Harmful Bacteria Types

Bacteria are some of the smallest organisms on the planet.

Bacteria are incredibly small, unicellular organisms that are members of the prokaryote kingdom of organisms. They are found virtually everywhere on the planet, including in air, dirt, water and even inside of us and on our skin. For the most part, bacteria are beneficial organisms, as they help us digest food and generate nutrients. However, there are several harmful bacteria types that can have devastating effects on human health. These include E. coli, fecal coliform, streptococcus pyogenes, clostridium tetani and salmonella.

E. Coli

Escherichia coli, which is more commonly shortened to E. coli, is one of the most populous species of coliform bacteria. According to the Science Clarified website, while E. coli normally aids in the digestive process, it can be very harmful if it manages to enter the bloodstream. The bacteria has been known to cause botulism or food poisoning, the symptoms of which include diarrhea, abdominal pain and---in some cases---death. E. coli poisoning is commonly caused by ingesting water and food that is contaminated with fecal matter.

Fecal Coliform

A smaller group of coilform bacteria is fecal coliform. As its name suggests, the bacteria is often transmitted through fecal matter, and---according to Edgewood College Natural Science Department---this fecal contamination usually occurs due septic system and animal waste running off into reservoirs, streams and other water sources.

Streptococcus Pyogenes

Streptococcus pyogenes is a species of bacteria in group A of the streptococcus family. According to the Mayo Clinic, the highly contagious bacteria are responsible for causing strep throat, an unpleasant disease characterized by fever and severe throat pain and inflammation. Streptococcus pyogenes can be spread in the air through sneezes and coughs, and can also be transferred through contact with objects such as doorknobs and eating utensils.

Clostridium Tetani

According to Science Clarified, clostridium tetani is a species of toxin-producing bacteria that is best known for causing the disease tetanus. Common symptoms of tetanus include muscle spasms and paralysis, particularly lockjaw. Individuals are commonly infected with clostridium tetani via wound contamination, especially when wounds are caused by animal bites or scratches.

Salmonella

Salmonella, like E. coli, is a commonly occurring bacteria that is associated with food poisoning. Individuals are commonly infected with the bacteria when they eat unclean or undercooked food. According to Edgewood College, salmonella is also the cause of typhoid fever, which is characterized by intestinal inflammation and the development of red spots on the chest.

References

• Edgewood College: Harmful Bacteria Chart
• Science Clarified: Bacteria
• Mayo Clinic: Strep Throat