Disease Name: Tularemia (Commonly known as Rabbit Fever)
Bacteria Name: Francisella tularensis
Introduction: Francisella tularensis is a Gram-negative, non-motile (incapable of movement), rod shaped
coccobacillus. It is an aerobic bacterium that can infect both humans and animals. Tularemia, or rabbit
fever, is a highly infectious disease that is usually transmitted though the bite of ticks, flies, and infected
small mammals (usually rabbits) or their carcasses. The symptoms of Tularemia may include fever,
inflammation of lymph glands and red sores. Tularemia is a rare disease so its symptoms are often mistaken
for other, more common diseases. There is no readily available vaccine for Tularemia however there are
many effective antibiotics such as streptomycin or gentamicin. Untreated cases have a mortality rate of 515% while treated cases only have a mortality rate of 1%.
Disease: Lyme disease
Bacteria: Borrelia burgdorferi
Introduction: Lyme disease is caused by a bacterium called Borrelia burgdorferi and is transmitted to
humans by an infectious blacklegged tick. Usual symptoms are fever, fatigue, headache and a rash which is
commonly referred to as erythema migrans (bull’s eye rash). If the disease is untreated then the infection
can inflict joint problems, severe fatigue including numbness in arms and legs and can also affect the
nervous system where the memory and thinking can be a problem. Lyme disease can be diagnosed based
on signs and symptoms and can be treated successfully with antibiotics or a tick removal.
Disease: Yaws
Bacteria: Treponema pertenue
Introduction: Yaws is a chronic infectious disease that generally occurs in warm, tropical regions with
poor hygiene and limited access to healthcare. The disease presents as skin lesions and ulcers, and is
transmitted most commonly by skin-to-skin contact. Most cases occur in individuals between the ages of 6
and 10, but rarely past the age of 15. The bacterium responsible for Yaws is Treponema pertenue and
enters the human host through small breaks in the skin such as scratches or cuts. It is estimated that there
are over 460 000 cases of Yaws all over the world, primarily in western and central Africa.
Disease: Anthrax
Bacteria: Bacillus anthracis
Introduction: Bacillus anthracis is the bacteria which causes anthrax. These Gram stain positive, large rod
shaped bacteria has a unique ability. The bacteria can form a dormant endospore, a thick protein wall inside
its body. These endospores can survive for years under harsh conditions. Additionally when these
endospores enter the skin, are ingested, inhaled, or injected. The bacteria will become active, and cause a
person to feel feverish and malaise. More specifically, depending on how a person was infected, one can
experience painless sores surrounded by swelling, bleeding lymph nodes, bloody diarrhea, or abscess at
injections site. To treat anthrax a doctor would prescribe antibiotics, and the precaution for anthrax is a
vaccine, 5 doses over 18 months.
Disease: Cat Scratch Disease
Bacteria Name: Bartonella henselae
Introduction: Cat Scratch Disease is a bacterial disease caused typically by getting scratched or bitten by a
cat carrying the disease. The bacteria are very common in cats, especially with kittens, and causes swelling
and infection in the infected area, as well as headaches and fever. Typically Cat scratch disease will heal
without the need of antibiotics (self-limiting) however in serious cases they may be necessary.
Disease: Salmonellosis
Bacteria: Salmonella typhimurium
Introduction: A Salmonella Infection or Salmonellosis is caused by Salmonella typhimurium, one of the
two most common bacteria of the Salmonella family to cause food poisoning. Salmonella typhimurium is
able to affect a broad range of hosts from gastroenteritis (fecal-oral) in humans to systemic infections in
mice. It is most common to obtain Salmonella through contaminated or undercooked foods such as poultry
and unpasteurized products, as Salmonella typhimurium is killed through cooking or pasteurization.
Disease: Q fever (Query fever)
Bacteria -Coxiella burnetii
Introduction: Coxiella burnetii is a rod shaped bacteria that's gram negative, and it leads to Q fever. This
is a disease that affects cattle, sheep and goats which can later on be transmitted to humans affecting your
lungs and heart. There are two types of Q fever, first one being the Acute Q fever. It is the common and
less serious type that infects individuals with flu like symptoms. The second type is the Chronic Q fever
that is less common but more serious, with a chance of heart failure. Some signs and symptoms of Chronic
Q fever are chills, and fatigue. The incubation period of Q fever could last from two to three weeks. Ways
to diagnose this disease are through blood test to find antibodies to the Coxiella burnetii and X-ray to check
for pneumonia. If you were diagnosed with Q fever, doxycyclines are usually used for treatment.
