31 Different Diseases Caused by Microorganisms

Microorganisms are also known as microbes that are not visible through naked eyes. Several types of microorganisms are harmless and beneficial to your body. However, other microbes can cause microbial infection or pathogens, leading to diseases.

Some diseases caused by microorganisms do not need any treatment and heal independently. But some microorganisms cause illnesses that can affect you for a long go. Read further to learn about microbes and the diseases they cause.

Team Digit

What Is a Microorganism?
What are Diseases?
Causes of Diseases
Types of Diseases That Can Cause
List of Diseases
Harmful Effects of Microorganisms?
Signs and Symptoms
Risk Factors
How to Diagnose?
Treatment Methods
Preventive Measures
Does Health Insurance Cover
Frequently Asked Questions

What Is a Microorganism?

Microorganisms are microscopic living agents found in every conceivable environment on the earth. They include bacteria, viruses or fungus and live in a unicellular form or as a colony of cells.

Tiny living organisms, known as microbes, are ubiquitous. These tiny entities, also called microbes, are invisible to the human eye. They are found in the air, on land, and in water. Additionally, millions of these microorganisms reside in the human body.

What are Microorganism Diseases?

These are diseases caused by different microorganisms: bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. Bacterial diseases, such as tuberculosis and strep throat, are caused by pathogenic bacteria. Virus invasion into host cells can cause viral diseases like influenza or COVID-19.

Fungal diseases, like candidiasis and athlete's foot, are caused by fungi infection. Parasitic diseases, such as malaria and giardiasis, are caused by parasites outside or inside hosts. Each type of microorganism causes unique health problems, with different mechanisms of infection and disease processes.

What are the Causes Of Microorganism Diseases?

Microorganism diseases are spread by different microorganisms, which lead to different infections. These microorganisms might differ in their modes of infection and pathogenesis for causing the disease; however, all can interfere with normal functioning in an individual's body, causing illnesses.

The major ones include:

Bacteria: Single-celled organisms can cause tuberculosis, strep throat, and bacterial pneumonia.
Viruses: Submicroscopic parasites that replicate within the host cells lead to diseases such as influenza, HIV/AIDS, and COVID-19.
Fungi: Basic include yeasts and molds, which can lead to athlete's foot, ringworm, and candidiasis.
Parasites: Organisms that live inside other organisms and cause illness, such as protozoa, helminths, also called worms, and ectoparasites, like lice and ticks.

What are the Types of Microorganisms that Can Cause Diseases?

The major groups or types of microorganisms are as follows:

Microorganism	Description
Bacteria	Bacteria are prokaryotic microbes with a single cell and a nucleus without a membrane. They can be of various shapes, such as rods, spheres, and spirals. People already have billions of harmless bacteria present in the body. However, the ones that invade your body from the outside cause severe illness.
Viruses	Viruses are majorly responsible for causing diseases among human beings. They are microscopic agents that require a living cell of another organism to reproduce. Viruses infect all life forms, including plants, animals, humans, bacteria, and archaea.
Fungi	It is a eukaryotic microorganism with DNA closed in a membrane, forming a nucleus. Fungi can be in unicellular or extremely complex multicellular forms. Not all fungi affect your body, but the harmful ones cause some acute diseases.
Protozoa	Protozoa are a group of unicellular eukaryotes that can live independently or as parasites. They generally feed on other living matter, such as debris, microbes, or organic tissues. One example of protozoa is the amoeba, which can change shape. Another example is the Paramecium, which has a complex structure and fixed shape.

List of Diseases Caused by Microorganisms

Several sources in the environment can transmit microbial infections. Therefore, it is vital to learn about the diseases and their transmission mode to take appropriate measures. Below are some lists of diseases caused by microorganisms and their transmission mode.

