VIRUS or BACTERIA: how to tell?
- So, let me remind you that there is a common name “ARD” that describes all infectious diseases of the respiratory tract. They have special cases - viral (ARVI) and bacterial.
- I have already said that in the majority (~95%) the cause of acute respiratory infections is viruses, less often (~5%) - bacteria
- The first symptom of ANY infection is fever. When the temperature rises, the doctor’s primary task is to exclude a bacterial infection (and not to lower the temperature, as parents seem to think).
- The diagnosis is made by a DOCTOR based mainly on EXAMINATION. Other tests should be additional (blood and urine tests, x-rays, streptate tests, bacterial cultures from the lesion, etc.).
- For respiratory viruses, the “favorite” cells are the cells of the respiratory tract: most acute respiratory viral infections proceed in approximately the same way. The most common symptoms of ARVI are: cough, runny nose, sneezing, fever, hoarseness, sore throat.
- There are no exact signs to differentiate between a viral or bacterial infection, but there are some indirect signs.
What can speak in favor of the virus?
- someone else in the house is sick
- symptoms characteristic of ARVI are noted
- after the temperature drops, the child feels well and is active (runs, plays, etc.)
- the temperature is quite high (38C and above), rises sharply
What should alert you and can speak in favor of bacterial infections?
- no one except the child got sick
- severe intoxication (weakness, lethargy, drowsiness, refusal to eat and drink, photophobia) (influenza is an exception, with influenza intoxication will also be very pronounced)
- there are some symptoms that are not characteristic of ARVI (this is assessed by the doctor when examining the child)
- against the background of a decrease in temperature, the child continues to be weak
- there are changes in the blood test characteristic of a bacterial infection
- changes in the blood test are not always present, but in most cases. They are assessed by a doctor.
- Among the most common bacterial infections in children are: otitis media, lymphadenitis, abscesses, arthritis, pneumonia, in children >3 years old - also sinusitis (sinusitis, from 5 years old - sphenoiditis, from 7-8 years old - frontal sinusitis)
— These differences should be established by the DOCTOR during the first examination of the child
— The doctor makes a diagnosis that indicates the localization of the infectious process (only in 20% of cases the focus cannot be identified).
1️. The following diseases are usually associated with bacteria:
- pyelonephritis
- adenoiditis
- skin and soft tissue infection
- less often: meningitis, osteomyelitis, arthritis, etc.
2️. The most common causes of viruses are:
- bronchitis and bronchiolitis
- rhinitis and nasopharyngitis
- false croup
- gastroenteritis
PLEASE NOTE: BOTH VIRUSES AND BACTERIA can be caused by:
- pharyngitis, tonsillitis, pneumonia, otitis media, sinusitis, stomatitis, lyphadenitis and other diseases
- There are more than 200 viruses. For a doctor or parent, it does not matter which virus causes the disease. Treatment exists only for the influenza virus, the herpes virus. For other viruses, the tactics are the same and there are no drugs that destroy the virus; therefore, there is no point in treating a “red throat”, runny nose, “cough”, etc. We can alleviate the symptoms of a child’s illness, but this will not affect the cause itself (the virus).
- The likelihood of developing bacterial infections is reduced by hardening, other restorative procedures, as well as vaccination, first of all, against pneumococcus, Haemophilus influenzae, influenza, meningococcus, and other vaccines included in the national calendar.
- If a bacterial infection is confirmed, then taking an antibiotic is REQUIRED.
Take care of your children!
Candidate of Sciences and mother, pediatrician and neonatologist, Levadnaya Anna Viktorovna
The cause of the development of various diseases in adults and children can be both various viruses and bacteria. In fact, viral pathologies and bacterial infections have many similarities, so it is important to diagnose the nature of the disease in a timely manner. This is due to the fact that the treatment of viral and bacterial diseases is carried out using various methods. It is important to know the signs of a bacterial infection, because it is treated with antibiotics.
Bacteria are microorganisms characterized by a specific cell structure. They have a poorly defined nucleus with various organelles that are covered with a membrane. If stained correctly, the bacteria can be viewed under a light microscope.
