What Causes Bacterial Infections?

Bacterial infections are caused by the presence and growth of microorganisms that damage host tissue. The extent of infection is generally determined by how many organisms are present and how virulent (toxic) they are. Worldwide, bacterial infections are responsible for more deaths than any other cause. Symptoms can include inflammation and swelling, pain, heat, redness, and loss of function. The most important risk factors are burns, severe trauma, low white blood cell counts, very old or young patients, patients on immunotherapy treatment, and anyone suffering from malnutrition or vitamin deficiency.

Antibiotic is an agent that weakens or destroys bacteria; antibiotics are medicinally used to treat various types of bacterial infections. The various types of antibiotics work either by preventing an infection from growing or by destroying an existing infection. Antibiotics are produced either from a mold or a fungus or are produced synthetically. If bacteria become resistant to the antibiotics or together with the antibiotics these other remedies can be used:

Bromelain - a proteolytic digestive enzyme, can potentiate (augment or strengthen) the effects of conventional antibiotics, making them more effective in killing bacteria.

Arginine - a crystalline basic amino acid, can stimulate antibacterial components of the immune system when taken in doses ranging from 6 to 20 grams per day. Arginine promotes nitric oxide synthesis, which is believed to help protect against bacterial infections.

  • Chandler, D.S., Mynott, T.L. Bromelain protects piglets from diarrhoea caused by oral challenge with K88 positive enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli. Gut 1998; 43(2): 196-202

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