Bacteria and Viruses Case

Everyday, everywhere, all of us are unknowingly bombarded by millions of tiny microorganisms that can be seen only with the aid of a microscope. The most prevalent of these pathogens, disease producing agents, are bacterium and viruses. Together, these two, colloquially referred to as “germs” or “bugs,” are responsible for a gamut of illnesses ranging from the common cold to bubonic plague. Not all germs immediately cause infections. Some can lay dormant for years. Many people carry a pathogen for their entire lives and never develop an infection. Infections occur when a pathogen moves from an area of the body where it does no damage to an area where it will cause disturbance. Humans embark on a collision course with disease when their immune system has been compromised by the invasion of a virulent bacteria or a virus. Infections can cause body tissues to die, require the tissue to be removed, or even a body part to be amputated. Infections can be life threatening. Bacteria and viruses share similarities in conveyance; however, they differ significantly in the way they cause infectious diseases.

Bacteria and viruses are introduced to the human body by identical means of transmission. When an individual inhales contaminated particles, bacteria and viruses are transported in an airborne fashion. For example, someone sneezes. Another person, in juxtaposition inhales the tainted droplets. Entry to the body has been established. These microorganisms can also enter the nose, ears, eyes, or any other bodily orifice. An extremely common form of transmission is when a human comes in contact with a contaminated surface. Consuming foods or fluids that haves been polluted with viruses and bacteria ushers these pathogens into the body through ingestion. These germs can then cause a gastrointestinal disease. Vaccinations and using dirty needles are typical mechanisms of inoculation. Inoculation of an open wound by a bacterium can cause a tetanus infection. The virus responsible for acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) can be transferred through an accessible gash. Some pathogens can even cross the placental barrier and infect a fetus causing congenital infections and diseases. Once a pathogenic microbe has breached a barrier and finds a willing environment in which to thrive, then an infection and disease commence.

Bacteria are the most abundant form of life on Earth. Most people equate bacteria with infections. The majority of bacteria are harmless. Many exist in our natural flora and humans could not live without them. In fact, our mouths are home to over 500 species of bacteria. There are approximately ten times more bacterial cells in our bodies than human cells. Bacteria are intercellular organisms, meaning that they live and reproduce between other cells. These pathogens mature and multiply at an alarming pace. In fact, bacteria replicate through division at such a frightening rate,