Bacteria can be found in aquatic, terrestrial, arctic and any other environment you can think of around the world. It is a large domain of single-celled prokaryotes that can exist as parasites, free-living organisms, or symbiosis with other organisms in their surroundings.
Basically, bacteria are classified into 5 groups base on their shapes. these are spherical (cocci), rod (bacilli), spiral (spirilla), comma (vibrios) or corkscrew (spirochaetes)
Over one trillion species of bacteria have been estimated to exist but only about 5 percent were identified to cause disease. what are the types of diseases these bacteria cause? that and more are what you are about to find out in this article.
We will group each disease under the part of the body they affect.
Pharyngitis (streptococcal pharyngitis):
it is caused by Streptococcus pyogenes which results in an inflammation of the pharynx (and tonsils in some cases)
Scarlet Fever (Scarlatina): is caused by streptococcus pyogenes which is associated with a strep infection and characterized by red rashes covering the whole body
Diphtheria: is an infection caused by Corynebacterium diphtheria that that affects the mucous membrane of the upper respiratory tract (nose and throat)
Whooping Cough/Pertussis: A serious infection caused by Bordetella pertussis that affects the respiratory tract. it is characterized by a severe dry cough (hacking cough)
Tuberculosis: is caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. it is a serious infection that affects the lungs.
Rhinosinusitis (acute or chronic rhinosinusitis) : Is an inflammation of the nasal cavity and sinuses caused by bacteria like Streptococcus pneumonia and Haemophilus influenza. It may be characterized by obstruction and swelling of the sinuses.
Legionnaires’ Disease: it is a serious form of pneumonia caused by members of the genus Legionella. It affects the lungs resulting in coughing and shortness of breath etc.
Query fever: also known as Q fever is A flu-like disease caused by the bacterium Coxiella burnetii. It affects the lungs, liver, heart, etc.
Sinusitis (acute and chronic sinusitis): is an inflammation of the upper respiratory tract especially the sinuses and which is be characterized by swelling of the nasal passages.
Otitis (acute otitis media and chronic otitis media): An infection of the inner, middle, and outer ear caused by streptococcus species, staphylococcus species, pseudomonas species, and Haemophilus influenza that may result from an infection of the respiratory system.
Anthrax: is caused by the bacterium Bacillus anthracis which affects the lungs and other parts of the body such as the skin, intestine, etc.
Psittacosis: is caused by the bacterium Chlamydophila psittaci which affects the lungs and can cause pneumonia.
Pneumonia (pneumococcal pneumonia, typical pneumonia, Chlamydial pneumonia): is caused by bacteria like Streptococcus pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Acinetobacter species, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Legionella pneumophila, and Chlamydophila pneumoniae . it affects the lungs and is characterized by fluids or pus in the air sacs.
Gonorrhea
: is caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae. it affects both male and female the urethra, throat, and rectum.
Chlamydia: is caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis. it is characterized by pain and discharge from the vagina and penis.
Urethritis (Gonorrheal endocarditis, gonorrheal arthritis, meningitis): is caused by the Gonococcus and Chlamydia trachomatis bacteria resulting in an Inflammation of the urethra that causes pain during urination.
Pelvic inflammatory disease: it is caused by bacteria like Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Chlamydia trachomatis that affects the reproductive organs (uterus, ovaries, etc.) of females and is associated with pain during sex or urination.
Prostatitis (Acute and chronic bacterial prostatitis): is caused by a variety of bacteria like E. coli, Enterobacter species, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Proteus mirabilis among others. they affect the prostate and are associated with pain in the groin or pain during urination.
Syphilis: is caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum that affects the genitals, mouth, and rectum and can spread to other parts of the body e.g., the nervous system.
Lymphogranuloma Venereum: This is caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis that affects the genitals, groin, and pelvis.
Bacterial vaginosis: This occurs when there is a change in the balance of the normal vaginal bacteria. this infection can affect pregnancy.
Typhoid fever (typhoid):
is caused by Salmonella typhi that affects the small and large intestine.
Salmonellosis: is caused by the bacteria Salmonella bongori and Salmonella enterica that affects the intestinal tract and can cause diarrhea and stomach upset.
Periodontal disease: is a Gum infection caused by several bacteria like Porphyromonas gingivalis, Prevotella intermedia, and Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans that affects tissues holding teeth in place.
Peptic ulcer disease and gastritis: are caused by the bacterium Helicobacter pylori that affect the lining of the stomach and the upper part of the small intestine by causing open sores.
Gastroenteritis: can be caused by various bacteria like Campylobacter jejuni, Clostridium perfringens and some Salmonella species. it is an inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract
Cholera: is caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae that affects the small intestine and is characterized by diarrhea and dehydration.
Botulism: is caused by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum that may result from food poisoning and may result in paralysis.
Dental caries: is caused by several bacteria including Streptococcus mutans, Lactobacilli, and Streptococcus sobrinus that affects teeth and cause damaged to the teeth.
Duodenal ulcers: is mostly caused by the bacterium Helicobacter pylori that affects the duodenum.
Ulcerative colitis: is caused by normal a change in the balance of normal bacteria in the colon that affects the lining of the large intestine.
Hemorrhoids: it affects the lower rectum and is characterized by swollen veins in this region.
Acne :
is caused by Cutibacterium acnes, it is a skin disease that affect oil glands
Dermatitis: can be caused by Staphylococcus aureus that causes itching, rashes, drying, and reddened skin.
Cheilitis: caused by Staphylococcal bacteria. it affect the corners of the lips and may be characterized by reddened and or swollen patches.
Blepharitis: it is an Inflammation of the eyelids that is caused by Staphylococcal blepharitis
Folliculitis: it is an Inflammation of hair follicles which may be caused by Staphylococcus species (e.g., S. aureus) or Pseudomonas bacteria.
Furunculosis (boils):it is caused by caused by S. aureus that cause a painful bump filled with pus.
Scalded skin syndrome : it is skin infection caused by S. aureus that make the skin to peel and have blisters.
Impetigo: is a skin infection caused by the bacterium S. pyogenes that result in cellulitis and kidney inflammation etc.
Scarlet fever: caused by group A streptococcus that results in rashes on the skin
Pitted keratolysis: it affects the soles of feet, hand, and palm skin which may be caused by Corynebacterium species
Erythrasma : This can be caused by Corynebacterium. it is characterized by scaly patches on the skin –
Skin ulcer: this can be Caused by bacteria like Serratia marcescens, Mycobacterium, and Yersinia pestis. it is an open sore.
Leprosy: This is caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium leprae. it is characterized by skin lesions and damaged nerves .
Other diseases caused by bacteria include:
What are the ways bacteria can enter into our body
Bacteria can enter into our bodies to cause illness through:
Conclusion
One of the first step to avoid bacteria causing disease is to assume they are everywhere including your own body even if you can’t see them, this will help you to be conscious of how you handle your food and every other things. You know how this bacteria can enter the body, this should help you to put in place preventive measure.
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Naturopathic Doctor & Founder, Green Remedies Int’l
Coach Amuda is a Holistic Practitioner and the C.E.O of Green Remedies International, a wellness company that specializes in tackling different health challenges through Natural, Organic, and Holistic Medicines.
Green Remedies Internation is a Nigerian Natural Herbal Treatment company that specializes in tackling different health challenges through Natural, Organic, and Traditional Medicines.
