What it means
Bacteria are single-celled germs. Most are harmless, but some invade tissue and cause infections such as strep throat, urinary tract infections, cellulitis and many pneumonias. Bacterial infections can be treated with antibiotican-tee-by-OT-ikA drug that kills bacteria or stops them from growing.anti- againstbi/o life-ic relating toFull entry , unlike infections caused by viruses. A culture finds which bacterium is present and which antibiotics will work.
For the nurse
Collect cultures before the first antibiotic dose when ordered. Teach clients to take the whole course and not to ask for antibiotics for colds or flu.
At a glance
| Spanish | infección bacteriana |
|---|---|
| Also written | bacterial infections |
Related terms
bacterium
A tiny one-celled living thing, seen only under a microscope, of which some kinds cause disease; the plural is bacteria.
antibiotic
A drug that kills bacteria or stops them from growing.
fungal infection
An infection caused by a fungus, such as a yeast or a mold.
sputum culture
A lab test that grows germs from mucus coughed up from the lungs, to find out which germ is present.