One infection is characterized as the input and development of an infectious agent, or the multiplication of an infectious agent that is already present in the body, such as bacteria and virus. Infections can present the most different symptoms, which depend on their causative agent. Examples of infections are: a urinary tract infection (ITU) and the hospital infections, the latter being one of the greatest public health problems in the world.
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infection symptoms
Infections can be caused by miscellaneous agents. Thus, the symptoms of an infection depend on the causative agent, as well as the place where it occurs, among other factors. Some of them, however, may be indicative of infectious processes. Among which we can highlight:
- fever;
- ache;
- purulent secretion;
- diarrhea, among others.
viral infection versus bacterial infection
As already mentioned, among the main infectious agents are the virus and the bacteria. Viral and bacterial infections are similar in many ways, especially in relation to symptoms. Among the symptoms that may be common in both types of infection, we can highlight, for example, the malaise and the fever.
Thus, it is essential that a correct diagnosis to avoid inappropriate treatment. See below the characteristics of the treatment for each case:
viral infection |
Bacterial infection |
|
Causer agent |
Virus |
Bacterium |
Treatment |
Many infections are fought by the body itself and are cured within a few days. In some cases, antivirals can be used. However, some viral infections are not curable (such as AIDS). |
antibiotics |
Read too: Antibodies - agents that defend the body from foreign microorganisms
Examples of infections
Below, we present some types of infection, their causative agents, symptoms and treatments.
1. Urinary tract infection (UTI) orurinary infection: it affects the urinary tract of men and women.
Causer agent: bacteria, principally Escherichia coli.
Symptoms: may be asymptomatic, and, when symptomatic, may present frequent and painful urination, low back pain, urine blurred with the presence of blood, and fever.
Treatment: it is carried out with the administration of antibiotics.
2. Infection in kidneysor pyelonephritis: can present various causes, even being a consequence of some urinary tract infection, such as cystitis.
Causer agent: bacteria or fungi.
Symptoms: some symptoms are similar to urinary tract infections, however, there is also nausea, vomiting, chills and high fever.
Treatment: it is carried out according to the causative agent and quickly, as this is a serious infection, which can lead to death.
If you are more interested in the topic, read our text: Urinary infection.
3. Intestinal infection or gastrointestinal: affects the gastrointestinal tract and is the leading cause of death by infectious origin, in addition to being one of the main causes of mortality in children under five years of age.
Causer agent: bacteria, virus and protozoa.
Symptoms: the main one is watery diarrhea, which may also present vomiting, abdominal pain, among others.
Treatment: it is done according to the causative agent, requiring special attention to the elderly and children to avoid dehydration.
4. Hospital infection: is the name given to an infection that has some relationship with hospitalization. This type is mainly linked to the lack of control measures for infections, the compromised immune system of patients and the excessive use of antibioticsin hospitals.
Causative agent: mainly bacteria.
Symptoms: depend on the causative agent.
Treatment: depends on the causative agent.
5. sepsis or blood infection: is defined as a clinical syndrome, in which the syndrome systemic inflammatory response (Sirs) is associated with ainfection. To fight this infection, the defense system releases chemical mediators in the body, which can cause an inflammatory process in different parts of the body, compromising the functioning of various organs. Sepsis is one of the major health problems of today, with high-cost treatment and high mortality rate.
Causative agent: various causative agents.
Symptoms: they are diverse, and may be observed fever, tachycardia, mental confusion, abdominal discomfort, jaundice, among others.
Treatment: depends on the causative agent.
Read too: Discovery of penicillin, the first antibiotic
Differences between infection and inflammation
THE infection and the inflammation they are two distinct processes, however, they may be related, as we will see below:
Infection: it is caused by some infectious agent that sets in and develops or, already present, multiplies in the body. Its symptoms depend on the causative agents, however, fever, pain and malaise may be common.
Inflammation: it is a local response of the organism through the action of an infectious agent. This agent can be physical, chemical or biological. In the latter case, inflammation may be related to infection, as it presents itself as a response to this infectious process. For example, a sore throat can be a response to a viral or bacterial infection. Unlike infection, the symptoms of inflammation are more specific, such as redness, heat, swelling, and local pain.
The treatment of the two processes is also different. As stated, the treatment of the infection is carried out according to the causative agent. For example, infections caused only by bacteria should be treated using antibiotics, fungal infections are treated with administration of antifungal. Inflammatory processes must be treated with drugs anti-inflammatory, which reduce the discomfort of inflammation symptoms.
It is important to highlight that only the doctor can make the correct diagnosis. of these processes and indicate the best treatment. Never self-medicate!
Also access:Diseases caused by protozoa
