Diseases Caused by Microorganisms: Understanding the Risks

Microorganisms are tiny living organisms that cannot be seen with the naked eye; they can only be seen with a microscope. Microorganisms are found everywhere: in the air, water, soil, and even in our bodies. Some microorganisms are useful, while some are harmful. The various types of microorganisms are bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa.  The harmful microorganisms, when they enter our body, cause various types of diseases. Let us understand the different types in detail:

Bacterial Diseases

Bacterial diseases are caused by bacteria, which live everywhere around us. We find bacteria in the soil, air, water, and human body. Most bacteria are helpful, but a few are harmful. When the harmful bacteria enter our body, they multiply and cause more harm.

What Are the Common Bacterial Diseases?

• Tuberculosis (TB):

Tuberculosis mainly affects the lungs and is caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. People with TB often have cough, fever, and experience weight loss. It spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes.

• Typhoid Fever

Typhoid is caused by Salmonella typhi. It spreads through contaminated food and water and if this disease is not treated, it can cause serious complications.

• Cholera:

Cholera is caused by Vibrio cholerae bacteria. It spreads through dirty water and contaminated food. The symptoms are watery diarrhoea and vomiting, which can lead to dehydration and weakness.

• Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs):

UTIs are usually caused by E. coli bacteria entering the urinary tract. They cause symptoms like a burning feeling during urination and pelvic pain.

How to Prevent?

1. 1. Always drink clean water and do not drink from unknown sources as they may contain contaminated water.
2. When you use the toilet, clean your hands with soap to prevent the spread of germs.
3. Vaccines can prevent certain bacterial diseases. For example, the BCG vaccine protects against tuberculosis, and the typhoid vaccine helps prevent typhoid fever.
4. Antibiotics can kill bacteria, but overuse can make them resistant to medicines, so only take antibiotics when prescribed by the doctor.

Viral Diseases

Viruses are germs that are even smaller than bacteria. They cannot live or multiply on their own. Instead, they enter living cells inside the human body and use those cells to make more copies of themselves. This is how they cause illness. Viral diseases can spread very quickly and sometimes lead to large outbreaks in communities.

What Are the Common Viral Diseases?

1. Influenza (Flu):
   Influenza, or flu, is a seasonal viral infection that affects your nose, throat, and lungs. It spreads when an infected person coughs or sneezes or you stay close to that person. With medicines, patients recover in a week, but it can be serious for those with weak immunity like children and older adults.
2. COVID-19:
   COVID-19 is caused by SARS-CoV-2. In COVID-19, many people experience difficulty in breathing.
3. Hepatitis A, B, and C:
   Hepatitis is a serious viral infection that affects the liver.

• Hepatitis A spreads if you eat contaminated food and water.
• Hepatitis B and C spread through infected blood, unprotected sex, or sharing needles.

The symptoms are jaundice and loss of appetite.

4. Dengue Fever:
   Dengue is caused by the Dengue virus, which spreads through the bite of infected Aedes mosquitoes. People with dengue have high fever, severe headache, joint and muscle pain, and skin rash.

How to Prevent?

• Vaccinations are available like flu vaccines, hepatitis vaccines, and COVID-19 vaccines have also been proven to reduce the risk of severe illness. Get vaccinated as per the timelines prescribed by your physician.
• Maintain good hygiene and stay away from infected people.
• To prevent diseases like dengue, keep your surroundings clean and dry.

Fungal Diseases

Fungi are tiny organisms that live all around us. Some fungi cause infections when they grow too much on the body. Fungal infections are found in warm places because such a climate is favourable for fungi to grow. Also, people with weak immune systems, diabetes, or poor hygiene are susceptible to fungal diseases.

What Are the Common Fungal Diseases?

• Ringworm:

Ringworm is not caused by a worm but by a fungus. A red, circular patch appears like a ring and the disease is spread through direct contact with the infected person or by sharing things.

• Candidiasis (Yeast Infection):

Candidiasis is caused by a fungus called Candida. It is naturally present on our body but it multiplies when our body’s balance of microorganisms is disturbed due to antibiotics, poor hygiene, or a weak immune system.

• Aspergillosis:

Aspergillosis is a fungal infection caused by Aspergillus. It is a type of mould found in dust or soil. Most of us breathe Aspergillus spores every day but fall sick when the immune system becomes weak.

How to Prevent?

• Keep your skin clean and dry, bathe regularly, and change your clothes if you sweat too much.
• Synthetic clothes can trap sweat and moisture, so prefer cotton clothes.
• Stay away from infected persons and do not share their personal belongings, and change your socks and undergarments daily to avoid fungal growth.
• Building immunity is necessary to stay away from diseases, so eat good food, sleep, and exercise.

Protozoan Diseases

Protozoa are very tiny, single-celled organisms that can live in many places like water, soil, or inside the human body.

What Are the Common Protozoan Diseases?

• Malaria:

It is caused by a parasite called Plasmodium, which spreads through the bite of the female Anopheles mosquito. When an infected mosquito bites you, the protozoa enters your body, causing malaria.

• Amoebiasis (Amoebic Dysentery):

When people do not wash hands after using the toilet, this protozoa enters the digestive system and causes stomach pain and loose motions with blood.

• Giardiasis:

It is also a waterborne parasite and it affects the intestines and makes it difficult for the body to absorb nutrients. It is caused when you drink untreated or dirty water.

How to Prevent?

• To prevent malaria, sleep under mosquito nets, and keep your surroundings clean and avoid stagnant water, as mosquitoes breed there.
• Wash your hands before eating and after using the toilet, keep your surroundings clean, and drink clean water always.
• If you experience symptoms like fever, stomach pain, diarrhoea, or fatigue for more than a few days, visit a doctor.

Conclusion

India faces a high risk of infectious diseases due to the high population density, the prevalence of a tropical climate that is conducive to these microorganisms, and challenges in sanitation. In such circumstances, a health insurance policy is very important to protect yourself and your family members from the dangers of these diseases.

Explore health insurance policies by Bajaj General Insurance today and secure your peace of mind. 

FAQs

1. What is the difference between bacterial and viral diseases?

Bacterial diseases are caused by bacteria and can be treated with antibiotics, while viral diseases are caused by viruses, and doctors recommend rest, hydration, and antiviral medicines if required.

2. Can fungal infections spread from one person to another?

Yes, fungal infections like ringworm and athlete’s foot can spread through direct skin contact or by sharing personal items such as towels, clothes, or combs.

3. How can I prevent diseases like malaria and dengue?

To prevent mosquito-borne diseases like malaria and dengue, avoid stagnant water, use mosquito repellents, sleep under mosquito nets, and wear full-sleeve clothes during evenings and monsoon seasons.

4. What should I do if I suspect I have an infectious disease?

If you experience symptoms like fever, cough, diarrhoea, or fatigue for more than a few days, visit a doctor immediately.

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***Disclaimer: The content on this page is generic and shared only for informational and explanatory purposes. It is based on several secondary sources on the internet and is subject to changes. Please consult an expert before making any related decisions.