Diseases Caused by Bacteria

Bacterial diseases are caused by pathogenic bacteria that invade the body, leading to various health issues. The list of diseases is given below:

S. No.	Name of Diseases	Causative Agent	Mode of Transmission
1	Tuberculosis	Mycobacterium Tuberculosis	Air
2	Typhoid	Salmonella Typhi	Water
3	Pneumonia	Haemophilus Influenza and Streptococcus Pneumoniae	Droplets of sneeze in the air
4	Cholera	Vibrio Cholerae	Food and water
5	Anthrax	Bacillus Anthraces	Contact with contaminated meat
6	Diphtheria	Corynebacterium Diphtheriae	Air or contact with an infected agent
7	Citrus Canker	Xanthomonas Axonopodis	Air
8	Acne Vulgaris	Propionibacterium Acnes	Direct contact with the infected person
9	Plague	Yersinia pestis	Air and direct contact
10	Peptic Ulcers	Helicobacter Pylori	N/A

Diseases Caused by Virus

Viral diseases are caused by viruses, which are microscopic infectious agents that require a host cell to replicate. The table below has the names of such diseases:

S. No.	Name of Diseases	Causative Agent	Mode of Transmission
1	Cold, cough, and flu	Rhinoviruses	Respiratory droplets in the air
2	AIDS	HIV or Human Immunodeficiency Virus	Exchange of blood, semen, and vaginal and rectal fluids breast milk
3	Ebola	Ebola virus	Infected animal
4	Dengue	Flavivirus	Aedes mosquito (female)
5	Chikungunya	Chikungunya virus	Aedes Aegypti and Aedes Albopictus mosquito
6	Smallpox	Variola major and minor	Air, water, and direct contact with an infected agent
7	Chicken Pox	Varicella zoster virus	Air and direct contact
8	Hepatitis B	Hepatitis B virus	Blood Exchange or sexually transmitted
9	Polio or Poliomyelitis	Poliovirus	Water, mouth, or body waste
10	Zika	Zika virus	Aedes Aegypti and Aedes Albopictus mosquito
11	Measles	Measles virus	Air
12	Oral and foot diseases	Picornavirus or Genus Aphthovirus	Animal and close contact with the infected agent
13	Covid-19	Coronavirus	Respiratory droplets in the air and direct contact

Diseases Caused by Fungi

Fungal diseases are caused by pathogenic fungi that can infect various parts of the body. Check the names of diseases caused by Fungi below:

S. No	Name of Diseases	Causative Agent	Mode of Transmission
1	Rust of wheat	Micro Trichophyton and Epidermophyton fungi	Contact with infected skin
2	Ringworms	Puccinia Rust fungus	Air and seeds

Diseases Caused by Protozoa

Protozoal diseases are caused by single-celled organisms known as protozoa. These infections often require specific antiprotozoal medications for treatment.

S. No.	Name of Diseases	Causative Agent	Mode of Transmission
1	Malaria	Plasmodium Malaria, Plasmodium Vivax, and Plasmodium Falciparum	Anopheles mosquito (female)
2	Sleeping Sickness	Trypanosoma	Infected tsetse fly
3	Amoebic Dysentery and Amoebiasis	Entamoeba Histolytica	Impure water and food
4	Visceral Leishmaniasis or Kala-Azar	Leishmania genus	Sandflies
5	Ladies Finger or Yellow Vein	Yellow Vein Mosaic virus	Insect
6	Dysentery	Leishmania	N/A

These lists consist of diseases caused by microorganisms and their transmission agents. Some of these may make you fall sick or make you suffer for a long time.

What Are the Harmful Effects of Microorganisms?

Despite their importance in ecological and biological processes, microorganisms are dangerous to human health, agriculture, and the environment. Microorganisms like bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa cause many human diseases, from the common cold to tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS. This indicates that there are harmful microorganisms in agriculture that can lead to plant diseases, too.

Fungi can cause blights, rusts, or smuts on crops, while bacteria or viruses can result in livestock diseases. Some microorganisms contribute to soil degradation or pollution by releasing harmful substances, among other things. Coming in contact with such microorganisms is harmful to humans.

Signs and Symptoms of Diseases Caused by Microorganisms

Microorganisms like bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa are responsible for numerous diseases, each with different symptoms. Here are some common examples:

Bacterial Infections

Tuberculosis (TB): A cough lasting more than three weeks without stopping and bringing up blood or chest pain are the main symptoms of tuberculosis. TB can infect other body parts, but it mostly affects the lungs.
Streptococcal Pharyngitis (Strep Throat): Symptoms include a sudden severe sore throat, swallowing pain, fever, swollen lymph nodes in the neck, and red swollen tonsils, often with patches or streaks of white pus.
Bacterial Pneumonia: Symptoms include a productive cough (with green or yellow mucus), high fever, chills, chest pain worsening with deep breathing or coughing, and shortness of breath.

