Bacteria are microbes that exist all around us. They can thrive in varied environments, which may include extreme temperatures as well. They are excellent at evolving and adapting to changing environmental conditions and are highly resilient. Most of the bacteria do not harm us. In fact, there are several types which are helpful to us, such as the bacteria in our gut, which aids in numerous ways to maintain good health. Thy help digest food, fight against certain other disease-causing organisms and boost out immune system in general. But some of them are harmful to us, cause infections and are classified as pathogens.

Bacterial Infection
A bacterial infection can affect many parts of the body. Few among the many bacterial infections include tuberculosis, urinary tract infection and strep throat. Each of them is caused by a particular type of bacteria. For instance, a Streptococcus pneumonia bacteria can cause pneumonia, bacterium Mycobacterium can cause tuberculosis and so on. The bacteria are classified based on their genetic structure, the walls of their cells or their shape. When there is an infection, the underlying bacteria that caused the problem is detected, and treatment is provided accordingly.

Cure for bacterial infection
Antibiotics, as the word implies, is the treatment for bacterial infection. Medication is prescribed to counter the effect of bacterial infection when it is severe and is effective as a cure. But is not advisable in the case of mild infections, like the common cold, in which case, the body’s immune system will be able to remedy the condition. When the symptoms are severe, it is advisable to consult the doctor who would determine the nature of the infection. The doctor will carry out a physical examination, check your medical records and will recommend blood or urine test as appropriate to arrive at a diagnosis.

Further, a biopsy might be recommended for obtaining a tissue sample to conduct the culture test. This is done in order to identify the bacteria and confirm the diagnosis so that the medication can be prescribed accordingly. But caution has to be exercised in prescribing antibiotics as overuse can render the bacteria resistant to the drug.

Avoiding an infection
Bacterial infection is highly contagious in most cases and can be transmitted from infected person or animals when they sneeze, cough or touch. Hence it is advisable to follow basic hygiene such as washing hands often to fend off infection. And if you are the infected person, cover while sneezing or coughing and avoid sharing food or drink so that you don’t spread the disease. Most importantly, eat right, sleep well and exercise regularly so that you maintain good health by boosting your immune system in general, which is the best way to prevent any sort of infection rather than suffering once you catch one.