Diabetes Mellitus and Tuberculosis
Common Bacterial Infections And Preventive MeasuresOnlyMyHealth
Bacteria have various impacts on health, positive and negative. While some bacteria aid digestion, facilitate nutrient synthesis, and promote immune system support, harmful bacteria can cause infections, diseases, and food spoilage, leading to symptoms, such as fever, pain, fatigue, gastrointestinal issues, and increased heart rate. Unfortunately, infections caused by bacteria are of several types, which is why knowing about the most common ones is of utmost importance. Speaking with the OnlyMyHealth team, Dr Sanjay Dhall, Director-Internal Medicine, Max Super Speciality Hospital, Patparganj, shares insights on the same.
Also Read: Viral Versus Bacterial Infection: Why You Need To Know The Difference
What Is A Bacterial Infection?A bacterial infection occurs when harmful bacteria enter the body and start multiplying, causing illness. These bacteria can be found everywhere in our environment, and while many are harmless or even helpful, some can cause diseases. When harmful bacteria invade our body, they can multiply and release toxins, leading to various symptoms and health problems.
According to a study, published in the Journal International Encyclopedia of Public Health, bacteria usually spread to humans through air, water, food, or living vectors. The primary modes of transmission include "contact, airborne, droplet, vectors, and vehicular," the study shares.
Furthermore, each bacteria species holds a preference to infect certain organs and not others.
The above-mentioned study says, "Neisseria meningitidis normally infects the meninges (covering) of the central nervous system, causing meningitis, and can also infect the lungs, causing pneumonia. It is not, however, a cause of skin infection. Staphylococcus aureus, which people typically carry on their skin or mucous membranes, often causes skin and soft tissue infections, but also spreads readily throughout the body via the bloodstream and can cause infection of the lungs, abdomen, heart valves, and almost any other site."
Common Bacterial Infections To NoteAccording to Dr Dhall, most common bacterial infections are those pertaining to the respiratory and gastro-intestinal tract.
Respiratory infectionsThe respiratory tract infections can be further divided in two categories, namely acute upper respiratory tract infections and lower respiratory tract infections.
The upper respiratory tract infection can lead to conditions like strep throat (Streptococcal Pharyngitis), caused by Streptococcus bacteria, and sinusitis, inflammation of the sinuses, both of which can lead to sore throat, fever, and congestion.
Lower respiratory tract infections like bronchitis and pneumonitis are less common and affect vulnerable populations like diabetics, elderly persons and immuno- suppressed individuals, says Dr Dhall.
Gastrointestinal tract infectionsSome of the common gastrointestinal tract bacterial infections include:
Salmonella: It causes food poisoning with symptoms like diarrhoea, abdominal cramps, and fever.
Campylobacter: Another common cause of bacterial gastroenteritis, leading to diarrhoea and stomach pain.
Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)A UTI is usually caused by a bacteria called Escherichia coli (E. Coli) and affects the urethra, bladder, vagina or kidneys. Research suggests women are more prone to UTI than men, mainly because of the female lower urinary tract anatomy and its nearness to the reproductive organs.
Also Read: Habits That Can Help You Prevent a UTI
Skin InfectionsCertain bacteria can also affect the skin - the most common being Staphylococcus and Streptococcus species. Common skin infections associated with bacteria include:
Cellulitis: This bacterial infection of the skin often occurs due to Staphylococcus or Streptococcus bacteria, leading to redness, swelling, and pain.
Impetigo: It is a highly contagious skin infection, usually caused by Staphylococcus or Streptococcus, characterised by blisters and sores.
Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)According to the World Health Organization (WHO), more than 30 different bacteria, viruses and parasites are said to be transmitted through sexual contact. This includes vaginal, anal and oral sex.
Shockingly, more than 10 lakh STIs are acquired every day worldwide, the majority of which are asymptomatic.
Common STIs caused by bacteria include: Chlamydia, caused by Chlamydia trachomatis bacteria, and gonorrhoea, a result of Neisseria gonorrhoeae bacteria.
Prevention & Treatment OptionsWhen it comes to preventing bacterial infections, maintaining hand hygiene, taking good care of food hygiene, avoiding crowded places, and practising safe sex are some of the crucial steps.
Treatment for bacterial infections often involves antibiotics prescribed by a healthcare provider. It's essential to complete the full course of antibiotics as prescribed to ensure the infection is completely eradicated and to prevent antibiotic resistance. Antibiotic resistance is when bacteria become resistant to the drugs used to treat them. Ensure that you consult your doctor about the same.
