Every infectious disease has its own causative agent – be it a virus, bacteria, fungus, protozoa, helminths. Since most often we encounter infections that are caused by viruses or bacteria, it will be useful to understand how they differ and why it is so important to know the difference between pathogens that cause diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, diseases of the genitourinary, nervous system, etc.
Are bacteria and viruses the same thing?
The human body and our environment are a treasure trove of microorganisms. There are thousands of different microorganisms on our bodies, in our organs, on our clothes and in the air. Each of them has its own function and is responsible for maintaining the natural balance. Most of them do not pose a threat to humans, but some of them can be causative agents of various diseases.
Bacteria are single-celled microorganisms that have different shapes, habitats and individual characteristics. It is impossible to even give their approximate number, since they are everywhere. Some of them can safely live in extreme conditions: in high salt concentrations, low or extremely high temperatures. Certain types of bacteria are an obligatory component of the human body. For example, the intestinal microflora and the process of digestion of food in it are the merit of bacterial activity. A bacterium is a separate organism that is able to function without outside help.
Viruses are non-cellular microorganisms that are many times smaller in size than bacteria. They require a host to function fully. A virus is a parasite that embeds itself in the cell of another organism and feeds at its expense. Such a “partnership” can last for years, and the outcome depends on the type of virus.
Can infections be distinguished from each other by symptoms?
Each infectious disease has a list of symptoms, but it is not possible to rely only on external manifestations for diagnosis. The fact is that the set of symptoms often depends not on the causative agent, but on the organs or body systems affected by the infection. In other words, in both viral infection and bacterial infection, the set of symptoms may be similar. For example, if the gastrointestinal tract is affected, the patient will suffer from indigestion, abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, etc.
But still some differences can be distinguished:
- Viral infections have a shorter incubation period than bacterial infections, i.e. a virus causes the first symptoms of the disease more quickly – on average 1-7 days, whereas bacteria cause the first symptoms on average 7-10, sometimes 14 days (but this is very average – of course, each viral and bacterial infection has its own incubation period).
- Viral infections have a faster onset of their characteristic symptoms, while bacterial infections are slower to develop a clinical picture.
- Viruses affect healthy people, but bacteria most often cause disease against the background of weakened immunity (for example, after another disease).
The reasons for these differences lie in the pattern of organ damage caused by viruses or bacteria. Virus causes more extensive lesions, while bacterial infections are usually localized.
Methods of infection
Infection can be transmitted in different ways: household contact, airborne, droplet, sexual, vertical (from mother to child), hemocontact. But most often infection occurs through close contact between a healthy person and a sick or carrier: coughing, hugging or kissing. This way you can be infected with both viral and bacterial disease. The method of transmission through the bite of animals and insects also deserves special attention. Rabies, malaria, Lyme disease and other pathologies can be contracted through a bite.
Diagnostic methods
To distinguish a viral infection from a bacterial one, diagnostic tests are carried out. Suspecting one or another type of pathogen can be suspected by a general blood test: an increase in the blood of leukocytes indicates the bacterial nature of the infection, and lymphocytes – viral. To establish the exact nature of the pathogen, additional tests are carried out.
Diagnosis of viral infection includes:
- Test (polymerase chain reaction) for a specific pathogen;
- Determination of virus antigens in the blood;
- Determination of the amount of antibodies to the virus in the blood.
Bacterial infections are diagnosed not only by laboratory methods, but also during the doctor’s examination:
- Examination of the nasal cavity shows yellow-green thick mucus;
- Pus plugs on the tonsils;
- On the upper palate – a small red rash;
- A microscopic swab of the pharyngeal mucosa shows bacteria (specific infectious agents).
How are different infections treated?
Treatment of bacterial infections
Antibiotics (antibacterial drugs) are used to eliminate bacteria. Today, there are several types of antibiotics, each with different efficacy for a specific clinical case. Each bacterium has an individual sensitivity to the antibacterial drug. It is this criterion that is taken into account when prescribing the type of antibiotic and its dosage.
Treatment of viral infections
Antiviral drugs are used to eliminate viruses. They inhibit the life cycle of viruses and make them non-hazardous to health. But there is still no etiologic treatment for most viral infections. Therefore, in some cases, symptomatic therapy aimed at improving well-being is prescribed for treatment.
Viral and bacterial infections are something that every person encounters throughout life. Most of them do not carry a direct threat to health or life. But even this fact does not allow you to engage in self-treatment.
Conclusion
Viral and bacterial infections have different infection mechanisms, symptoms and treatments, so it is important to be able to distinguish between them. Mistakes in diagnosis can lead to ineffective treatment, for example, taking antibiotics for a viral infection will not be beneficial and may even be harmful. An accurate diagnosis can only be made by a doctor on the basis of tests and examination, so at the first signs of disease it is better to seek medical help. Compliance with preventive measures, such as hygiene, vaccination and immunity strengthening, will help to reduce the risk of infection and avoid serious consequences.
