BACTERIA IN HEALTH AND DISEASE

BY
EUCHARIA NKIRU EZEUMEH
INTRODUCTION

Bacteria live both inside and outside of organisms, including in the human body. They can be

beneficial or potentially dangerous, depending on their type, quantity, and location in the

body.Some bacteria, such as those in your gut, help keep you healthy. Other bacteria may cause

bacterial infections and require treatment. Harmful bacteria are called pathogenic bacteria

because they cause diseases and illnesses,e.g pneumonia, sore throat, whooping cough, cholera,

tuberculosis, e.t.c. Most bacteria are beneficial to both biotic and environmental ecosystem. They

are called probiotics as regards the work they do in helping to balance and maintain healthy

system.

Human microbiome projects{1} especially the Integrative Human Microbiome Project initiated

in 2014 has helped in full elucidation of the microbiome and host interactions through measuring

and analyzing of such micro molecules such as the RNA, DNA, and metabolites from the

microbiome and human host. This answers so many questions of roles of extrinsic and epigenetic

factors in some human diseases and health. Some of the areas where microorganisms are found

to be beneficial include:

Vaginal microbiome: the predominance of Lactobacillus strains within the female genitalia helps

to maintain the acidity of the area at some point in human development; from pubertal to pre-

menopausal age. Therefore imbalance of the strains or their absence especially in first trimester

of pregnancy have been found by a study to be highly associated with pre term birth that has

been shown by CDCP to be the second most leading neonatal death around the globe.
Digestive Health: most beneficial microorganisms are resident in the gut where they help with

breakdown of certain complex nutrients eg sugar, help in absorption of micro molecules, and as

such help in maintain the body’s homeostasis as well as modulation of immune system and

delimiting colonization by pathogenic microorganisms. In the absence of some of these useful

bacteria or their specific products, inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) often results. The shift

in microbiome also result in IBD subtype, Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.

Fig1: Microbiota roles in health and diseases

Source: Researchgate (2019) {2,5}

Again, it was observed that composition of healthy population microbiome varies with the

composition of the diseased populations, e.g prediabetic and type II diabetes (T2D). The later has

reduced insulin sensitivity and at various times the host is exposed to viral respiratory infection.
When some subset of healthy non diabetic patients and some prediabetic or T2D patients were

exposed to influenza vaccine, the former was quick to activate the immune system while the ater

slows response. This also obtains during vaccination with attenuated or tapered bacteria

When do bacteria cause disease?

Bacteria can be strictly pathogenic, which means that they will cause disease if they manage to

overwhelm the human immune system. Other bacteria only cause disease given the right

circumstances, these are so-called opportunistic pathogens. Opportunistic pathogens normally do

not cause infections in healthy humans, but the risk increases when the immune system is

compromised or suppressed by for example cancer chemotherapy, malnutrition or other diseases

(like HIV/AIDS). These infections often originate from the individual’s own bacterial flora such

as that on the skin or in the gut.

Many bacterial pathogens can spread via water and food, including Salmonella, Campylobacter

and E. coli. Sometimes bacteria are transmitted directly or indirectly from animals to humans and

cause disease. Such infections are called zoonotic infections. Other bacteria like Neisseria

gonorrhea and Chlamydia trachomatis spread via sexual contacts

Common bacterial infections

While most bacteria are harmless, some may lead to infections. Below are some of the

moscommon bacterial infections and their symptoms {3|.

Ear infection
Ear infections may affect your middle or outer ear canal and are more common in children than

adults, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). They can cause:
ear pain and discharge, fever, hearing difficulties, young children may display fussiness and pull

at the affected ear. Antibiotics are typically prescribed only for a serious ear infection or one that

lasts longer than 2 to 3 days.

Sinusitis
Sinusitis develops as a secondary illness, usually after getting a common cold. It is also known as

a sinus infection. Symptoms of sinusitis include congestion and pain in your nose and forehead,

as well as thick yellow or green nasal discharge. You may also feel pressure in your cheeks and

experience postnasal drip, fever, and cough. {4}

Strep throat
Unlike most cases of sore throats often caused by viruses, strep throat is an infection caused by

Streptococcus group A bacteria. Besides an extremely sore throat, this highly contagious

infection can also cause a number of symptoms, according to the CDC. These include: fever,

swollen tonsils, trouble swallowing and talking, red spots on the roof of your mouth.

Whooping cough
Known for causing a whooping sound after severe coughing fits, whooping cough is an

extremely contagious bacterial infection caused by Bordetella pertussis. Vaccines are available to

protect against this potentially deadly respiratory infection.

Bacterial meningitis
Bacterial meningitis is a serious, highly contagious infection that may quickly lead to permanent

or life threatening complications, according to the CDC. The symptoms often occur suddenly

and may include fever, neck stiffness, nausea, and confusion.

