What damage does bacteria do to your body?

Sometimes bacteria multiply so rapidly they crowd out host tissues and disrupt normal function. Sometimes they kill cells and tissues outright. Sometimes they make toxins that can paralyze, destroy cells’ metabolic machinery, or precipitate a massive immune reaction that is itself toxic.

How does the body fight bacterial infections?

The body reacts to disease-causing bacteria by increasing local blood flow (inflammation) and sending in cells from the immune system to attack and destroy the bacteria. Antibodies produced by the immune system attach to the bacteria and help in their destruction.

How do bacteria cause disease?

Bacteria cause disease by secreting or excreting toxins (as in botulism), by producing toxins internally, which are released when the bacteria disintegrate (as in typhoid), or by inducing sensitivity to their antigenic properties (as in tuberculosis).

What bacteria can cause death?

The bacteria and viruses that cause the most illnesses, hospitalizations, or deaths in the United States are described below and include:

• Campylobacter.
• Clostridium perfringens.
• E. coli.
• Listeria.
• Norovirus.
• Salmonella.

What happens if you dont treat a bacterial infection?

An untreated bacterial infection can also put you at risk for developing a life-threatening condition called sepsis. Sepsis occurs when an infection causes an extreme reaction in your body. The bacteria most likely to cause sepsis include Staphylococcus aureus, E. coli, and some types of Streptococcus.

Are all bacteria that live in the human body harmful?

Not all bacteria are harmful, and some bacteria that live in your body are helpful. For instance, Lactobacillus acidophilus — a harmless bacterium that resides in your intestines — helps you digest food, destroys some disease-causing organisms and provides nutrients.

Why would we not want to get rid of bacteria?

In addition to allowing disease-causing bacteria to flourish, the elimination of good bacteria throws the immune system out of whack. The result can be simple allergies or very debilitating autoimmune diseases. Without the right balance of bacteria, your body might suffer from constant inflammation.

What are some examples of harmful bacteria?

Here are seven types of bacteria to be concerned about as you fill up your next glass of water:

• 1) Escherichia Coli. Escherichia Coli (also known as E.
• 2) Campylobacter Jejuni.
• 3) Hepatitis A.
• 4) Giardia Lamblia.
• 5) Salmonella.
• 6) Legionella Pneumophila.
• 7) Cryptosporidium.