DisclaimerAll possible measures have been taken to ensure accuracy, reliability, timeliness and authenticity of the information; however Onlymyhealth.Com does not take any liability for the same. Using any information provided by the website is solely at the viewers' discretion. In case of any medical exigencies/ persistent health issues, we advise you to seek a qualified medical practitioner before putting to use any advice/tips given by our team or any third party in form of answers/comments on the above mentioned website.
Bacterial Vaginosis Is The Most Common Vaginal Infection In Women ...
Experts explain what cause bacterial vaginosis and how to treat it. (Photo: Getty Images)
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is the most common vaginal infection in women. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the condition affects nearly 30% of women between 15 and 44 years old. However, BV disproportionately impacts Black women, who have an estimated infection rate of more than 50%.
BV occurs when there's an overgrowth of bacteria, according to the Mayo Clinic, which throws off the natural pH balance of the vagina.
What causes bacterial vaginosis?Bacterial vaginosis is most often caused by an overgrowth of a common type of bacteria called gardnerella vaginalis. Certain risk factors, such as douching, can disrupt the balance of "good" and "bad" bacteria in the vagina, leading to this overgrowth.
BV can happen to anyone with a vagina, even if you're not sexually active. However, occurrence in those who are not sexually active is rare.
You're at higher risk for getting BV if you're pregnant; have a new sex partner, a female sex partner or multiple sex partners; don't use condoms or dental dams; use douches; or have an intrauterine device (IUD).
There is no foolproof way of avoiding bacterial vaginosis. But you can reduce your risk by not douching, limiting sex partners, using latex condoms or dental dams and wearing cotton or cotton-lined underwear.
What are the symptoms?Dr. Jennifer Wider tells Yahoo Life, "Sometimes there are no symptoms, but if there are, the most common include an off-white, gray or greenish, watery vaginal discharge [and] a 'fishy' odor that can be strongest during the period or after sex. A less common symptom is itchiness or soreness."
Dr. Kecia Gaither, director of perinatal services at NYC Health + Hospitals/Lincoln in the Bronx points out to Yahoo Life that some people think bacterial vaginosis is a sexually transmitted infection, "hence the stigma," she says. "But it is not."
However, BV can increase your risk of getting a sexually transmitted infection, such as chlamydia or gonorrhea, according to the CDC. That, in turn, can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease. Having BV when you're pregnant also increases the risk of preterm birth (before 37 weeks of pregnancy).
BV is sometimes mistaken for other conditions like a non-viral STI called trichomoniasis, as well as other bacterial infections including chlamydia and gonorrhea.
According to Cleveland Clinic, the most common mix-up occurs between bacterial vaginosis and yeast infections because both are bacterial infections that cause increased discharge. However, there are notable differences between the two infections: discharge with bacterial vaginosis has a fishy smell and is watery in consistency, while discharge from a yeast infection is thick and white with a cottage cheese-like appearance and there isn't a strong odor.
Typically, BV doesn't cause irritation or itchiness, but a yeast infection will. Finally, yeast infections can be treated with over-the counter-medications or with an antifungal medication, while you will need prescription antibiotics for bacterial vaginosis.
How do you treat bacterial vaginosis?The good news is that bacterial vaginosis is curable. The infection is diagnosed through a sample of vaginal fluid taken through a gynecological exam and sent to a lab. After diagnosis, treatment usually involves a seven-day course of antibiotics. Gaither explains that "multiple therapeutic medications have been utilized for treatment like metronidazole, clindamycin and tinidazole."
However, not finishing the full course of antibiotics can trigger a relapse, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Also, in a small percentage of cases, people may need a second treatment. Unfortunately, research shows that BV has a high rate of recurrence — a 2021 study found that BV will recur within six months in more than 50% of cases.
Bacterial vaginosis is thankfully considered a mild infection, but it can make you susceptible to more serious health conditions. If you experience any of the symptoms, don't delay seeing your medical provider.
Want lifestyle and wellness news delivered to your inbox? Sign up here for Yahoo Life's newsletter.
Common Bacterial Infections - Latest Research News And Features
Just a moment...This request seems a bit unusual, so we need to confirm that you're human. Please press and hold the button until it turns completely green. Thank you for your cooperation!
Press and HoldPress and hold the button
If you believe this is an error, please contact our support team.
167.71.87.121 : 9a3a5036-b547-4209-9b89-82ec229c
Comments
Post a Comment