Three conditions caused by harmful bacteria are cholera, tuberculosis and meningitis. Cholera is caused by the bacterium vibrio cholera, tuberculosis is caused by the bacterium mycobacterium tuberculosis and meningitis can be caused by several bacterial strains.
Cholera
Cholera is transmitted through contaminated water. The bacteria enter the small intestine and develop tails known as flagella, allowing them to propel themselves through the small intestine, where they cling to the intestinal wall and produce a toxin that causes secretion of vast amounts of fluid, leading to extreme diarrhea. Cholera has an incubation period of a few hours to six days, when mild to severe diarrhea and sometimes vomiting surface. As cholera develops, the diarrhea loses the typical fecal shape and has the appearance of rice in water. The large volume of fluid lost leads to dehydration and if not replaced can deteriorate into hypovolemic shock, a dangerous condition characterized by cold skin, fast heart rate, low pulse and blue extremities. Often patients also experience muscle cramps due to the loss of fluid. Cholera is deadly if not treated, but with adequate treatment, patients recover in one to three days.
Cholera Treatment
Patients with cholera require immediate rehydration. Oral rehydration is highly effective, and sometimes intravenous therapy is also required. Oral rehydration therapy relies on the principle that sugar, salt and water are absorbed into cells together. Home-made oral rehydration therapy combines 1 tsp. of salt, 10 tsp. of sugar and a quart of clean water. Antibiotics are prescribed to destroy the cholera infection.
Tuberculosis
Tuberculosis bacteria are spread in drops of saliva, and they primarily affect the lungs. The bacteria are often not destroyed by the immune system and remain dormant in the lungs until the immune system becomes weakened. Symptoms of tuberculosis include persistent cough, weight loss, night sweats, fever and fatigue. Tuberculosis replicates slowly, so it may take a long time for symptoms to surface. Tuberculosis may spread around the body and infect bones and the nervous system, causing other symptoms such as pain.
Tuberculosis Treatment
Treatment for tuberculosis is a six-month regimen that combines antibiotics. This combination maximizes the chances of eradicating the infection. If patients do not comply with the treatment, multi-drug-resistant tuberculosis may develop, which is a more serious condition that is difficult to treat.
Bacterial Meningitis
Bacterial meningitis is less common, but more serious than viral meningitis. It can infect anyone, but more frequently affects infants and children. An article by Martha Muller of the University of New Mexico School of Medicine, published in E-medicine, says the three most common causes of bacterial meningitis are Streptococcus pneumonia, Neisseria meningitidis, and Haemophilus influenza. As of April 2010, Streptococcus pneumonia is the leading cause of bacterial meningitis in the United States, although vaccination has significantly decreased the incidence of bacterial meningitis. These bacteria are often found harmlessly in the noses and throats of individuals, but occasionally spread to fluid surrounding the brain, leading to an inflammatory response and brain injury. These bacteria can be passed between individuals engaging in close contact. Many symptoms may surface, including fever, seizures, headaches, vomiting and intolerance to light. Bacterial meningitis is life threatening if not treated immediately.
Bacterial Meningitis Treatment
Treatment includes intravenous antibiotics. Depending on the bacterium causing the meningitis, antibiotics can be given to other individuals to prevent the spread of meningitis.
References
- Kumar and Clark's Clinical Medicine 7; "Bacteria Infections seen in developing and tropical countries"; Parveen Kumar, Michael Clarke; 2009
- E-medicine; "Meningitis, Bacterial"; Martha Muller; April 2010
- NHS Choices; "Tuberculosis"; January 2009