In fact, bacteria are present in large numbers in the environment, but not all of them pose a threat to human health. Certain types of bacteria live freely in the human body and do not cause any pathologies. Some bacteria can enter humans in various ways and provoke the development of complex diseases. The manifestation of certain symptoms is determined by the components of the bacterial cell. This means that living microbes release toxins that cause poisoning of the body as a result of disruption of its immune system.
A common pathogen in childhood are conditionally pathogenic microorganisms, the localization of which is the respiratory system.
Signs of a bacterial infection
The entire process of development of a bacterial disease can be divided into several stages, each of which is accompanied by the appearance of certain symptoms:
- Incubation period. At this stage, active reproduction of bacteria occurs and their preservation in the human body. Typically, no characteristic symptoms appear during the incubation period. Typically this period lasts from several hours to 2-3 weeks.
- Prodromal period. During this period, general symptoms of the disease appear, and usually the patient complains of general malaise and high body temperature.
- The height of the disease, that is, the pathology is actively developing and the infectious process reaches its peak.
- The bacterial disease enters the healing stage and the patient’s condition noticeably improves.
Various bacteria that enter the human body may be accompanied by the appearance of different symptoms. The site of infection can be one organ or the entire body. If a pathogenic microorganism enters the human body, it does not immediately cause the development of the disease. Infection usually occurs without the appearance of pronounced symptoms.
For a long time, an adult or child can only be a carrier of infection and many microorganisms live in the body for years and do not manifest themselves in any way. Their active life activity can be caused by the impact on the body of such negative factors as severe hypothermia, stressful situations and infections of viral origin.
In children, when a bacterial infection develops in the body, the following signs may appear:
- rise in body temperature above 39 degrees
- attacks of nausea and vomiting
- severe intoxication of the body
- frequent headaches
- formation of white plaque on the tonsils and tongue
- the appearance of rashes of various types
Often bacterial infections affect the female body and cause the development of pathologies of the genitourinary system. Women may experience the following diseases:
- trichomoniasis
- yeast infection
- gardnerellosis
If there is a change in the vaginal microflora, this causes the development of vaginitis. The cause of this pathological condition may be taking medications for a long time, douching and the penetration of infection into the female body during sexual intercourse. Bacterial infections in women are accompanied by the following symptoms:
- different colors and consistency
- development of itching and burning sensations
- pain during
- discomfort during sexual intercourse
With the development of a disease such as trichomoniasis, a woman may experience yellow-green or gray discharge.
Diagnostic methods
The main method for identifying infections of this nature in children and adults is to carry out. For research, material containing bacteria is collected from the patient.
If there is a suspicion of pathology of the upper respiratory tract, a sputum analysis is performed.
After this, the research material is placed in a special environment, after which the result obtained is assessed. Thanks to this study, it is possible not only to identify bacteria, but also to determine their sensitivity to antibacterial drugs.
If a bacterial infection is suspected, the patient is tested, and this analysis is one of the most important.
The fact is that the progression of a bacterial infection in the patient’s body is accompanied by an increase in the level due to an increase in the number of neutrophils. Typically, with bacterial diseases, there is an increase in the number of band neutrophils, and metamyelocytes and myelocytes may also increase.All this leads to a decrease in the relative level of white blood cells, but quite high.
Features of treatment
When diagnosing bacterial infections in children, treatment is carried out using antibacterial drugs. Thanks to them, it is possible to prevent the progression of pathology and avoid health problems. It should be remembered that treatment of bacterial infections is carried out only under the supervision of the attending physician, and it is best to avoid any self-medication.
Treatment of bacterial infections is not so easy because the body has to cope with a large number of microorganisms. Bacteria adapt too quickly to their living conditions and new drugs have to be invented. Bacteria can mutate, so many antibacterial drugs may not work on them.
In addition, the development of the same disease can be caused by various bacteria, which can only be eliminated with the help of a specific antibacterial agent.
Typically, complex therapy is used to combat bacterial infections, which includes:
- Elimination of the cause of pathology using bactericidal and bacteriostatic antibacterial drugs.
- Cleansing the patient’s body of toxins that accumulate during the progression of the infection. In addition, it is important to cure organs that have been damaged by infection.
- Carrying out symptomatic treatment to alleviate the patient’s condition and reduce the severity of symptoms. For infections of the upper respiratory system, cough medications are prescribed, and for gynecological diseases, local antibiotics are indicated.