Viral Infections

Influenza (Flu): Symptoms can include a high fever, chills, muscle pains, body aches, muscle pains, joint pains, fatigue, tiredness, sore throat, sore muscles, tired muscles, and dry cough. In severe cases, the flu may become pneumonia.
Common Cold: This disease is commonly caused by viruses, particularly rhinoviruses. It is characterised by sneezing, runny nose, stuffy nose, mild fever, and coughs. The common cold is less severe than the flu and usually has no associated complications.
HIV/AIDS: At first, when HIV infects people, they will experience flu-like symptoms such as fever, sore throat, swollen lymph nodes, and weakened immune system. As its stages advance to AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome).

Fungal Infections

Athlete’s Foot (Tinea Pedis): In between the toes, you may experience itching, burning, and cracked red skin. Additionally, there might be blisters and peeling of the skin.
Candida (Yeast Infection): Symptoms include itching, burning, and a thick, white discharge in vaginal infections; oral thrush may cause white patches on the tongue and inside the mouth.
Ringworm (Tinea Corporis): It is a fungal infection that produces a rash with a ring-like appearance that is red and scaly ring-like appearance. It can occur anywhere on the body and often feels itchy.

Protozoan Infections

Malaria: Anopheles mosquitoes transmit this disease caused by protozoa from Plasmodium species. Signs include high temperature, which could cycle with sweating and chills, accompanied by muscle pains and fatigue. If severe malaria goes untreated, complications like organ failure or anaemia can result in death.
Amoebic Dysentery (Amoebiasis): This amoeba causes amoebic dysentery. Among other symptoms are severe diarrhoea (sometimes bloody), stomach pain, cramping, and nausea, which are also known to cause liver abscesses in extreme cases.

Risk Factors Associated With Diseases Caused by Microorganisms

The risk factors associated with diseases caused by microorganisms vary depending on the type of microorganism (bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites) and the disease. Nevertheless, common risk factors include:

Risk Factors	Description
Weakened Immune System	Susceptibility is higher among individuals with compromised immune systems, which results from conditions such as cancer and HIV/AIDS.
Chronic Diseases	Diabetes, chronic lung disease, and cardiovascular diseases can make one more susceptible to infections. These conditions weaken the body, increasing susceptibility.
Age	Very young children or elderly people are at a greater risk because their immunity is underdeveloped or weakened respectively.
Lifestyle Factors	Unsanitary habits, such as poor hygiene practices, inadequate sanitation, or unsafe food preparation, increase the chances of contact with harmful microbes.
Travel and Exposure	Travelling to areas where there are high incidences of certain illnesses or coming into contact with infected persons raises risks. Be careful when doing so.
Environmental Factors	The likelihood of infections is higher if a person lives in unsuitable housing conditions, such as overcrowded places where he/she may be exposed to dirty water or air.
Genetics	Infection susceptibility depends on genetic predispositions in an individual. If the person is genetically weak, they will automatically be at risk.
Antibiotic Resistance	Resistance strains are developed due to excessive use and misuse of antibiotics to treat microorganisms, thereby complicating infection treatment strategies.
Vaccination Status	Failure to be vaccinated against preventable diseases raises the chances of becoming infected. Once these risk factors are identified, prevention measures can be introduced.

How to Diagnose Diseases Caused by Microorganisms?

Diagnostic procedures for diseases infected with microorganisms incorporate various methods that apply to all forms of infection and categories of pathogens. Common techniques of diagnosis are listed below:

Diagnosis	Description
Clinical Evaluation	Through a detailed medical history and physical examination, one can conclude with an estimate of the symptoms and risks of exposure.
Laboratory Tests	Microbial Cultures: By culturing microorganisms from specimens like blood, urine, or even sputum, we can pinpoint the identity of the pathogenic organism. The technique is most often applied to bacterial and fungal infections. Microscopy: The process of visualising microorganisms or structures indicating their presence under a microscope, for example, Gram staining for bacteria and KOH for fungi. Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR): This technique amplifies and detects specific genetic material from pathogens, making it useful for both bacterial and viral infections. Serology: A technique of amplifying and detecting tiny quantities of pathogen-specific genetic material. It is useful in both bacterial and viral infections.
Imaging Studies	Techniques such as X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs can diagnose infections of tissues and organs, particularly if the physical exam and lab tests are inconclusive.
Biopsy	A tissue sample may need to be obtained to diagnose some infections, particularly of the tissues and organs, as is true of some fungal and parasitic infections.
Rapid Diagnostic Tests	These tests are quick in their results for identifying specific pathogens, such as rapid strep tests and tests for influenza.
Molecular Diagnostics	Through techniques like next-generation sequencing (NGS), pathogens and resistance profiles can be identified over a broad range by the analysis of genetic material.

