What type of disease does bacterial infection refer to?

Bacterial infection specifically refers to diseases caused by bacteria, which are single-celled microorganisms that can invade host tissues and cause infections. These infections can manifest in various forms, such as respiratory diseases (like pneumonia), gastrointestinal diseases (like food poisoning), and skin infections (like staph infections).

Understanding this distinction is crucial for both diagnosis and treatment, as bacterial infections can often be effectively treated with antibiotics, whereas infections caused by viruses, fungi, or parasites require different types of treatment strategies. Recognizing the nature of the causative agent is essential in environmental health to implement appropriate measures for prevention and control.