Types of Bacterial Infections
The severity of bacterial infections varies widely and depend on the type of bacteria. While there are some minor bacteria causing illnesses like strep throat and ear infections, there are also some severe and life-threatening conditions like meningitis and encephalitis.
Some common bacterial infections include:
- Salmonella: this infection is often linked to food poisoning. You can get infected by eating undercooked poultry. It is caused by Nontyphoidal salmonellae, a bacteria that lives in the gastrointestinal tract. Some if its symptoms Include diarrhea, vomiting, and stomach upset.
- Escherichia coli (E. coli): also caused by contaminated food that spreads E. Coli bacteria leading to GI distress. The infection tends to improve on its own, but can also be severe and fatal.
- Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) [3]: This is a type of bacteria that becomes resistant to antibiotics. It is mostly dangerous for people with compromised immune systems.
- Clostridium difficile (C. diff): These harmless bacteria are located in your intestines. However, using antibiotics or having a weakened immune system can cause overgrowth of these bacteria. Leading to GI infection and causes inflamed colon and severe diarrhea.
- Bacterial pneumonia [4]: This is a lung infection caused by different types of bacteria that spreads through air, such as Streptococcus pneumoniae, Klebsiella pneumoniae, or Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
- Bacterial vaginosis: This is an infection of the vagina that leads to itchiness, painful urination, and discharge. It occurs due to imbalance in the normal bacterial flora of the vagina.
- Heliobacter pylori (H. pylori): A bacteria that causes stomach ulcers and chronic gastritis, or inflammation of the stomach. Acidity, acid reflux, and smoking increases its risk.
- Gonorrhea [5]: this is a sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacteria known as Neisseria gonorrhoeae.
- Vibrio vulnificus: is a rare, “flesh-eating” bacteria found in warm seawater.