Which microorganisms can cause infection

A specific virus, for example, will be the cause of a viral infection. A wound fills with pus , for example, when white blood cells rush to the site of an injury to combat foreign bacteria.

The symptoms of an infection depend on the organism responsible, as well as the site of the infection. Viruses target specific cells, such as those in the genitals or upper respiratory tract. The rabies virus, for example, targets the nervous system.

Some viruses target skin cells, causing warts. Others target a wider range of cells, leading to several symptoms. A flu virus can cause a runny nose, muscle aches, and an upset stomach. A person with a bacterial infection will often experience redness, heat, swelling, fever, and pain at the site of infection, as well as swollen lymph glands.

A rash can indicate a fungal infection of the skin. However, viruses and bacteria may also cause skin conditions and rashes. Common symptoms of prion diseases include rapid onset of brain damage, memory loss, and cognitive difficulties. They can also trigger the buildup of plaque in the brain, causing this organ to waste away. There is no single method for preventing all infectious diseases. However, people should take the following steps to reduce the risk of transmission:. Pus is a protein-rich fluid called liquor puris that is filled with dead, white blood cells that the body has sent to fight infection.

Pus is a…. Learn about the different types of finger infections and what may cause them. How are the infections diagnosed and can they be prevented?

A fungal infection of the genitals can affect anyone. Caused by the yeast species Candida albicans, symptoms include itching, irritation, and burning…. Some coronaviruses cause the common cold, while others cause more severe respiratory illnesses. Learn more about coronaviruses here. What to know about infections. Medically reviewed by Cameron White, M.

Many types are helpful. Some of them help to digest food, destroy disease-causing cells, and give the body needed vitamins. Bacteria are also used in making healthy foods like yogurt and cheese. But infectious bacteria can make you ill. They reproduce quickly in your body. Many give off chemicals called toxins, which can damage tissue and make you sick. Examples of bacteria that cause infections include Streptococcus , Staphylococcus , and E.

Antibiotics are the usual treatment. Gastrointestinal tract mouth oral cavity e. Vibrio cholerae which causes cholera. Urogenital tract e. Escherichia coli which causes cystitis. Breaks in the skin surface e. Clostridium tetani which causes tetanus. All a pathogen needs to thrive and survive is a host.

Pathogens can be transmitted a few ways depending on the type. They can be spread through skin contact, bodily fluids, airborne particles, contact with feces, and touching a surface touched by an infected person.

They then use the components of the host cell to replicate, producing more viruses. After the replication cycle is complete, these new viruses are released from the host cell.

This usually damages or destroys the infected cells. Some viruses can remain dormant for a time before multiplying again. When this happens, a person appears to have recovered from the viral infection , but gets sick again.

Antibiotics do not kill viruses and therefore are ineffective as a treatment for viral infections. Antiviral medications can sometimes be used, depending on the virus.

Bacteria are microorganisms made of a single cell. They are very diverse, have a variety of shapes and features, and have the ability to live in just about any environment, including in and on your body. Not all bacteria cause infections. Those that can are called pathogenic bacteria. Your body can be more prone to bacterial infections when your immune system is compromised by a virus.

The disease state caused by a virus enables normally harmless bacteria to become pathogenic. Antibiotics are used to treat bacterial infections.