To understand how best to treat an infection or disease, a patient should be aware of the viral and bacterial pathogenesis that is manifested in the condition. These complications can be as minor as a common cold or as serious as AIDS. Pathogenesis comes from the Greek words pathos and genesis and literally translates as the creation of a disease. The bacterial and viral pathogenesis starts with an introduction of the invader to human host cells. The pathogens then use the cell’s reproduction abilities to grow and spread to various parts of the human body. If the body’s natural defense mechanisms and induced defenses are unable to control and eliminate the foreign organism, then the results could be infections or disease. The resulting complication is entirely dependent on which strain of virus or bacteria has infected the host cells.

The causes are also quite different with various strains of invaders. A weakened immune system or essential vitamin deficiency can be an easy target for infection, but the virus pathogenesis for many species does not need even this reduced suppression to be effective. In many cases all that is needed is direct contact with the foreign organism to begin the replication process. This could include being close to an infected person when they sneeze or transmit bodily fluids. These infected fluids can be transferred to common surfaces and sent to new hosts when they touch the same surfaces. While some viruses and bacteria are able to survive airborne, the majority need to be transferred by fluids or carrier organisms such as mosquitoes. While the symptoms experienced by viral pathogenesis can vary depending on the specific foreign organism, the most common symptoms are those caused by the body’s attempt to fight the infection. These symptoms include nasal congestion or drainage, throat irritation, coughing, sneezing, fevers, headaches, and vocal hoarseness.

The best treatment method is obviously prevention. If a person is around someone that clearly exhibits symptoms of bacterial or viral infection, care should be taken to avoid the spread of bodily fluids. In addition, hands need to be washed frequently when in contact with infected people. Many antibacterial products exist to eliminate bacteria from the hands. A patient who is infected should take care to cover the mouth when sneezing and coughing. This will also help limit the spread of the virus or bacteria. Lastly, common areas should be kept clean to avoid bodily fluids that could remain on unwashed surfaces. Once a person is infected, a visit to a local physician or clinic is in order to determine the root cause of the complication and the best treatment options to combat it. For most bacterial invaders, antibiotics are available to aid in recovery. Treatment of viruses can be very different, but may include antiviral medications, vaccines, or simply letting the immune system take care of the infection.

The process of bacteria and virus pathogenesis can lead to difficult complications, but being aware of the process of infection and taking preventative measures can aid in a patient remaining healthy. As always, if complications arise or the infection is persistent, a doctor should be consulted to deal with the viral or bacterial pathogenesis.