Diseases caused by bacteria: symptoms, treatment and prevention

Bacteria are small microorganisms that are naturally present in the body and the environment and that may or may not cause disease. Bacteria that cause disease are known as pathogenic bacteria that can enter the body through ingestion of contaminated food or water, unprotected sexual contact or through the airways, for example.

Diseases caused by bacteria are mainly treated with the use of antibiotics, which should be used as directed by the doctor to prevent the emergence of multi-resistant bacteria, which are responsible for more serious infections and more complicated treatment.

Main diseases caused by bacteria

1. Urinary infection

Urinary tract infection is one of the most common infections caused by bacteria, and it can happen due to an imbalance in the genital microbiota, or due to the fact of holding the pee, not performing adequate intimate hygiene, drinking little water during the day or having stones in the kidneys, for example.

There are several bacteria that can cause urinary infection, the main ones being Escherichia coli , Proteus sp ., Providencia sp . and Morganella spp ..

Main symptoms: The main symptoms related to urinary tract infection are pain and burning when urinating, cloudy or bloody urine, low and persistent fever, frequent urge to pee and feeling unable to empty the bladder.

How to treat: The treatment for urinary tract infection is indicated by the doctor when there are symptoms and the microorganism is identified, and the use of antimicrobials, such as Ciprofloxacino, for example, is usually indicated. However, when there are no symptoms, the doctor may choose not to use antibiotic treatment to prevent the growth of resistant bacteria.

How prevention is done: The prevention of urinary infections is done by controlling the causes. Thus, it is important to perform intimate hygiene properly, avoid holding the pee for a long time and drink at least 2 liters of water per day, for example.

2. Meningitis

Meningitis corresponds to inflammation of the tissue that surrounds the brain and spinal cord, the meninges, and can be caused by several species of bacteria, the main being Streptococcus pneumoniae , Mycobacterium tuberculosis , Haemophilus influenzae and Neisseria meningitidis , which can be acquired through secretions of people diagnosed with the disease.

Main symptoms: The symptoms of meningitis can appear about 4 days after meningeal involvement, with fever, headache and when moving the neck, the appearance of purple spots on the skin, mental confusion, excessive tiredness and muscle stiffness in the neck.

How to treat: Meningitis is usually treated at the hospital, so that the doctor can assess the person's progress and prevent complications. Thus, it is necessary to use antibiotics, according to the responsible bacteria, and the use of Penicillin, Ampicillin, Chloramphenicol or Ceftriaxone, for example, which should be used as directed by the doctor, may be indicated.

How prevention is done: The prevention of meningitis should be done mainly through vaccination against meningitis, which should be taken as a child. In addition, it is important that people with meningitis wear a mask and avoid coughing, talking or sneezing around healthy people to avoid contagion. Find out which vaccines protect against meningitis.

3. Sexually transmitted diseases

Sexually transmitted diseases, or STDs, are diseases that can be acquired through unprotected sexual contact, whether vaginal, oral or anal. The most common STDs caused by bacteria are Chlamydia, caused by Chlamydia trachomatis , Gonorrhea, which is caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae , and Syphilis, which is caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum .

Main symptoms: In general, the symptoms of sexually transmitted diseases may appear days or weeks after the risky behavior, with the appearance of sores in the genital region, vaginal or penile discharge, pain or bleeding during intimate contact, pain and burning when urinating and abdominal pain, for example. As soon as these symptoms appear, it is recommended to consult the urologist or gynecologist to make the diagnosis of the disease and start treatment.

How to treat: The treatment of STDs is recommended by the doctor according to the disease and usually involves the use of antibiotics. In the case of Chlamydia, for example, the doctor may recommend the use of Azithromycin or Doxycycline, while in Gonorrhea the use of Azithromycin or Ceftriaxone may be indicated, and in Syphilis Penicillin or Erythromycin.

In addition, it is recommended that during treatment the person avoid having sex and treatment should also be carried out by the partner, even if there are no symptoms.

How prevention is carried out: The main form of prevention of sexually transmitted diseases is through the use of condoms during sexual intercourse, as this avoids direct contact between the genital mucous membranes and reduces the risk of infections by bacteria, parasites It's virus.

4. Leprosy

Leprosy, also known as leprosy, is a disease caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium leprae and that can be transmitted through contact with nasal secretions of people with leprosy, mainly.

Main symptoms: This bacterium has a predilection for the nervous system and can cause muscle paralysis, for example. However, the most characteristic symptoms of leprosy are lesions formed on the skin, which occur due to the presence of the bacteria in the blood and on the skin. Thus, the most characteristic symptoms of leprosy are dryness of the skin, loss of sensation and the presence of lesions and wounds on the feet, nose and eyes, which can result in blindness.

How to treat: Treatment for leprosy should be indicated by the infectologist as soon as the diagnosis is made so that there are real chances of cure. Thus, treatment is usually done with various drugs in order to eliminate the bacteria and prevent the progression of the disease and the appearance of complications. The most indicated drugs are Dapsone, Rifampicin and Clofazimine, which should be used according to the doctor's guidance.

In addition, due to the deformities that can arise, it may be necessary to perform procedures for correction and even psychological monitoring, since people with leprosy may suffer discrimination due to their appearance. Understand how leprosy treatment is done.

