Bacterial infections are health problems caused by bacteria, and can attack all organs of the body. Fever, cough, to signs of inflammation, such as pain, are some of the symptoms that people with this condition can experience. Transmission of bacteria can occur in various ways, it can be directly such as splashing the saliva of an infected person who is inhaled, through food, or the bite of a contaminated animal.
Bacteria are different from viruses. Bacteria do not need human cells to live and reproduce, while viruses do. Therefore, the process of diagnosis to treatment of bacterial infections and viral infections can be different.
Causes of Bacterial Infection
Many bacteria are beneficial and needed by the body. Only some of them can cause disease. Infection occurs when harmful bacteria enter the body and multiply rapidly.
Some diseases caused by bacterial infections, including:
- anthrax,caused by bacteria Bacillusanthracis.
- DiseaseLyme, which is caused by bacteria Borreliaburgdorferi.
- FeverQ, which is caused by bacteria Coxiellaburnetii.
- Feverrheumatic, which is caused by bacteria Streptococcus type A.
- Typhoid and paratyphoid fever, caused by Salmonella typhi or Salmonella paratyphi
- tuberculosis,caused by bacteria Mycobacteriumtuberculosis.
- Pneumonia,caused by bacteria Streptococcuspneumoniae or Mycoplasmapneumoniae.
- vaginosis,caused by bacteria anaerobes.
- meningitis,which can be caused by a variety of bacteria, including Streptococcus type B, Neisseria meningitidis, and Listeriamonocytogenes.
- gonorrhea,caused by bacteria Neisseriagonorrhoeae.
Bacterial transmission can occur in different ways. Among others are:
- Directly. Bacterial transmission can occur when an infected person sneezes, coughs, kisses, or has sex. Pregnant women can also transmit bacteria to their unborn child through the placenta or contact with the birth canal during delivery.
- Indirectly. Bacteria can be left on nearby objects, such as towels, tables, and doorknobs. The bacteria contained in these objects can be transferred when the object is touched by someone else.
- Through animal bites.For example in Lyme disease, which is transmitted by tick bites.
The risk of bacterial infection may increase if a person has a weakened immune system, such as:
- Currently using corticosteroid drugs.
- Suffering from HIV/AIDS.
- Have cancer that interferes with the immune system.
In addition to immune system disorders, an increased risk of bacterial infection can also occur when a person has a medical device implanted or installed in his body, lacks nutrition, and is old.
Symptoms of Bacterial Infection
Symptoms of a bacterial infection can vary from person to person, depending on the infected organ and the type of bacteria that causes it. Some of the common symptoms felt when someone has a bacterial infection are:
- Fever
- Cough
- Sneeze
- Throw up
- Diarrhea
- Weak
Bacterial Infection Diagnosis
The diagnosis process begins with an examination of symptoms, medical history, and risk factors. After that, the doctor can continue the diagnosis process by conducting a physical examination and supporting tests, to confirm and detect the type of bacteria causing the infection.
Some of the tests used to diagnose bacterial infections include:
- Blood culture test. The doctor will take 2 or more blood samples to be tested in the laboratory. Usually, blood is drawn from a different location or vein.
- Gram stain test. In the process, the doctor will take a sample in the form of phlegm, pus, or wipe the fluid contained in the infected body part.
- Acid-fast bacilli (BTA) examination. This test is usually used to diagnose tuberculosis. AFB examination is done by taking samples, at least 3 times. Each sample was taken at a different time.
- Urine test. This test uses a sample in the form of urine which will be examined in a laboratory. The doctor will first ask to clean the genitals before placing urine in the container provided.
- Stool test. Almost the same as a urine test, but the difference is that this test uses stool as a sample to be tested in the laboratory.
In addition, X-ray examination or biopsy can also be done. Usually, the examination method also aims to detect conditions other than bacterial infections that may be suffered.
Bacterial Infection Treatment
Bacterial infections are treated with antibiotics. Antibiotics basically have two main functions, namely killing bacteria or slowing down their proliferation. The doctor will adjust the type of antibiotic according to the symptoms that appear, medical history, severity of the condition, and the results of the tests performed.
Several types of antibiotics, including:
- Penicillin
- Cephalosporins
- Aminoglycosides
- Tetracycline
- Macrolides
- Quinolone
Doctors can prescribe antibiotics first without waiting for the results of investigations or commonly called empirical antibiotics. This is done so that treatment is not delayed.
There are also conditions that make the bacteria no longer treatable with the usual antibiotics or the bacteria are resistant to antibiotics. This condition requires examination of bacterial culture and resistance to antibiotics, so that a more appropriate antibiotic can be given. However, in some cases this condition is difficult to treat.
During the treatment period, it is highly recommended to continue using antibiotics even though the condition has improved. In addition to preventing the recurrence of infection, using antibiotics until they run out can also reduce the risk of developing antibiotic resistance.
Bacterial Infection Prevention
Bacterial infection is a preventable condition. Some of the efforts that can be done to prevent bacterial infections are:
- Wash your hands regularly after activities.
- Receive vaccines.
- Maintain cleanliness when preparing food.
- Practice safe sex.
- Do not share personal items, such as towels or clothes.