Bacterial infections

Overview

Bacterial infections are caused by bacteria, a kind of microorganism that is made of only one cell. Millions of bacteria are present in the environment around us, on our body and inside it. Bacteria are both useful and harmful to us. Many are beneficial, such as those involved in immunity and digestion. In fact, only a small number of bacteria are responsible for illnesses.

These harmful bacteria invade the body and multiply by challenging the body’s natural defenses. They are transmitted through contact, droplets, vectors, airborne particles, or contaminated objects.

Poor hand hygiene, weak immunity, chronic health conditions, and close contact with infected individuals can increase the risk of bacterial infections.

Regular handwashing, getting vaccinated, and ensuring food safety are some of the ways to prevent bacterial infections. Treatment typically involves the use of antibiotics along with supportive measures to manage pain and fever.

Key Facts

Usually seen in

• All age groups

Gender affected

• Both men and women

Necessary health tests/imaging

• Blood tests
• Urine culture
• Gram stains
• Nucleic acid probes
• Polymerase chain reactions

Treatment

• Antibiotics
• Fever and pain relief medications

Specialists to consult

• General physician
• Internal Medicine specialist
• Infectious disease specialist

Causes Of Bacterial Infections

Millions of bacteria are present in the environment around us, on our bodies and inside it.

Bacteria are both harmful and useful to us. Many bacteria are beneficial, such as those involved in immunity and digestion. 

In fact, only a small number of bacteria are responsible for illnesses. They invade and quickly multiply in the body to form colonies. Various bacteria that can invade different parts of the body are enumerated below.

Bacteria causing respiratory infections include:

1. Pharyngitis: Streptococcus pyogenes

2. Diphtheria: Corynebacterium diphtheria

3. Pertussis: Bordetella pertussis

4. Tuberculosis: Mycobacterium tuberculosis

Bacteria causing gastrointestinal infections include:

1. Peptic ulcers: Helicobacter pylori

2. Enteric (typhoid) fever: Salmonella typhi

3. Gastroenteritis: Shigella, Salmonella, and Escherichia coli

Bacteria causing infections of the nervous system include:

1. Meningitis: Streptococcus pneumoniae and Neisseria meningitidis

2. Tetanus: Clostridium tetani

3. Botulism: Clostridium botulinum

Bacteria causing urogenital infections include:

1. Urinary tract infections: Escherichia coli

2. Gonorrhea: Neisseria gonorrhoeae

3. Chlamydia: Chlamydia trachomatis

4. Syphilis: Treponema pallidum

Bacteria causing skin infections include:

1. Leprosy: Mycobacterium leprae

2. Abscess: Staphylococcus aureus.

Modes of transmission

The various modes by which bacterial infections may be transmitted include:

• Contact: This occurs through direct skin-to-skin or mucous membrane contact. It can also happen through ingesting fecal matter or receiving contaminated blood products.
• Airborne: Certain bacteria can travel through the air in droplet nuclei.
• Droplets: Infections spread through droplets larger than 5 μm are not classified as airborne.
• Vectors: Insects like mosquitoes, ticks, or lice, feed on an infected host (human or animal) and then pass on the pathogens to another individual who is not infected
• Vehicular: This is when the bacteria travels from the mouth to the intestine through contaminated inanimate objects such as food, water, and fomites. 

Eye flu can be caused by bacteria as well!

Conjunctivitis, also known as pink eye, is the inflammation of the thin, protective membrane covering the white part of the eyeball. It can result from viral or bacterial infections. Know more about home-care tips to manage it.

Symptoms Of Bacterial Infections

The symptoms of bacterial infection would depend on the condition, the organ affected, and the kind of bacteria causing the infection.

Risk Factors For Bacterial Infections

Several risk factors increase susceptibility to bacterial infections. They include:

1. Weakened immune system

This compromises the body’s ability to fight off harmful bacteria, making individuals more susceptible to bacterial infection. 

A good immunity is the key to fighting any kind of infection. Give your immunity a boost with our widest range of vitamin and mineral supplements.

2. Age

Very young or elderly individuals may be more susceptible to bacterial infections due to developing or declining immune systems.

3. Poor hygiene

Improper handwashing and other hygiene practices can increase the likelihood of coming into contact with harmful bacteria.

4. Chronic health conditions 

Conditions like diabetes, cancer, lung diseases, heart conditions, etc can increase the chances of contracting bacterial infections.

5. Hospitalization

Nosocomial infections (healthcare-associated infections) can be acquired after a stay in the hospital. They can be unrelated to the patient’s initial diagnosis upon admission to the hospital.

6. Recent surgery

Medical procedures can provide a potential entry point to harmful bacteria, increasing the likelihood of bacterial infection in the postoperative period.

7. Close contact with infected individuals

This allows the transmission of bacteria from one person to another through respiratory droplets, physical touch, or shared surfaces, leading to potential infections.

9. Other factors

• Travel to areas with high bacterial infection rates
• Living in crowded or unsanitary conditions
• Not following proper food safety measures.

Diagnosis Of Bacterial Infections

The diagnosis of bacterial infections would depend on the symptomatic history of the patient. The tests that may be done include:

1. Physical examination

This consists of assessing specific symptoms, signs, and affected areas of the body. The doctor may look for redness, swelling, warmth, or other signs of inflammation. They may check lymph nodes for enlargement, and examine the throat, ears, nose, and skin for any abnormalities. They may also take vital signs like temperature, blood pressure, and heart rate.