Treatment Methods for Diseases Caused by Microorganisms

Bacterial Infections

Antibiotics: This is used specifically against bacterial cells. Examples include penicillin, tetracycline, and ciprofloxacin.
Vaccines: Preventive measures taken to help protect against certain bacterial infections, such as vaccines against tuberculosis or whooping cough.

Viral Infections

Antiviral: medications stop the replication of viruses. Examples are oseltamivir, which suppresses influenza viruses, and antiretrovirals, like zidovudine, which fight HIV.
Vaccines: Preventive vaccines protect against various viral diseases, such as the MMR vaccination against measles, mumps, and rubella and the HPV vaccine.

Fungal Infections

Antifungal Medications: It involves treating the infection using such agents. Fluconazole, itraconazole, and terbinafine are some examples.
Topical Preparations: Creams, ointments, and shampoos are applied in superficial mycoses. Examples of medications include clotrimazole or ketoconazole.

Parasitic Infections

Antiparasitic Drugs: The drugs are specific for certain parasites. For example, ivermectin is used for some parasitic infections, while quinine is used for malaria.
Prevention: Insect repellents, good sanitation, and mosquito nets can prevent parasitic disease.

General Measures

Supportive Care: It comprises symptomatic management, including rehydrating the body through rest and pain management.
Probiotics: These are, at times, given to reconstitute the normal flora, mostly after antibiotic therapy.

What are the Preventive Measures to Control Diseases Caused by Microorganisms?

Generally, methods for controlling and treating diseases would involve reducing exposure and strengthening immune defense. Such strategies include:

Preventive Measures	Description
Vaccination	Immunising people against certain pathogens to protect against infection.
Hygiene and Sanitation	Frequent hand-washing, safely handling food, and having clean water sources to reduce microorganism exposure.
Safe Food Practices	Cooking all food thoroughly, avoiding unpasteurised dairy products, and storing foods appropriately.
Use of PPE	Gloves, masks, and other protective equipment are used in healthcare and high-risk settings.
Antimicrobial Stewardship	Careful use of antibiotics and antivirals to avert resistance so they remain effective.
Infection Control Measures	Sterilisation, isolation, and other measures are instituted in health institutions against hospital-acquired infections.
Public Health Education	Educate the public about the prevention practices of diseases and their symptoms to prompt early intervention.

Does Health Insurance Cover Disease Caused by Microorganisms?

Yes, most health insurance plans cover diseases caused by microorganisms. These could range from common diseases like the cold and flu to pneumonia, tuberculosis, and even some viral infections. The finer points of coverage need to be glanced over in the policy.

Though standard plans include coverage for diseases of this type, some, not all, might offer it. Coverage for such diseases could be hampered by pre-existing conditions. It is always advised to check your policy or check with an insurance provider to understand the extent of the coverage regarding microorganism-related illness.

Microorganisms are everywhere, and they have high disease-causing ability. Unfortunately, it is almost impossible to prevent microbial infections entirely. However, some simple measures can help protect you from the transmission agents. In addition, it will prevent some common diseases caused by microorganisms in humans.

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FAQs about Diseases Caused by Microorganisms

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What are 3 examples of bacterial diseases?

Tuberculosis, Diphtheria and cholera are 3 significant examples of bacterial diseases.

Are cold and influenza viral diseases?

Yes, the common cold, cough, and flu or influenza are viral diseases.

How do microbes get into the human body?

Pathogens are microorganisms that can cause disease. Typically, they enter our bodies through wounds or bites that break the skin barrier and through the mouth, eyes, nose, or urogenital tract. There are various ways that organisms can propagate or communicate.