Useful video - How to distinguish a viral infection from a bacterial one:
When treating bacterial infections, antibiotics can be taken in the form of tablets or also administered intramuscularly through injections. The growth of bacteria can be inhibited by:
- Tetracycline
- Chloramphenicol
You can destroy harmful fauna using antibiotics such as:
- Penicillin
- Rifamycin
- Aminoglycosides
Among penicillins, the following antibacterial drugs are considered the most effective:
- Amoxicillin
- Amoxicar
- Augmentin
- Amoxiclav
Today, thanks to antibacterial treatment, it is possible to get rid of various types of infections. It is important to remember that only a specialist should prescribe drugs, as bacteria can become resistant to drugs. It is necessary to resort to taking antibacterial drugs at the very beginning of the development of the disease, which will prevent the spread of infection throughout the body and speed up the healing process.
Taking antibacterial drugs when fighting bacteriological infections can cause irreversible changes in the body. In addition, some patients are prone to developing allergic reactions to certain antibiotics and this must be taken into account when prescribing medication.In order to prevent bacterial infections from entering the human body, certain precautions are recommended. To do this, you need to maintain hygiene, avoid being in places with large crowds of people, and also increase your body’s defenses.
In the autumn-winter period, people are susceptible to upper respiratory tract infections. Sometimes it is difficult to distinguish a bacterial infection from a viral one, which is very important from the point of view of choosing therapy. Only bacterial infections require treatment with antibiotics, and unrecognized and improperly treated can lead to serious complications.
Bacterial and viral infection
It happens that during a viral infection development occurs bacterial superinfection. Therefore, bacterial and viral infections are not completely different diseases; they can coexist with each other, giving a varied clinical picture.
Bacterial infection upper respiratory tract is characterized by symptoms in the form high fever, plaque on the tonsils, redness and swelling of the mucous membranes of the nasopharynx. In case of bacterial inflammation of the paranasal sinuses, the nasal discharge is green/yellow in color.
Viral infections usually occur at a lower temperature, although this is not the rule. Infection, for example, with the Epstein-Barr virus, which causes infectious mononucleosis, leads to a significant increase in body temperature.
With bacterial infections, enlargement of the anterior lymph nodes is more often observed, and with viral infections, enlargement of the posterior cervical lymph nodes is often observed. With viral infections, more often than with bacterial infections, symptoms appear in the form of a runny nose, cough, muscle and joint pain.
You should also remember about nonspecific course of bacterial and viral infections, especially in children. They may only produce symptoms such as pain in the abdomen or head.
How to distinguish a viral infection from a bacterial one
It is often possible to distinguish a bacterial infection from a viral one on the basis of a clinical examination. In addition, in an uncertain situation, the physician initiates empirical treatment regarding the most likely diagnosis.
There are also laboratory methods, used in differential diagnosis. During infection, a nonspecific marker is C-reactive protein (CRP). It indicates that an inflammatory process is developing in the body, however, it does not specify the etiology of inflammation. For bacterial infection general blood test in smear shows an increase in the percentage of neutrophils. In viral cases, lymphocytes predominate.
Another diagnostic method for differentiating bacterial and viral infections is smear from the site of infection. This allows not only to confirm the bacterial infection, but also to determine the etiological factor. However, if symptoms indicate a viral infection, a smear test is not performed. This is due to the fact that people are often carriers, for example, of beta-hemolytic group A streptococci, which are factors in the development of sore throat, but can also be part of the physiological flora.
Rapid tests are available in the doctor's office to check for Group A hemolytic streptococcus infection. If symptoms suggestive of a bacterial infection are present, such a test can be performed on-site. A positive result allows you to confirm the diagnosis of an adult and justify the prescription antibacterial therapy. In children, despite a positive test result, a culture smear is required.
Bacterial infection and antibiotics
Most bacterial infections, like viral ones, disappear after a few days, even if treated without antibiotics. However, it should be understood that improper treatment of a bacterial infection can lead to a number of complications. Recurrent bacterial infections of the pharynx and tonsils can lead to abscesses. In addition, the bacterial infection can spread to adjacent tissues, and even cause a generalized infection in the form of septicemia and sepsis.
