Fungi most often cause skin infections and pneumonia. Introduction to Bacteria, Viruses, Fungi, and Parasites. Viruses With the exception of prions, viruses are the smallest known agents of infectious disease. Bacteria Bacteria are generally ten to times larger than viruses. Parasites Parasites are part of a large group of organisms called eukaryotes. Fungi Fungi are diverse in terms of their shape, size and means of infecting humans.
Popular Related. Dec 16, Hand Wash vs. Hand Rub Testing Dec 16, GCP Compliance May 05, What are Bacterial Endospores? Learn the Basics of Microbiology! This material forces the cell to replicate the virus, and the virus multiplies. When the cell dies, it releases new viruses, which infect new cells.
Not all viruses destroy their host cell, however. Some of them change the function of the cell. Viruses may remain dormant for a period before multiplying again. The person with the virus can appear to have fully recovered, but they may get sick again when the virus reactivates. Antiviral medications can help relieve the symptoms of some viruses while the disease passes. Antibiotics are not effective against viruses. These drugs will not stop the virus, and their use increases the risk of antibiotic resistance.
Most treatment aims to relieve symptoms while the immune system combats the virus without assistance from medication. Experts estimate that there are at least 1 nonillion bacteria on Earth. A nonillion is a 1 followed by 30 zeros. Bacteria can live in almost any type of environment, from extreme heat to intense cold, and some can even survive in radioactive waste.
There are trillions of strains of bacteria, and few cause diseases in humans. Some of them live inside the human body, such as in the gut or airways, without causing harm. However, some bacterial diseases can be deadly. A doctor can treat bacterial infections with antibiotics. However, some strains become resistant and can survive the treatment. A fungus is often a multicellular parasite that can decompose and absorb organic matter using an enzyme.
However, some types, such as yeasts, are single celled. Fungi almost always reproduce by spreading single celled spores. The structure of a fungus is usually long and cylindrical, with small filaments branching from the main body.
There are approximately 5. Many fungal infections develop in the upper layers of the skin, and some progress to the deeper layers. Inhaled yeast or mold spores can sometimes lead to fungal infections, such as pneumonia, or infections throughout the body.
These are also known as systemic infections. The body usually has a population of good bacteria that help maintain the balance of microorganisms. These line the intestines, mouth, vagina, and other parts of the body. Examples of fungal infections are:. A prion is a protein that contains no genetic material and is usually harmless. Scientists do not class prions as living microorganisms.
However, if a prion folds into an abnormal shape, it can become a rogue agent and cause infection. Prions can affect the structure of the brain or other parts of the nervous system. They do not replicate or feed on the host. Viruses also are capable of infecting any living thing, including bacteria and fungi. How to treat viruses. How bacteria makes us sick. How to treat bacterial infections. How fungi makes us sick. Commensal fungus, may play a beneficial role in our overall health.
Other fungal infections can be caused by an overgrowth of commensal fungus. How to treat fungal infections. Tags: Expert Advice. Popular Categories. Popular Topics. Women's Health. Expert Advice. Patient Stories. Make an Appointment. Schedule a Callback. Call us 24 hours a day. Support Cedars-Sinai.
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