In honor of Get Smart About Antibiotics Week, November 14-20, 2011, we are delving into the subjects of bacteria, viruses, appropriate use of antibiotics, and avoiding infection.
Bacteria and Antibiotics
Before the discovery of penicillin in 1928, bacterial infections were a major cause of death. Bacteria are single-celled organisms which can live both inside and outside of the human body, including on the surface of non-living objects. The bacteria, streptococcus pyogenes which is responsible for strep throat and some skin infections, was previously the cause of half of all post-birth deaths before penicillin (an early antimicrobial medication) came into common use. The bacteria, staphylococcus aureus, was fatal in 80 percent of infected wounds. Tuberculosis and pneumonia bacteria were also horribly dangerous.
Antimicrobial medications, or antibiotics, have saved countless lives during the past 80+ years. However, when they are not used appropriately, bacteria can become resistant to medication. An example is the frightening methicillin-resistant S. aureus bacteria, also known as MRSA. As a bacteria becomes resistant to one medication, a stronger antibiotic must be developed to attack the evolved bacteria. Improper use of antibiotics is how “super bugs” are created.
Viruses vs. Bacteria
Viruses are organisms (smaller than bacteria) which cannot survive independently. They survive by invading a host body’s cells and reproducing within healthy cells to cause illness. Viruses can also contaminate food and water which is one reason foods should be cooked thoroughly before consumption.
The “common cold” is caused by a virus (more than 200 viruses actually) which can be easily transferred from person to person in close contact, through infected fluids transfered by sneezes or coughs, or through sharing items contaminated by the virus. The “stomach flu” is also caused by viruses which can be transferred from person to person through close contact or through the consumption of contaminated food or water.
Some viruses can live dormant within a person’s body without causing illness for many years. One example is the varicella zoster virus which causes chickenpox. Most people develop chickenpox at some point in their lives if they are not vaccinated against the varicella virus. In children, chickenpox is not usually serious. In some adults, the virus may become active again after years of lying dormant in the body to cause the viral infection known as shingles, a condition which can be extraordinarily painful.
Influenza is also an infection caused by a virus. When a person has been diagnosed with viral infections such as the shingles or influenza, antiviral medications may be helpful to reduce complications of the infection. These medications are most effective when used within 48 hours of symptom development.
