Though they display similar symptoms and share some similarities, there are several key differences between bacteria and viruses, particularly in the diseases they cause.
Every infection that afflicts the human body is caused by two main sources bacteria or viruses. Both of these organisms are pathogens (dangerous microscopic organisms) capable of causing illness.
Viruses are parasitic, which means they always cause harm to the body, while bacteria can be either harmful or beneficial. Only about 10% of bacteria are harmful to humans. Infections caused by both pathogens can escalate if untreated. The fundamental differences between these two organisms are discussed below.
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What is Viral Infection?
Viruses are microscopic organisms that behave as parasites. When they are outside a host, they remain dormant, but once they enter a host’s body, they activate, begin multiplying, and reproduce.
Viruses rely entirely on a host to reproduce and survive, and this creates a strain on the host’s body, resulting in illness. In human beings, mucous membranes are particularly vulnerable to viral attacks due to the absence of protective skin around them.
Common colds, flu, and other viral infections result from viruses attacking these mucous membranes. The four basic types of viruses are: Helical; Enveloped; Complex; Icosahedral
Once viruses are inside the body, it becomes difficult for the body’s antibodies to detect and fight them, as they hide behind various cells. However, once the infection begins spreading, antibodies are produced to combat these viruses, eventually eradicating them.
What is Bacterial Infection?
Bacteria are single-celled organisms that can reproduce independently, unlike viruses. Bacteria exist in vast numbers in the air, performing various tasks, and most bacteria are harmless or even beneficial. However, a small percentage of bacteria cause infections in the human body. The four basic shapes of bacteria are: Cocci; Bacilli; Vibrio; Spirochaetes
When harmful bacteria enter the body, it releases antibodies to fight the infection, and antibiotics are often necessary to assist in this process. Bacteria do not rely on a host for survival, making them fundamentally different from viruses.
How Viral and Bacterial Infections Enter the Body
The ways that viral and bacterial infections enter the human body are distinct from one another. Viral infections commonly spread through Coughing by an infected person; Sneezing by an infected person; Vomiting by an infected person; Bite from an infected insect or animal; Inadequate personal hygiene.
Bacterial infections, on the other hand, can enter the body through Close contact with an infected person; Consumption of contaminated food or water; Touching contaminated surfaces or objects; Cuts and abrasions on the skin.
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What is Protozoan Infection?
Protozoa are single-celled eukaryotes, organisms that have membrane-bound organelles and nuclei. Protozoa exist as free-living organisms in the environment.
They are classified as Sporozoa (intracellular parasites); Flagellates (with tail-like structures for movement); Amoeba (move using temporary cell body projections called pseudopods); Ciliates (move using multiple hair-like structures called cilia).
Protozoan infections spread through ingestion of cysts, sexual transmission, or insect vectors. Common diseases caused by protozoans include malaria, giardia, and toxoplasmosis.
Protozoa play a critical ecological role, serving as a food source for micro-invertebrates and controlling bacteria populations. However, some protozoa, like the parasites that cause malaria and trypanosomiasis, can lead to severe diseases in humans.
In summary, this article highlights the distinctions between viral, bacterial, and protozoan infections and the ways they enter the body. Understanding these differences is crucial for effectively combating and preventing these infections.
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