Disease: Urinary tract infection.
Bacteria: Escherichia coli
Introduction: Urinary tract infections are among the most common bacterial infections and are mainly
caused by the bacteria Escherichia coli. This type of infection can affect the kidneys, bladder, ureters or
urethra and most often occurs by bacteria entering the through urethra. The most common result is bloody
or cloudy urine. Usually, urinary tract infections are not serious and can be easily treated; however, the
infection can become very serious if not treated and the kidneys become infected.
Disease: Gonorrhea
Bacteria: Neisseria gonorrhoeae
Introduction: a sexually transmitted disease (STD) caused by the bacteria Neisseria gonorrhoeae, which is
a cocci shaped bacteria. If untreated, it can cause pelvic inflammatory disease in women which can damage
the fallopian tubes and prevent them from being able to bear children. It can also cause epididymitis in
men. Epididymitis is also an inflammatory disease which can prevent men from being able to father
children as well. In severe cases, gonorrhea can also spread to the blood and joints, which can be lifethreatening.
Disease: Gangrene
Bacteria: Clostridium perfringens
Introduction: Gangrene is a condition where you body tissues die due to lack of blood supply, where
oxygen (anaerobic), nutrients and antibodies cannot reach the tissue; and it is often caused by another
underlying disease, injury, or infection. There are three major types of gangrenes: Dry, wet, and gas
gangrene. Dry gangrene commonly occurs among patients with diabetes and autoimmune systems due to
poor circulation, and infection is typically not present. Wet gangrene, however, is associated with
infections due to trauma or injury from burns where blood supply is cut off abruptly. Infection from wet
gangrene can spread rapidly through a patient's body making it potentially fatal if not treated quickly. Gas
gangrene falls under the classification of wet gangrene, and is known to be caused by the bacteria
Clostridium perfringens. The bacteria multiplies when blood supply is depleted, and produces toxins that
will release gas known as α-toxin, which inserts into the plasma membrane of cells, producing gaps in the
membrane that disrupt normal cellular function. Gas gangrene infections usually occurs in skeletal muscle
tissues.
Disease: Scarlet Fever/Rheumatic Fever
Bacteria: Streptococcus pyogenes
Introduction: Scarlet fever is an infectious disease that is caused by the bacteria Streptococcus pyogenes
(group A streptococcus), which is usually found in the throat and on the skin. The bacterium makes a toxin
that causes a red rash on the skin, the appearance of a strawberry tongue along with a high fever. It is
usually spread by inhalation, but it may also be spread by skin contact. Scarlet fever usually affects children
ages 4-8, and it can be treated with antibiotics. Rheumatic fever is an inflammatory disease that develops
from a streptococcus infection, such as scarlet fever. Rheumatic fever usually develops 2-4 weeks after
someone has had the Group A streptococcal infection. Rheumatic fever can lead to inflammation of the
heart, joints, skin, or central nervous system. The disease has the potential to cause heart failure, stroke, or
even death.
Disease: Gastric ulcers and Peptic ulcers
Bacteria: Helicobacter pylori
Introduction: A gastric ulcer is a perforation or hole in the mucus lining of the stomach. A peptic ulcer is
the same but is located in the duodenum. They are caused by H. pylori bacteria penetrating and wearing
away the mucus. Since the mucus is meant to protect the stomach from HCL, the areas of the epithelium
now exposed to the acid are damaged. The bacteria also releases toxins which aggravates the area, also
causing inflammation. This may also lead to bleeding ulcers. Ulcers usually characterized by pain in the
stomach and tarry stool. They can be diagnosed through different tests, including blood tests, and are
usually treated with antibiotics
Disease: Cholera
Bacteria: Vibrio cholera
Introduction: Cholera is a diarrheal disease caused by eating/drinking food or water (fecal-oral)
contaminated with the bacteria Vibrio cholerae. It is not a common disease found in Canada, but more so in
areas where there is a lack of clean water and hygiene. Vibrio cholerae attaches to the small intestines and
is released with the bowel movements of infected individuals. It produces an enterotoxin which is a toxic
substance that produces violent vomiting and diarrhea when ingested, causing one to have painless, watery
diarrhea, vomit clear liquid and feel nauseous. These symptoms can quickly lead to severe dehydration and
death if not treated fast enough with water to regain the body’s salt and mineral levels. Cholera is often
diagnosed by the detection of the bacteria from a stool sample or vomit or through a blood test to find
antibodies.
