Bacteria which cause disease are called

The term "germs" refers to the microscopic bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa that can cause disease. Washing hands well and often is the best way to prevent germs from leading to infections and sickness. Some bacteria are good for our bodies — they help keep the digestive system in working order and keep harmful bacteria from moving in.

Some bacteria are used to make medicines and vaccines. But bacteria can cause trouble too, as with cavities, urinary tract infections , ear infections , or strep throat. Antibiotics are used to treat bacterial infections. Viruses are even smaller than bacteria. They aren't even a full cell. They need to use another cell's structures to reproduce, which means they can't survive unless they're living inside something else such as a person, animal, or plant.

Viruses can only live for a very short time outside other living cells. But infectious bacteria can make you ill. They reproduce quickly in your body. Many give off chemicals called toxins, which can damage tissue and make you sick. Examples of bacteria that cause infections include Streptococcus , Staphylococcus , and E.

Antibiotics are the usual treatment. When you take antibiotics, follow the directions carefully. Each time you take antibiotics, you increase the chances that bacteria in your body will learn to resist them causing antibiotic resistance.

Later, you could get or spread an infection that those antibiotics cannot cure. The information on this site should not be used as a substitute for professional medical care or advice. Contact a health care provider if you have questions about your health.

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Show references Overview of bacteria. Merck Manual Professional Version. Accessed Sept. Levinson W, et al. Bacteria compared with other microorganisms.

McGraw-Hill Education; National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. Kimberlin DW, et al. Red Book Online. American Academy of Pediatrics; Goering RV, et al. Mims' Medical Microbiology and Immunology. Elsevier; Nonpharmaceutical interventions NPIs. At home: Flu prevention. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Food and water safety. Common questions about vaccines. IBM Micromedex. See also Antibiotic use in agriculture Antibiotics: Are you misusing them?

Infection: Bacterial or viral? CRE bacteria: What you should know E. School health tips Vaccines for adults Childhood vaccines What are superbugs? What are superbugs and how can I protect myself from infection? What is chikungunya fever, and should I be worried?

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