The Differences Between Viruses And Bacteria

Both viruses and bacteria are microorganisms that can cause infections and harm our bodies. It is sometimes difficult to pinpoint the cause of some infections given their similarities. However, viruses and bacteria are very different.

Now that we are in the midst of a global epidemic caused by a virus (COVID-19), it is important to understand more accurately the characteristics that distinguish viruses from bacteria. In the following paragraphs we will share with you the details that you need to be aware of.

General differences between viruses and bacteria

One of the main differences between viruses and bacteria is that viruses are generally more harmful to our health and always cause disease. However, this is not always the case with bacteria.

There are many bacteria that are simply part of our body. This is the case, for example, with the bacteria that maintain the pH of our digestive tract (gut flora).

However, it is not always as black and white as this. An out of control population of the bacteria in our body and some pathogenic bacteria also cause disease. Thanks to certain scientific advances, some viruses, known as bacteriophages, are used to treat certain diseases.

What are the structural differences?

Bacteria are independent microorganisms. This means that, given their complexity and reproductive abilities, they can survive on their own. But this is not the case with viruses. It is not entirely clear whether a virus can survive outside of a more complex cell.

Viruses lack the necessary ‘organs’ for their own metabolism. They also need a cell that acts as a host in order to reproduce. Therefore, they are not functional on an individual level and always require a more advanced organism to survive.

Viruses and bacteria also differ in size. Bacteria are almost 100 times larger than viruses. This means that we can see them with an optical microscope. However, in order to observe a virus, you must use an electronic microscope.

This size difference also has to do with the complexity of each organism. Bacteria consist of a bacterial wall and a cytoplasm, with all its organelles in it. Viruses consist only of genetic material and an outer membrane of protein.

How can viruses and bacteria affect us?

Apart from the bacteria that are already part of our body, both bacteria and viruses find their way inside. They do this through our mouths, noses, wounds on our skin, certain insect bites, and so on.

Once in our body, our immune system can react efficiently and prevent any consequences. On the other hand, the microorganisms can cause infections or diseases. Viruses affect our bodies by killing or damaging cells by attaching to them and reproducing.

Bacteria, on the other hand, cause damage by consuming the resources of the cells in our body and thus producing toxic substances. These substances are known as toxins. While the infections caused by viruses are usually systemic, bacterial infections almost always start locally.

The resulting pathology and symptoms will depend primarily on the type of virus or bacteria. But they also depend on the state of the host’s immune system and the general characteristics of the infected person.

How to treat any type of organism

Naturally, our immune system is responsible for fighting infections caused by viruses and bacteria. The better our immune system works, the faster and more effectively it will control the invasion. However, we also have some outside help.

Against bacteria we have antibiotics, which are drugs that work against the cell wall of the bacteria and against their reproductive mechanism. Each type of bacteria responds to certain antibiotics. Because viruses do not have a cell wall or their own means of reproduction, antibiotics are not effective against them.

In addition to antibiotics, we also have vaccines. Vaccines can work against viruses and bacteria. They consist of dead microorganisms or fragments of inactive microorganisms. Each vaccine alerts our immune system to a specific pathogen to respond quickly and effectively.

Viruses mutate much faster and easier to adapt to the organisms they want to colonize. Therefore, it is difficult to develop a vaccine that is durable and effective against these viruses. An example is the flu. Every year scientists produce a new flu vaccine.

Finally, we also have so-called antivirals to fight viruses. These work in a way similar to antibiotics, but their action targets different parts of the virus.

Viruses and bacteria: what you need to understand

Although bacteria and viruses appear similar on a clinical level and cause similar symptoms, in fact they have many differences. As always, if you suspect an infection or have symptoms, you should see a medical professional. A doctor will be able to make an accurate diagnosis and prescribe the best treatment.