Disease: Tuberculosis
Bacteria: Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Introduction: Tuberculosis is the leading cause of death in the world from a bacterial infectious disease. It
most commonly affects the lungs although can be spread throughout the body. It is caused by the bacteria
Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It is spread from person to person through microscopic droplets released into
the air. Once exposed to these bacteria, one can start experiencing symptoms in usually 2-12 weeks. These
symptoms may include severe coughing, bloody mucus, nausea, vomiting, jaundice, fever, night sweats,
weight loss, and fatigue. The three main ways to be tested for TB are; skin tests, blood tests, and chest Xrays. When Diagnosed with Tuberculosis you will be put on antibiotics for 6-9 months minimum. TB is not
as common in North America as other continents, that is why the TB vaccine is not very common here, but
it is available. This disease affects 1.8 billion people per year.
Disease: Whooping Cough
Bacteria: Bordetella pertussis
Introduction: Whooping cough is a very contagious bacterial disease of the respiratory system. It is caused
by the bacteria Bordetella pertussis. The initial symptoms are similar to those of the common cold (fever,
cough, sneezing), but as the illness progresses the symptoms become a lot worse (severe coughing fits,
vomiting due to coughing, whooping sound). It is most commonly diagnosed by the doctor listening to the
characteristic cough and by the symptoms that the person has. Other ways to diagnose it are: taking swabs
of the nasal cavity and throat testing them, x-Rays. The incubation period is 3-20 days. Vaccination is the
best way to prevent it and antibiotics can be taken as treatment.
Disease: Botulism
Bacteria: Clostridium botulinum
Introduction: Botulism is a type of food poisoning that is uncommon. There are 3 types of botulism;
classical botulism, intestinal botulism, and wound botulism. It is a serious disease where the spores release
a potent neurotoxin which can have life threatening or paralytic effects. It is transmitted through the
ingestion of contaminated food. Some signs include dizziness and weakness of the body, and any person
inflicted with this disease should immediately report to the hospital and have an antitoxin administered.
Disease: Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever
Bacteria: Rickettsia rickettsia
Introduction: Rickettsia rickettsii is a gram negative pleomorphic bacilli or coccocbacilli (round and rode
like). Rickettsia rickettsii is found in the Americas and is the cause of Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever.
RMSF is an acute disease transmitted to humans through the bite of infected ticks. It can also be
transmitted through contamination of skin with tick blood or feces. The bacterium infects human vascular
endothelial cells producing an inflammatory response. Disease frequency is directly related to exposure to
tick infested habitats or to infested pets.
Disease: Leprosy
Bacteria: Mycobacterium leprae
Introduction: Leprosy, also known as Hansen’s disease, is a slowly, developing, progressive chronic
disease that is caused by the bacteria, Myobacterium leprae. This disease damages the skin and nervous
system. If left untreated, several health problems may arise later on in life such as, physical impairment and
life-long mental health and social complications. Children are more likely than adults to get the disease.
Although contagious, leprosy is not transmitted through casual contact. Early symptoms begin in cooler
areas of the body and include loss of sensation. On account of the slow growth rate of the bacteria, it
usually may take 3-5 years for the signs and symptoms to surface.
Disease: Diphtheria
Bacteria: Corynebacterium diphtheriae
Introduction: Diphtheria is a bacterial infection that happens quickly (1-10 days) and spreads easily
affecting a person’s throat and nose. It looks like a gray-white coating of mucus at the back of the throat
(pseudomembrane) can lead to suffocation and toxins throughout the body if left untreated. It is extremely
contagious and easily passed from a person who is infected to other people by coughing, sneezing, and
touching dishes or tissues that have been used by a person that is infected. Children under the age of 5 and
adults over the age of 60 are at particular risk of the Diphtheria infection, as well as people who live in
unclean and crowded conditions, people who are undernourished, and both adults and children who do not
have current immunizations.
Disease: Typhoid Fever
Bacteria: Salmonella typhi.
Introduction: Typhoid fever is a disease that comes as a result of the contamination of food and water with
feces and urine. The fever originates from the rod-shaped, flagellated and facultative bacterium Salmonella
typhi. Persons infected with typhoid fever often present with symptoms of delirium and show signs of rose
coloured spots along the chest and abdomen. Fortunately, typhoid fever can be easily treated with the
administration of antibiotics and ingestion of electrolytes, food and water. Prevention is simply taking the
time to sanitize, keep up good hygiene and if necessary there are vaccinations that can help as well.
