viral infections. On the other hand, bacteria do develop drug resistance over time. This keeps the drug production factories on constant research and drug improvement.

Bacterial infections, when they persist, can lead to complications. For instance, a patient with bacteria in the bloodstream is prone to sepsis, which may result in organ damage.

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