2. Blood tests

Several blood tests can be done to detect bacterial infections:

• Complete blood count (CBC): This test assesses the number of white blood cells, specifically neutrophils, which increase in response to bacterial infections.
• C-reactive protein (CRP): Elevated levels of CRP indicate inflammation, which can be a sign of bacterial infections.
• Procalcitonin (PCT): High PCT levels in the blood can suggest a bacterial infection rather than a viral one.
• Blood cultures: Blood samples are collected and cultured in the lab to identify the specific bacteria causing the infection.
• Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR): An increased ESR is a non-specific indicator of inflammation, including bacterial infections.

3. Urine culture

A urine culture test can detect bacteria or yeast causing a UTI, and an antibiotic sensitivity test can determine the most effective antibiotic against those specific bacteria if they multiply.

4. Gram stain to identify bacteria

This helps identify different types of bacteria. When the stain interacts with bacteria, it can either remain purple or change to pink or red. If they stay purple, they are called Gram-positive, and if they turn pink or red, they are called Gram-negative. 

5. Nucleic acid probes and polymerase chain reactions

These are used to find specific genes in a sample without growing bacteria. Probes identify genes for E. coli, cholera, gonorrhea, etc.

6. Other tests

• Toxin assay to look for the toxins made by the bacteria
• Culture or biopsy of the tissue infected.

Prevention Of Bacterial Infections

By adopting these preventive measures, you can reduce the risk of bacterial infections and maintain better overall health. They include:

• Maintain hand hygiene: Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water frequently, especially before eating and after using the restroom.

Specialist To Visit

Bacterial infections can affect different body parts. In general, the specialist who can help diagnose and treat bacterial infections include:

• General physician
• Internal Medicine specialist
• Infectious disease specialist

A general physician can diagnose and treat bacterial infections, prescribing antibiotics and providing guidance on self-care measures. An internal medicine and infectious disease doctor specializes in diagnosing and treating various illnesses including those caused by microorganisms, such as bacteria.

Treatment Of Bacterial Infections

The treatment of bacterial infection depends on the bacteria causing the illness. This usually includes:

Antibiotics

These are medicines that kill the bacteria. They may be given in oral, topical, or injectable form. Some commonly prescribed antibiotics include:

• Amoxicillin
• Azithromycin
• Doxycycline
• Ofloxacin
• Tetracycline
• Gentamicin
• Metronidazole
• Clindamycin

While antibiotics are great for treating bacterial infections, popping an antibiotic every now and then can be counterproductive.  It is important to know when you need antibiotics and when you don’t.

Pain and fever management

Pain relief and fever-reducing medications, if necessary, can provide comfort during bacterial infections. Examples of these commonly used medications include:

• Paracetamol
• Ibuprofen
• Naproxen

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Home Care For Bacterial Infections

A few of the home remedies discussed below can help fight bacterial infections. However, it is better to consult your healthcare provider before starting anything new as it may interact with certain medications.

• Ginger (Adrak): This is one of the finest antibacterial and anti-inflammatory foods available. It effectively combats various bacterial strains.
  Enjoy it grated on salads and soups, add to your morning tea or consume as a supplement.

• Oregano oil: Packed with powerful anti-bacterial and antifungal compounds like carvacrol and thymol, this oil aids in combating multiple bacterial strains effectively.
  Just mix 1 to 2 drops in a glass of lukewarm water and consume it.
• Onion (Pyaz): These are a rich source of therapeutic sulfur compounds containing flavonoids that have amazing antibiotic effects.
  You can have them raw or add them to soups or salads. 
• Garlic (Lahsun): It has potent anti-bacterial and anti-microbial properties to combat infections.
  Chop or crush a garlic clove, let it sit for a while, and then consume it.
• Honey (Shahad): It is known for its antibacterial properties and properties to fight infections.
  You can add it to tea, or warm water, or simply take it to soothe any throat infection. You can also apply it directly to any local infection.

Other homecare tips to follow

• Take adequate fluids to prevent dehydration, especially in cases of fever, vomiting, or diarrhea.
• Rest to recover and conserve energy during the healing process.
• Apply warm compresses to relieve pain and inflammation, for example, on a swollen joint or abscess.
• Eat a balanced diet to provide the body with essential nutrients for healing and strengthening the immune system.
• Practice good hygiene to prevent the spread of bacteria to others and to avoid secondary infections.

Complications Of Bacterial Infections

The complications will depend on the kind of bacterial infection. Some of the most common complications include:

• Sepsis: A severe response of the body to infection that can lead to organ failure and life-threatening conditions.
• Abscess formation: Pockets of pus that can develop within tissues or organs.

• Toxic shock syndrome: A severe and sometimes life-threatening condition caused by toxins released by certain bacteria.
• Antibiotic resistance: Taking antibiotics too frequently, taking them without a prescription, or not completing the full course of treatment may lead to the development of antibiotic resistance. This refers to the failure of antibiotics to kill bacteria.

Alternative Therapies For Bacterial Infections

Certain new and novel therapies are under research and in the development phase as alternative management of multi-strain or drug-resistant bacterial infections. They include:

Phage therapy

It is a promising approach to treating bacterial infections using bacteriophages, which are viruses that specifically target and destroy harmful bacteria while leaving beneficial bacteria unharmed, offering a potential alternative to antibiotics.

Fecal microbiota transplant (FMT) 

It is a procedure where fecal matter containing healthy gut bacteria from a donor is transferred into the gastrointestinal tract of a recipient to restore the balance of gut bacteria and treat certain bacterial infections, particularly those caused by Clostridium difficile bacteria.