From the moment of entry into this world, bacteria surround you. They are abundant in all environments. Bacteria live on your skin, in your intestine and in many other body locations. The overwhelming majority of bacteria do not cause disease. However, disease-causing species cause a range of human bacterial illnesses that range from mild to potentially life-threatening.
Meningococcal Meningitis
Meningococcal meningitis is an infection of the tissues that cover and protect the brain and spinal cord. The causative bacterium is Neisseria meningitidis. Symptoms include stiff neck, headache, fever and altered consciousness. Meningococcal meningitis is a potentially fatal illness. The Centers for Disease and Control and Prevention (CDC) reports the death rate for people who contract meningococcal disease is 10 to 14 percent. Among survivors of the illness, 11 to 19 percent have permanent damage including mental retardation, hearing loss and amputations. A vaccine is available to protect against meningococcal disease.
Pertussis
Pertussis or whooping cough is a respiratory infection caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis. The illness frequently begins with cold-like symptoms but evolves into a severe cough in roughly seven to 14 days. Pneumonia and infection of the brain may develop as complications of whooping cough. CDC warns the number of cases of pertussis in the United States has been increasing since the 1980s; more than 13,000 cases occurred in 2008. Pertussis is a vaccine-preventable disease.
Inhalation Anthrax
Inhalation anthrax is an uncommon illness caused by the bacterium Bacillus anthracis. This bacterium makes spores, a dormant form of the bacterium that is highly resistant to destruction and can survive in the environment for many years. Inhalation of anthrax spores gives the bacteria entrance into the body. Within one to seven days, a flu-like illness begins with headache and body aches, fever and a dry cough. A few days later, high fever, extreme shortness of breath and shock develop as the bacteria move from the lungs to the bloodstream, spreading the infection to other organs. In an article about anthrax published in the journal "Emerging Infectious Diseases," Drs. T. Cieslak and E. Eitzen Jr. of the U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases warn that without treatment, inhalation anthrax is a fatal infection. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential to surviving inhalation anthrax.
Typhoid Fever
Typhoid fever is a potentially life-threatening infection caused by the bacterium Salmonella typhi. The bacteria are ingested via contaminated food or water. Within roughly eight to 14 days, symptoms develop including loss of appetite, abdominal pain, constipation, headache, joint aches and fever. The fever slowly builds to a peak of roughly 103 F to 104 F as the bacteria enter the bloodstream. Some people develop a characteristic rash known as rose spots. The "Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals" reports approximately 10 to 20 percent of people with typhoid fever develop bleeding from the intestine. Antibiotics are effective against typhoid fever, but early treatment is important to avoid life-threatening complications. Notably, CDC reports approximately five percent of people infected with Salmonella typhi become chronic carriers. The infamous "Typhoid Mary" was a chronic carrier.
References
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Meningococcal Diseases and Meningococcal Vaccines
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Meningitis, Clinical Information for Healthcare Professionals
- Merck Manual: Acute Bacterial Meningitis
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Pertussis (Whooping Cough)--What You Need to Know
- Merck Manual: Pertussis
