Microscopic invaders surround you in your daily life, and most people don’t even realize it. From the drinking water you consume to the rug fibers beneath your feet, dangerous bacteria lurk around every corner. And unfortunately, it doesn’t take much effort to expose yourself to unhealthy microbes — and if they end up making you sick, it could lead to severe consequences. To help keep you safe, this article will delve into some common types of bacterium that can cause illness in humans.
Tuberculosis
Tuberculosis is a hazardous disease caused by Mycobacterium Tuberculosis, one of the most deadly bacteria on earth, as WHO puts it among the top ten causes of death worldwide. This bacteria is an airborne disease spread by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It affects the lungs as well as other parts of the body.
Latent tuberculosis is a kind of disease that develops in individuals who have been exposed to TB but don’t show any symptoms. Latent infections are common, affecting up to 10% of the population. Typically it will then progress to active TB in around 10% of latent cases. The primary signs of active TB include persistent cough with blood-containing sputum, fever, night sweats, and weight loss. When individuals who have active TB in their lungs cough, spit, talk, or sneeze, tuberculosis is spread through the air.
Streptococcus
Streptococcus is a bacteria that can cause various diseases, such as strep throat, scarlet fever, and flesh-eating disease. It is a leading cause of death in children under five years old. Streptococcus infection is transmitted by contact with respiratory secretions such as saliva, mucus, or blood. This may also spread through contaminated food or water.
The most common streptococcal symptoms include a sore throat, fever, and enlarged lymph nodes. Some strains of this bacteria can also cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Some examples of Streptococcus species that are not harmful and live in the human body are those that live in the mouth, the skin, the gut, and the upper respiratory system. Studies show that these Streptococcus species may protect against other harmful bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus.
Syphilis
Treponema pallidum, a bacteria that causes syphilis, can infect almost any part of the body, depending on the stage of the illness. Early (primary, secondary, and early latent) and late (or tertiary) syphilis are two types of acquired syphilis. Depending on the stage at which syphilis manifests, the symptoms and indicators vary. Although multiple sores are not unusual, a single chancre is typical in the primary set of syphilis (complex, painless skin ulceration).
A general rash appears in secondary syphilis, which generally covers the palms and soles of the feet. Sores in the mouth or genital region are possible. There are few or no tertiary syphilis symptoms, except for gummas (Non-cancerous and benign growths) and neurological and heart problems. Syphilis is easily spread through intercourse. It may also be passed from one mother to her baby during pregnancy or shortly after birth, causing congenital syphilis.