In microbiological terms there are several organisms that harm other living beings such as: humans, plants and animals. To clarify a bit, the flu is said to be a viral disease, while bronchitis is known as a bacterial disease.
Perhaps at some point we have confused these terms when referring to a certain disease. For this reason, we will introduce you to its concepts, showing its most relevant differences.
What is a virus?
They are known as infectious agents that do not have a cellular structure and reproduce in cells of other living beings, a virus will always need a host in order to survive. These are the main responsible for various diseases that affect all types of organisms, from bacteria to humans.
Countless viruses are known, some stronger than others, this is because an infection generated by them spreads throughout the body. An antibiotic will hardly have an effect on them, but there are antivirals that are used in serious infections such as HIV and hepatitis, although they currently do not cure them completely if they have the ability to reduce their effects.
What is a bacterium?
They are known as cellular microorganisms that cause diseases in living beings, it must be taken into account that some bacteria are necessary for life, one of the main ones are those that are part of the intestinal flora of all living beings, these are capable of surviving in extreme environments.
These are the cause of infections that remain in the same place where they start, many of them can be fatal. They are treated with antibiotics, which are substances produced by other microorganisms, which prevent the growth of the infection by completely killing the bacteria.
Difference Between Virus and Bacteria
- Viruses are known as infectious agents without cellular structure that need other cells to survive thus developing diseases, while bacteria are unicellular agents that cause diseases but some are essential for life.
- A virus tends to reproduce by infecting the host cell where it multiplies to eventually kill the cell, generating new viruses that will spread to other cells. The bacteria give rise to two daughter cells that create exponential growth.
- Virus infections are treated with antivirals and antiretrovirals, while bacteria are treated with antibiotics.
- Virus infections spread throughout the body through the bloodstream, a bacterial infection stays in only one part of the body.
Similarities between viruses and bacteria : Viruses are always harmful to health, while bacteria can be beneficial. Bacteria are living organisms that have a cell, while viruses need host cells to stay alive.