Which microbes cause illness outbreaks?

Pathogens are dangerous microbes responsible for diseases caused by bacteria, viruses, protozoa, fungi, and certain types of worms. Once within the host cell, they interfere with or harm regular cellular functions.

How can we guard against illness brought on by microbes?

By following easy procedures like these, you can stop the spread of illnesses and prevent many infections:

Remain far from unwell people.
Cover your sneezes and coughs.
Stay away from your face.
When you're sick, stay at home.
Frequently touched surfaces should be cleaned and disinfected.
Avoid contaminated food and water, which are known to harbour bacteria.

What are the names of pathogenic or disease-causing microorganisms?

Pathogens are dangerous bacteria that cause disease. In addition to bacteria, fungi, viruses, and protozoa, pathogens can include some tiny worms.

Do antibiotics usually treat bacterial infections?

Yes, antibiotic treatment is favourable in most cases, but resistance is growing.

What are some common symptoms of viral infections?

Viral infections are most commonly characterised by such symptoms as fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, and general body weakness.

How can we prevent a bacterial infection?

Proper hygiene, vaccination, and, in some situations, the use of prescribed antibiotics can prevent bacterial infections.

How does a vaccine work?

Vaccines activate the immune response, making it recognise and act against specific pathogens to achieve immunity without implanting the disease.

Give a few examples of viral diseases.

Influenza, HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis, Herpes Simplex Virus, Chickenpox, etc. are a few common examples.

Can antibiotics treat viral infections?

No, antibiotics do not work against viral infections. Antiviral medicines work against some viral diseases.

What is antibiotic resistance?

Antibiotic resistance is when bacteria change and find ways to resist the effects of the drugs used to kill them or slow their growth.

How do fungi cause disease?

Fungi-related infections include athlete's foot, ringworm, and candidiasis. Opportunistic infections may occur in immunocompromised patients.

What is a protozoan infection?

A Protozoan infection is caused by a single-celled organism called protozoa. Examples are Malaria and amoebic dysentery.

How are parasitic diseases spread?

The infection caused by these parasites can occur by ingesting contaminated food or water, through insect vectors, or by direct contact with the infected host.

What is the role of hand hygiene in the prevention of infection?

Effective hand hygiene removes pathogenic microorganisms from the hands and limits the potential for transmission of infection.

Is it possible to eradicate microbial diseases?

Yes, some diseases have been virtually eradicated through vaccination and public health efforts—smallpox, for example—but others persist as challenges for several reasons, including mutation and resistance.

31 Different Diseases Caused by Microorganisms

Table of Contents

What Is a Microorganism?

What are Microorganism Diseases?

What are the Causes Of Microorganism Diseases?

What are the Types of Microorganisms that Can Cause Diseases?

List of Diseases Caused by Microorganisms

Diseases Caused by Bacteria

Diseases Caused by Virus

Diseases Caused by Fungi

Diseases Caused by Protozoa

What Are the Harmful Effects of Microorganisms?

Signs and Symptoms of Diseases Caused by Microorganisms

Bacterial Infections

Viral Infections

Fungal Infections

Protozoan Infections

Risk Factors Associated With Diseases Caused by Microorganisms

How to Diagnose Diseases Caused by Microorganisms?

Treatment Methods for Diseases Caused by Microorganisms

Bacterial Infections

Viral Infections

Fungal Infections

Parasitic Infections

General Measures

What are the Preventive Measures to Control Diseases Caused by Microorganisms?

Does Health Insurance Cover Disease Caused by Microorganisms?

FAQs about Diseases Caused by Microorganisms

What are 3 examples of bacterial diseases?

Are cold and influenza viral diseases?

How do microbes get into the human body?

Which microbes cause illness outbreaks?

How can we guard against illness brought on by microbes?

What are the names of pathogenic or disease-causing microorganisms?

Do antibiotics usually treat bacterial infections?

What are some common symptoms of viral infections?

How can we prevent a bacterial infection?

How does a vaccine work?

Give a few examples of viral diseases.

Can antibiotics treat viral infections?

What is antibiotic resistance?

How do fungi cause disease?

What is a protozoan infection?

How are parasitic diseases spread?

What is the role of hand hygiene in the prevention of infection?

Is it possible to eradicate microbial diseases?

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