Disease: Pneumonia
Bacteria: Streptococcus pneumonia
Introduction: Pneumonia as a general topic is lung inflammation caused by bacterial or viral infection.
Streptococcus pneumonia, also known as pneumococcus, which is a bacterial species of gram-positive
(violet stained), lancet-shaped (arch) diplococcic (bacteria) frequently occurring in pairs or chains. The
incubation period is 1-3 days and you are likely to get it as a young child or if you are elderly. You are
diagnosed if white blood cells appear in a gram stain of your saliva. Antibiotics treat this disease which
symptoms include rapid breathing, productive cough, chest pain, and abrupt fever and chills.
Disease: Plague
Bacteria: Yersinia pestis
Introduction: The plague is a zoonotic disease caused by the bacteria Yersinia pestis. A person infected
with Yersinia pestis may develop the bubonic (cutaneous lesions called buboes), septicemic (blood), or
pneumonic (pulmonary) plague depending on where the bacteria procreate within the body. The plague is
transmitted through the bite of an infected animal (typically a rodent or flea), inhalation of pathogenic
substances such as aerosolized bacteria and bacteria within respiratory droplets from infected people or
animals, and contact with contaminated materials that allow the bacteria to enter the skin. The plague is a
potentially fatal disease with a 50-90% mortality rate (septicemic is fatal within 24 hrs) if left untreated and
a 15% mortality rate with early diagnosis and treatment. Also known as the Black Death in the 1300’s
associated with the largest outbreak of the plague.
Disease: Typhus
Bacteria: Rickettsia prowazekii
Introduction: Rickettsia prowazekii is a gram-negative bacterium which causes the typhus disease. The
main vectors are lice and ticks, incubation period is 1-2 weeks. Signs and symptoms include Delirium, rash,
low blood pressure, sensitivity to light, and backpain. Diagnosed by inquiry into clinical history, treated by
antibiotics. Avoid tick infested areas, avoid crowded places and get the vaccination.
Disease: Pseudomembrane Colitis
Bacteria: Clostridium difficile
Introduction: Pseudomembranous Colitis is a disease which causes the inflammation of the colon. It’s
caused by the Clostridium difficile bacteria, which are found in human feces. They are a gram positive rod
shaped bacteria. Generally, the disease is caused by certain antibiotics which cause an overgrowth of the
bacteria in the human intestines. The bacteria release toxins which irritate and inflame the colon. Victims
will experience diarrhea, fever, bloody stools and other symptoms once the disease has taken effect. C.
difficile spores are resistant to many disinfectants, letting them thrive in hospitals, making the disease a
nosocomial infection.
Disease: Spinal Meningitis
Bacteria: Neisseria meningitidis (meningococcus)
Introduction: Neisseria meningitidis is one of the most common causes of bacterial spinal meningitis, a
disease that causes inflammation in the membranes around the brain and spinal cord. It is a gram negative,
non-spore forming, non-mobile, encapsulated diplococci. Each cell has a kidney bean shape and requires an
aerobic environment and blood for growth. The first signs and symptoms usually begin around 2-4 days
after coming into contact with the bacteria. This could include high fevers, severe headaches, walking
problems, confusion, drowsiness and difficulty concentrating. Meningococcal meningitis can be detected
through blood sampling, x-rays, CT scans and MRIs or spinal taps and is treated with antibiotics. It is
highly contagious and easily spread between people through direct contact with infectious respiratory
droplets. Vaccines have been developed to help prevent meningococcal meningitis.
Disease: Legionnaires Disease
Bacteria: Legionella pneumophila
Introduction: Legionnaires’ disease is caused by the bacteria Legionella pneumophila. The bacteria live in
water or wet soil and they have to be inhaled to cause infection. The incubation period is 2-10 days. Signs
and symptoms are fever, headaches, vomiting, dry cough, chest pain and difficulty breathing. After patients
experience the first set of symptoms, there is a high risk of them getting pneumonia. The most common test
used for the diagnosis is the urine antigen test. You can prevent this disease by disinfecting humidifiers, hot
tubs (things dealing with water) and getting a vaccination shot. The treatment is antibiotics; most
commonly used are erythromycin and rifampin.
