Bacteria can be harmful in several ways, primarily by causing infections and diseases.
Mechanisms of Harm
Harmful bacteria employ different strategies to cause illness:
- Toxin Production: Many disease-causing bacteria release powerful chemicals called toxins. These toxins can damage cells and tissues, leading to various symptoms of illness. The reference provided states that: “Many disease-causing bacteria make powerful chemicals called toxins that damage cells and make you ill.”
- Tissue Damage: Some bacteria directly invade and damage tissues. This physical invasion can lead to inflammation, pain, and compromised organ function. “Other bacteria can get into and damage tissues.”
Examples of Bacterial Infections
Here is an example of a common infection caused by bacteria:
| Infection | Description |
|---|---|
| Strep Throat | A bacterial infection of the throat and tonsils, often causing sore throat, pain when swallowing, and fever. |
Summary
Bacteria can harm the body by producing damaging toxins and directly invading and destroying body tissues. These mechanisms can result in a wide range of infections and diseases, including strep throat as mentioned in the reference.
