Bacterial infections

Some microscopic organisms called bacteria can cause diseases in humans. When this occurs, it is called a bacterial infection.

There are thousands of different types of bacteria that live around the world. Only a few types of bacteria cause disease in humans.

Some bacteria are actually beneficial for humans. For examples, bacteria help humans digest certain types of food and keep infectious organisms at bay. Bacteria may be found in the environment, on the skin, in the airways, in the mouth, in the vagina, and in the digestive tract.

Disease-causing bacteria can cause an illness in humans when they enter the body. The bacteria may enter the body through the skin, nose, eyes, vagina, or mouth. Once the invading bacteria start to multiply and harm the body, it is called an infection. Infections can develop in any area of the body.

In some cases, the bacteria in the digestive tract, called the intestinal flora, can cause a severe infection if they move into the bloodstream. This process, called bacterial translocation, is most likely to occur during surgery on the digestive tract.

When the bacteria enter the body, they begin multiplying. If the infection is not treated, it may spread to other areas of the body. Bacteria cause different diseases depending on the specific type of bacteria and where they are in the body. Examples of bacterial infections include cellulitis, cholera, Fournier's gangrene, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), trachoma, and tuberculosis.

If left untreated, some bacterial infections may lead to death. However, if diagnosed and treated quickly, most patients with bacterial infections experience a complete recovery. Bacterial infections are treated with medications called antibiotics. Depending on the type and severity of the infection, as well as the patient's overall health, antibiotics may be taken by mouth, applied to the skin, or injected into the vein.

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