It happens that, despite treatment with antibiotics, a bacterial infection persists. Therefore, before starting antibacterial therapy, it is worth performing a smear in order to know what kind of bacteria you are dealing with, and, in addition, antibiogram allows you to determine the sensitivity of bacteria to certain antibiotics.
Therapy begins with empirical treatment, because the results of the culture and antibiogram will only be received after a few days. You can then begin targeted treatment by changing the medication you are using if the current one does not provide any therapeutic effect.
Quite possible. This does not require special knowledge. You just have to listen to the advice of pediatricians and carefully monitor the patient’s condition. Which, in turn, will serve as a good help in making the correct diagnosis and choosing treatment tactics.
How to distinguish a viral infection from a bacterial one? Komarovsky gives advice
Well-known pediatrician Evgeny Komarovsky argues that it is very important for parents to understand the main differences between viruses and bacteria. To do this, it is worth understanding how viruses work.
Their fundamental feature is that they are not able to reproduce without other cells. Viruses invade a cell and force it to produce copies of them. Thus, in each infected cell there are several thousand of them. In this case, the cell most often dies or becomes unable to perform its functions, which causes certain symptoms of the disease in a person.
Viruses are selective in their choice of cells
By the way, another feature of viruses can tell you how to distinguish a viral infection from a bacterial one. Komarovsky in his works argues that these microorganisms are very selective in choosing a cell suitable for reproduction. And they capture only those who they can then force to work for themselves. For example, the hepatitis virus can only multiply in liver cells, but prefers the cells of the mucous membranes of the bronchi or trachea.
In addition, it can cause certain diseases only in specific species. For example, precisely because the smallpox virus could only exist in the human body, it completely disappeared from nature after the introduction of mandatory vaccinations, which were carried out throughout the world for 22 years.
What determines the severity of a viral infection?
How to distinguish a viral infection from a bacterial one can be understood by the characteristics of the course of the viral infection. They depend on which cells and in what quantity were affected by it. It is clear that the penetration of viruses into brain cells, for example during encephalitis, is a much more dangerous condition than their damage to the nasal mucosa during influenza.
The course of the disease is also influenced by the fact that human cells change in a certain way during life. So, due to the fact that in babies the main liver cells (hepatocytes) are not yet formed, it is difficult for viruses to develop in them, and therefore babies under one year of age practically do not suffer from hepatitis A. In older children, this disease passes quite easily, but in adults hepatitis - serious disease. The same applies to viruses that cause rubella, measles and chickenpox.
By the way, in some cases, a virus, having penetrated a cell, does not develop in it, but subsides, being there in a “sleeping” state, ready, if the opportunity arises, to pose the question of how to distinguish a viral infection from a bacterial one in adults and children.
ARVI: signs of these diseases
In our reasoning, we cannot miss the fact that ARVI includes not just one disease, but a whole group of ailments, which are based on infection with a large number of different viruses.
In order to distinguish one virus from another, tests are required. But they are carried out by doctors if necessary, and for parents it will be enough to remember how to distinguish a viral infection from a bacterial one.
The most characteristic sign of ARVI is a rapid onset. If the upper respiratory tract is affected, you can observe:
- strong rise in temperature, up to 40 ° C (it all depends on the pathogen);
- acute rhinitis - clear mucus discharges abundantly from the nose, which is often accompanied by lacrimation;
- soreness and pain appear in the throat, the voice becomes hoarse, and a dry cough occurs;
- the patient feels symptoms of general intoxication: muscle aches, weakness, chills, headache and lack of appetite.
How Evgeny Komarovsky describes bacterial infections
Explaining how to distinguish a viral infection from a bacterial one in a child, Komarovsky separately talks about the characteristics of bacteria.
Bacteria are microorganisms that, unlike viruses, can develop independently. The main thing for them is to find a suitable place for feeding and reproduction, and this causes diseases in the human body.
Many drugs (antibiotics) have been invented to fight bacteria. But these microorganisms also have another unique feature - they mutate, adapting to new conditions and making it difficult to get rid of them.
Bacteria most often do not require a specific place to live, like viruses. Staphylococcus, for example, can exist anywhere, causing inflammatory processes in the lungs, skin, bones, and intestines.
