Chapter 2.2

are small single-celled organisms and are found almost everywhere on Earth and are vital to the planets of ecosystem.

Three basic shapes of bacteria

Bacteria shaped like a ball are called cocci, and a single bacterium is a coccus.

*Examples include the streptococcus group, responsible for “strep throat.”

These are known as bacilli (singular bacillus).

Some rod-shaped bacteria are curved. These are known as

*Examples of include Bacillus anthracis (B. anthracis), or anthrax.

These are known as spirilla (singular spirillus).

If the coil of the spiral bacteria is very tight they are known as

*Leptospirosis is, Lyme disease, and syphilis are caused by bacteria of this shape.

a bacterial infection that can make your throat feel sore and scratchy. most common in children, but it affects people of all ages

If untreated, it can cause complications, such as kidney inflammation or rheumatic fever. Rheumatic fever can lead to painful and inflamed joints, a specific type of rash, or heart valve damage.

Strep throat is caused by infection with a bacterium known a _______________, also called __________________

To prevent strep infection:

a serious bacterial infection that usually affects the mucous membranes of your nose and throat.

can be treated with medications, but in advanced stages, it can damage your heart, kidneys and nervous system. Even with treatment, it can be deadly, especially in children.

____________ signs and symptoms usually begin 2 to 5 days after a person becomes infected.

Signs and symptoms may include: A thick, gray membrane covering the throat and tonsils A sore throat and hoarseness Swollen glands (enlarged lymph nodes) in the neck Difficulty breathing or rapid breathing Nasal discharge Fever and chills Tiredness

diptheria is caused by the bacterium ___________________. The bacterium usually multiplies on or near the surface of the throat.

Prevention Today, the disease is not only treatable but also preventable with a vaccine. The vaccine is effective at preventing diphtheria, but there may be some side effects. Some children may experience a mild fever, fussiness, drowsiness or tenderness at the injection site after a shot.

a highly contagious respiratory tract infection. In many people, it’s marked by a severe hacking cough followed by a high-pitched intake of breath that sounds like “whoop.”

it takes about seven to 10 days for signs and symptoms to appear, though it can sometimes take longer.

pertussis is caused caused by a type of bacteria called

When an infected person coughs or sneezes, tiny germ-laden droplets are sprayed into the air and breathed into the lungs of anyone who happens to be nearby.