Disease: Psittacosis
Bacteria: Chlamydophilia psittaci
Introduction: Chlamydophilia psittaci is a gram negative, spherical shaped bacterium that is fairly rare. It
is pathogenic and is transmitted to humans by infected birds (pigeons, parrots). It is mainly a lung disease,
as it causes inflammation of the alveoli, but it can affect other organs and organ systems. From the lungs
the bacteria enters the blood stream and travels to other organs. Inflammation of the liver, the heart muscle,
lining of the heart cavity and brain can happen and fatal cases are rare with treatment. Psittacosis can also
lead to hepatitis, arthritis, endocarditis, myocarditis and lymphoma. People who become infected generally
have flu like symptoms that can range to severe pneumonia depending on the virulence.
Disease: Tetanus
Bacteria: Clostridium tetani
Introduction: Tetanus (commonly known as lockjaw) is a disease that attacks the body’s muscle and
nervous systems. It caused by the Clostridium tetani bacteria, which is commonly found is soil. The spores
from C. tetani usually enter the body through an open wound. Once the bacteria is within in the body, it
produces and releases a neurotoxin called tetanospasmin. This toxin travels through the body through the
bloodstream and lymph system and attacks the nervous system causing muscle spasms. These spasms can
be so forceful that it tears muscles or fracture the spine. Without immediate and proper treatment tetanus
can be fatal.
Disease: Listeriosis
Bacteria: Listeria monocytogenes
Introduction: Listeriosis is a foodborne illness which occurs when one eats food contaminated with the
bacteria, Listeria monocytogenes, a gram-positive bacillus (rod-shaped) bacterium capable of penetrating
and replicating inside human cells. Unlike most bacteria, Listeria can survive and grow on foods being
stored in the refrigerator. Contaminated foods look, smell, and taste normal. Serious infections can
potentially lead to brain damage and death. While infection may be uncommon in general, it most
frequently affects pregnant women (they are 20 times more likely to contract this disease than other healthy
adults) in their last trimester, newborns, and kids and adults whose immunity is weakened by other diseases
such as cancer or HIV. People who have had multiple transplants are also at a greater risk of contracting
this disease.
Disease: Rat bite fever
Bacteria: Streptobacillus moniliformis
Introduction: Rat bite fever is a rare disease that is spread by infected rodents. This disease is caused by
Streptobacillus moniliformis and is characterized by small red spots along with joint pain.. Most people get
rat bit fever through the contact with urine or other secretions from the mouth, eye, or nose of an infected
animal. Even though the most common spread of the disease is through bites yet some cases may occur
simply through contact with these fluids like eating contaminated food contaminated with infected rat urine
or feces. Rats are not the only type of animal that spread this disease; others include weasels, gerbil,
squirrels, dogs or cats which could also be infected with this disease that could infect humans.
Disease: Shigellosis
Bacteria: Shigella sonnei
Introduction: Shigellosis is a disease that’s caused by the bacteria Shigella and there are 4 main types.
Symptoms typically start slow within 1-7 days of infection. It leads to painful diarrhea (bloody in some
cases), bloating, loose stools (containing mucus), dehydration, vomiting and abdominal cramps.
Shigellosis is diagnosed via WBC (white blood cell) counts and stool culture as well as checking for
abdominal tenderness. It is treated by restoring electrolyte levels and antibiotics (severe cases). It can be
prevented through proper sanitation (hand washing, not cooking if your infected, washing vegetables
thoroughly) and disposing of soiled diapers properly. Children between the ages of 2-4 are more
susceptible.
Disease: Cavities
Bacteria: Streptococcus mutans
Introduction: Cavities are a very common disease caused by the bacteria Streptococcus mutans. This
bacterium lives in the mouth and produces acid from substances found in the mouth causing cavities. Sign
and symptoms include toothache and sensitive spots on the teeth. This is often presented and diagnosed by
a dental professional with proper testing, exploration and observation of the teeth. The most common form
of treatment when the disease is in its early stages is to have a filling. Good oral hygiene is the most
effective way to prevent cavities from developing.
Disease: Melioidosis
Bacteria: Burkholderia pseudomallei
Introduction: Melioidosis is an infectious disease caused by the bacterium, Burkholderia pseudomallei.
The bacterium is generally found throughout tropical and subtropical regions in contaminated water, soil
and plants and are able to be spread from humans and animals. Common symptoms are fever, headaches,
chest pain, and loss of appetite. Meloidosis is diagnosed by isolating the bacterium from the body or by
detecting an antibody response to the bacteria. The treatment for melioidosis consists of the use of
antimicrobial agents usually for 3-6 months.