How dangerous are bacteria for the human body?
And, of course, the main thing in the question of how to distinguish a viral infection from a bacterial one is to determine the harm that certain microorganisms can cause.
If we talk about bacteria, then it itself, as a rule, does not cause much damage to our body. The greatest danger lies in the products of its vital activity - toxins, which are nothing more than poisons. It is their specific effect on our body that explains the symptoms of each specific disease.
The human body reacts to both the bacterium and its toxins in the same way as to viruses, producing antibodies.
By the way, most bacteria produce toxins during the process of their death. And they are called endotoxins. A small number of bacteria release toxins during their life processes (exotoxins). They are considered the most dangerous poisons known. Under their influence, diseases such as tetanus, diphtheria, gas gangrene, botulism and
What do symptoms of respiratory tract disease caused by bacteria look like?
Knowing how to distinguish a viral infection from a bacterial one, you will not miss the beginning of a new wave of the disease.
A bacterial infection quite often joins an existing viral one, since the latter manages to greatly weaken the patient’s immunity. That is, otitis media, sinusitis, tonsillitis or other diseases are added to the existing symptoms of ARVI.
The onset of a bacterial infection is usually not pronounced (the temperature rises slightly and gradually, the general condition changes imperceptibly), but the course may be more severe. And if a viral infection is expressed by a general malaise, then a bacterial infection, as a rule, has a clear dislocation. That is, you can always understand what exactly the bacteria affected - the nose (sinusitis), ear (acute, medial or purulent otitis) or throat (bacterial sore throat).
- Thick purulent discharge appears from the nose. The cough is most often wet, and sputum is difficult to clear.
- Plaque forms on the tonsils. Signs of bronchitis appear.
Unfortunately, bacteria, as you have already seen, can cause more serious problems - bronchitis, pneumonia or even meningitis. Therefore, combating them with antibiotics is extremely necessary to prevent the severe development of the disease. But remember, only a doctor prescribes these medications!
How to distinguish a viral infection from a bacterial one using a blood test
Of course, the main difference between bacterial and viral infections will be the results of blood tests.
So, in the presence of viruses, the number of leukocytes does not increase, and sometimes it is even slightly lower than normal. can only change due to an increase in the number of monocytes and lymphocytes, as well as a decrease in the number of neutrophils. In this case, the ESR may increase slightly, although in cases with severe ARVI it may be high.
Bacterial infections usually lead to an increase in the number of white blood cells, which is provoked by an increase in the number of neutrophils. The percentage of lymphocytes decreases, but the number of young forms - myelocytes - increases. ESR is most often quite high.
The main signs by which you can distinguish between viral and bacterial infections
So, let's summarize how to distinguish a viral infection from a bacterial one in children and adults. The general symptoms of all viral infections can be summarized as follows:
- from the moment of infection to the first manifestations of the disease, one to three days pass;
- Symptoms of intoxication and allergies to viruses last another day or three;
- and the disease itself begins with a high temperature, and its first signs are rhinitis, pharyngitis and conjunctivitis.
Bacteria, unlike viruses, develop more slowly. Very often, a bacterial infection superimposes on an existing viral disease. The main sign of a bacterial infection is a clearly defined site of its “application”. Now let’s list the signs of a bacterial infection again:
- slow onset, often manifesting as a second wave of viral infection;
- long (up to 2 weeks) period from the onset of infection to the first manifestations of the disease;
- not very high temperature and clear expression of the lesion.
Don't delay consulting a doctor!
Knowing how to distinguish a viral infection from a bacterial one in a child based on a blood test and general signs, still do not try to draw conclusions and prescribe treatment on your own.
And in the situations listed below, emergency assistance from a specialist is essential:
- the patient’s temperature rises to 40 °C and above and is also difficult to control with antipyretic drugs;
- consciousness becomes confused or fainting appears;
- a rash or minor hemorrhages appear on the body;
- painful sensations during breathing are recorded in the chest, as well as difficulty breathing (a particularly serious sign is the release of pink sputum when coughing);
- green or brown discharge mixed with blood appears from the respiratory tract;
- chest pain occurs that does not depend on breathing.