Urinary tract infection (UTI)
If you experience painful or frequent urination, you may have a common bladder or kidney

infection called a UTI. These occur when bacteria get into the urethra and affect your urinary

tract. These bacteria can originate from the bowel, according to the National Institute of Diabetes

and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. {4}

Other symptoms of a UTI may include fever, blood urine, or lower back pain. Antibiotics may

treat most UTIs, according to the CDC.

Bacterial vaginosis (BV)

BV is a common condition that occurs when there are too many harmful bacteria in the vagina

compared to helpful bacteria, leading to a bacterial imbalance. It can occur due to antibiotics or

douching, among other causes. BV may cause: gray or white discharge, burning sensations when

urinating, itchiness, strong odors {4}

Salmonellosis
Salmonella is a type of bacteria that may lead to a salmonella infection in humans. While food is

the most common source of Salmonella, the bacteria may also be passed on to humans from

reptiles, according to the CDC.

Symptoms of illness from this type of bacteria may include stomach cramps, diarrhea, and fever.

Unlike other types of bacterial infections, illnesses caused by Salmonella usually aren’t treated

with antibiotics.

Tetanus
Tetanus, also known as lockjaw, is an infection caused by Clostridium tetani. While not as

common in the United States due to vaccines, tetanus may still affect humans through the

exposure of cuts in the skin to surfaces containing the bacteria, according to the CDC.
Bacterial skin infections
While bacterial infections are often associated with illnesses, they can also include certain types

of skin infections. Some common types of bacterial skin infections include:

Cellulitis
Cellulitis is a common bacterial skin infection that causes redness, inflammation, and warmth in

the affected area, according to the CDCTrusted Source. It may also cause your skin to have a

pitted appearance, similar to an orange peel.

Folliculitis. With an appearance similar to acne breakouts, folliculitis is a skin infection that

occurs within your hair follicles. It may be caused by anything that rubs up against your skin and

irritates the follicles, such as shaving or wearing tight clothing.

Impetigo. This bacterial skin infection is known for creating crusty, honey-colored lesions and

pustules. Impetigo may be caused by either Staphylococcus or Streptococcus bacteria and is

highly contagious. {4}

Sexually transmitted bacterial infections

While the World Hth Organization (WHO)Trusted Source estimates that more than 30 types of

bacteria, parasites, and viruses may be passed through sexual contact, there are three common

bacteria-based sexually transmitted infections (STIs) that may be cured with antibiotics. These

include: chlamydia, which can causeTrusted Source unusual discharge and permanent

reproductive damage in women. Examples include:

Gonorrhea , which may cause sores in the genitals, throat, and rectum

Syphilis, which causes skin rashes and sores and may leadTrusted Source to serious health

complications if left untreated

 Other potential symptoms of a bacterial STI may include: unusual vaginal or penile discharge,

burning sensation when urinating, sores around the mouth, genitals, or anus; bleeding between

periods,anal discharge or bleeding painful bowel movements

Conclusion

Bacteria are of diverse importance ranging from usefulness in production processes to disease

causing roles. Bacteria strains necessary in maintaining health are collectively referred to as

commensals {6}which aid the host in various capacity to facilitate digestion of foods, production

of certain substances antagonistic to other microorganisms, as well as in immune modulation. At

this level, they are referred to as beneficial and an example of strains fulfilling this role is

probiotic strains of bacteria. However, via the pathogenic island (PAI) microorganisms including

bacteria wield arrays or cascades of virulent factors that can be used to overwhelm the host and

establish infection, morbidity and finally mortality of infected tissues and organs or even the

entire host if not controlled

References
1 Integrative HMP (iHMP) Research Network Consortium (2019). The Integrative Human

Microbiome Project. Nature, 569(7758), 641–648.1.

2 Odeyemi O. A. (2016). Public health implications of microbial food safety and foodborne

diseases in developing countries. Food & nutrition research, 60, 29819.

https://doi.org/10.3402/fnr.v60.29819

3 Hou, K., Wu, ZX., Chen, XY. et al. Microbiota in health and diseases. Sig Transduct Target

Ther 7, 135 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41392-022-00974-4

4 Seladi-Schulman, J. (2020). Understanding Bacteria: What It Is and How It Affects You. Ed.

Claire Brocato (2022). Review by Kristen M. Moyer. Healthline pub.

https://www.healthline.com/health/bacteria#bacterial-infections

5 Wu, Z. A., Wang, H.X. (2019). A Systematic Review of the Interaction Between Gut

Microbiota and Host Health from a Symbiotic Perspective. 1(6). Research gate. DOI:

10.1007/s42399-018-0033-4

6 Ezeumeh, E. , Eleanya, L. , Onwuasoanya, U. and Ezeoke, F. (2022) Treatment of Diarrhoea in

Humans Using Lactobacillus salivarius PROBIOTIC Isolated from Human Saliva. Advances in

Infectious Diseases, 12, 547-562. doi: 10.4236/aid.2022.123040