How prevention is carried out: The most effective form of prevention against leprosy is the detection of the disease in the early stages and initiation of therapy as soon as the diagnosis is established. In this way, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of symptoms and complications and the spread of other people.

5. Respiratory infections

Whooping cough, tuberculosis and pneumonia are respiratory diseases caused by bacteria that can enter the body through the airways and remain in the lung, alveoli or bronchi resulting in the symptoms of infection. The bacteria responsible for these diseases are mainly Bordetella pertussis , Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Streptococcus pneumoniae .

Main symptoms: The main symptoms related to respiratory infections are runny nose, constant cough, malaise, fever, headache and shortness of breath, for example. In the case of pertussis, for example, the most characteristic symptom of this disease is a coughing fit in which the person has difficulty breathing and which results in a high-pitched sound like a squeak.

In the case of tuberculosis, frequent coughing is one of the most characteristic symptoms, with, in most cases, secretion or presence of blood.

How to treat: Treatment varies with the type of infection, with antibiotics, such as Azithromycin, Clarithromycin and Erythromycin, for example, which should be used as directed by the doctor, being usually recommended for pertussis.

Treatment for tuberculosis is carried out continuously, that is, the pulmonologist or infectious disease indicates the combination of Rifampicin, Isoniazid, Pyrazinamide and Etambutol for about 6 months or until the disease is cured. In addition, it is recommended that the person being treated for tuberculosis remain isolated for the first 15 days of treatment, as he is still able to transmit the bacteria to other people.

In the case of pneumonia, the doctor usually chooses to use antibiotics to eliminate the causative agent of the infection, such as Amoxicillin or Azithromycin, for example, in addition to rest.

How prevention is done: The prevention of respiratory infections can be done through simple measures, such as avoiding being in public and closed places, covering your mouth when coughing and regularly washing your hands. In addition, in the case of pertussis and tuberculosis, prevention can also be done through vaccination, which must be done shortly after birth, in the case of the BCG vaccine that prevents tuberculosis, or from 2 months of life on, which is the vaccine known as DTPA, which protects against pertussis, diphtheria and tetanus, which are also diseases caused by bacteria. Learn more about the DTPA vaccine.

6. Salmonellosis

Salmonellosis, or food poisoning, is a disease caused by Salmonella sp ., Which can be acquired through the consumption of food and water, in addition to contact with animals contaminated by the bacteria. The main source of Salmonella sp . they are animals raised on farms, such as cows, pigs and chickens, mainly. Thus, the foods that can be obtained from these animals, such as meat, eggs and milk, correspond to the main source of salmonellosis infection.

Main symptoms: Symptoms of Salmonella sp . they appear 8 to 48 hours after contact with the bacteria, and vomiting, nausea, abdominal pain, fever, headache, malaise and chills can be observed. In some cases, diarrhea and blood in the stool may also be noticed.

How to treat: The treatment of salmonellosis is usually not done with the use of antibiotics, being generally indicated by the doctor to replace fluids, to avoid dehydration, which is very common in older people and children, and control of nausea, vomiting and ache.

In more severe cases, when symptoms persist and bloodstream infection is suspected by this bacterium, the infectologist may recommend the use of antibiotics, such as fluoroquinolones or azithromycin, for example.

How prevention is carried out: The prevention of contagion by Salmonella sp. , is mainly done through personal hygiene and food measures. That is, it is important to wash your hands well after contact with animals and before and after preparing food, especially when they are raw.

7. Leptospirosis

Leptospirosis is an infectious disease caused by bacteria of the genus Leptospira , whose infection occurs through direct or indirect contact with urine, feces or secretions infected by the bacteria. This disease is more common to occur in periods of rain, since the urine and excrement of rats, dogs or cats, are spread throughout the site, facilitating the contagion by the bacteria.

Main symptoms: Leptospirosis symptoms usually appear after about 5 to 14 days after the bacteria enter the body through mucous membranes or skin wounds, and can cause symptoms such as headache, muscle pain, high fever, chills, red eyes and nausea In some cases, the bacteria can reach the bloodstream and spread to other tissues, including the brain, causing more severe symptoms such as difficulty breathing and coughing up blood.

In addition, due to the persistence of the organism's bacteria, there may be insufficiency and, consequently, kidney failure, which can put the person's life at risk.

How to treat: The main form of treatment is through antibiotics, which should be indicated as soon as symptoms appear. Usually the infectious disease specialist recommends the use of Amoxicillin for 7 to 10 days and, in the case of patients allergic to this antibiotic, Erythromycin is recommended. In addition, depending on the severity of the symptoms, kidney function must be monitored and dialysis may be necessary.

Although it is not a disease that can be transmitted from person to person, it is recommended that the person diagnosed with Leptospirosis rest and drink enough water to make recovery faster.

How prevention is done: To avoid leptospirosis, it is recommended to avoid potentially contaminated places, such as mud, rivers, standing water and flooded places, for example. In addition, in case of flooding the house, for example, it is recommended to wash all furniture and floors with bleach or chlorine.

It is also important to avoid accumulating garbage at home and to avoid accumulating water, because thus, in addition to avoiding leptospirosis, other diseases are avoided, such as dengue and malaria, for example. Learn about other ways to prevent leptospirosis.