Do not hesitate to consult a doctor, and the patient’s health will be restored!
Bacteria- These are overwhelmingly unicellular microorganisms with an unformed nucleus. That is, these are real cells that have their own metabolism and reproduce by division. According to the shape of the cells, bacteria can be round in shape - called cocci (staphylococcus, streptococcus, pneumococcus, meningococcus, etc.), they can be rod-shaped (Escherichia coli, pertussis, dysentery, etc.), and other forms of bacteria are less common.
Many bacteria that are normally safe for humans and live on their skin, mucous membranes, and intestines can act as pathogens in case of general weakening of the body or impaired immunity.
Some viruses can remain in the human body throughout life. They go into a latent state and are activated only under certain conditions. These viruses include herpesviruses, papillomaviruses and HIV. In a latent state, the virus cannot be destroyed by either the immune system or medications.
Acute respiratory viral infections (ARVI)
ARVI– viral diseases of the upper respiratory tract, transmitted by airborne droplets. Respiratory viral infections are the most common infectious disease.
All acute respiratory viral infections are characterized by a very short incubation period– from 1 to 5 days. This is the time during which the virus that has entered the body manages to multiply to the point where the first symptoms of the disease begin to appear.
After the incubation period comes prodromal period(prodrome) is a period of illness when the virus has already spread throughout the body, and the immune system has not yet had time to react to it. The first symptoms begin to appear: lethargy, moodiness, rhinitis, pharyngitis, a characteristic shine in the eyes.
The next step is onset of illness. ARVI, as a rule, begins acutely - the temperature rises to 38-39 ° C, headache, chills, runny nose, cough, and sore throat may appear. It is advisable to remember when the infection could have occurred, that is, when there was contact with the carrier of the virus, since if no more than five days have passed from this moment until the onset of the disease, then this is an argument in favor of the viral nature of the disease.
Viral infections are usually treated symptomatically, that is, antipyretics, expectorants, etc. Antibiotics do not work on viruses.
The most well-known viral infections are influenza, ARVI, herpes infections, viral hepatitis, HIV infection, measles, rubella, mumps, chicken pox, tick-borne encephalitis, hemorrhagic fevers, polio, etc.
Blood picture for viral infections
With viral infections, the blood count usually remains within or slightly below normal, although sometimes there may be a slight increase in the white blood cell count. Changes in the leukocyte formula occur due to an increase in the content of and/or, and, accordingly, a decrease in the amount of. may increase slightly, although in severe ARVI, the erythrocyte sedimentation rate can be quite high.
Bacterial infections
Bacterial infections can occur on their own or be associated with a viral infection, since viruses suppress the immune system.
The main difference between bacterial infections and viral ones is the longer incubation period, which ranges from 2 to 14 days. Unlike viral infections, in this case you should pay attention not only to the expected time of contact with the carrier of the infection, but also take into account whether there has been recent stress or hypothermia. Since some bacteria are able to live in the human body for years without manifesting themselves and become more active in the event of a general weakening of the body.
Prodromal period with bacterial infections it is often absent; for example, an infection can begin as a complication of acute respiratory viral infection. And if viral infections often begin with a general deterioration of the condition, then bacterial infections usually have a clear local manifestation (sore throat, otitis media, sinusitis). The temperature often does not rise above 38 degrees.
Bacterial infections are treated with antibiotics. To prevent possible complications of the disease, it is important to start treatment on time. Using antibiotics without appropriate indications can lead to the formation of resistant bacteria. Therefore, only a doctor should select and prescribe antibiotics correctly.
The most common bacterial infections are sinusitis, otitis, pneumonia or meningitis (although pneumonia and meningitis can also be viral in nature). The most well-known bacterial infections are whooping cough, diphtheria, tetanus, tuberculosis, most intestinal infections, syphilis, gonorrhea, etc.
Blood picture for bacterial infections
With bacterial infections, there is usually an increase in the amount in the blood, which occurs mainly due to an increase in the amount. A so-called shift of the leukocyte formula to the left is observed, that is, the number of band neutrophils increases, and young forms may appear - metamyelocytes (young) and myelocytes. As a result, the relative (percentage) content may decrease. (erythrocyte sedimentation rate) is usually quite high.
