Clinical Microbiology, Virology and Infectious Diseases

Bacterial and Fungal Infectious Diseases

Bacteria are living things with just one cell. These look like spheres, sticks, or spirals under a microscope. They are so tiny that a 1,000 line could fit through a pencil eraser. Some bacteria will not harm you-less than 1% of the various types of bacteria will make people sick. Many of them are supportive. Many bacteria help digest food, kill cells that cause disease, and provide nutrients that the body needs. Also used in the production of healthy foods such as yogurt and cheese. But some bacteria are harmful (Infectious Bacteria) that make you ill. Fungal diseases are often caused by environmentally common fungi.  Most fungi are not toxic, but there are some types that can be harmful to health. Mild skin diseases of the fungus may look like a rash and are very common. In the lungs, fungal diseases sometimes mimic other diseases such as flu or tuberculosis. Many fungal diseases, such as fungal meningitis and infections of the bloodstream, are less common than infections of the skin and lung, but can be lethal.

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  Diseases caused by bacteria


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  Most common bacterial diseases


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  Examples of fungal diseases


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  Types of fungal diseases