Bacteria vs Virus: What’s the Difference?
As socially responsible bloggers, we know how difficult it can be to keep our readers up-to-date with the latest science jargons. More so, the confusion between bacteria and viruses, especially in these trying times, leaves quite a few of our readers perplexed.
In this post, we will discuss the differences and similarities between bacteria and viruses in a simple yet informative way for the benefit of our readers.
Bacteria vs Virus: What are they?
First, bacteria are unicellular organisms that come in different shapes and sizes. Some of these microscopic life forms are harmless, while some can cause diseases. In contrast, viruses are not technically alive as they are just small infectious agents that can only reproduce inside a host.
Shape and Size
Bacteria seemingly have more variation in appearance than viruses. Bacteria can come in different heights, widths, lengths, and even shapes. The most common types of bacteria you likely heard of are spiral bacteria or spirochetes, round bacteria or cocci and rod-shaped bacteria or bacilli. The size of most bacteria ranges from 1-10 micrometers in length.
On the other hand, viruses are smaller in size compared to bacteria. An average virus ranges from 20-400 nanometers, and its size is often compared to the size of a very tiny particle. You could fit millions of viruses into a single bacterial cell.
Infections and Treatment
Bacteria often populate in a specific location in the body and cause localized infections. These infections can generally be treated with antibiotics. However, many species are becoming increasingly resistant to these drugs.
Viral infections are much more complicated since they can infect most parts of the body. Unlike bacteria, they are not treatable with antibiotics. Instead, antivirals can ease some symptoms and prevent the disease from worsening. Vaccinations are the best measures of preventing viral infections.
Survival Abilities
Bacteria are equipped with defense mechanisms that increase their chances of survival. For instance, some bacteria species can produce capsules that prevent antibiotics from entering their cells. They can also form clumps or biofilms that shield them from antibiotics, toxins, and even the host’s immune system.
Viruses, on the other hand, are more straightforward in their survival. They cannot survive for long outside of a host. They need a host cell to attach themselves to and reproduce. This requirement makes them easier to kill outside the body with soap and basic cleaning solutions.
Conclusion
In conclusion, bacteria and viruses is a classic case of apples and oranges, where comparing only seems to share slight resemblances. Bacteria outrank viruses in terms of size and survival cunningness, while viruses are more elusive in their infection and treatment options. In our opinion, one of the most significant similarities between these two microscopic organisms is that both serve as easy fodder for Hollywood drama.
We hope you found this blog post informative and insightful. Stay healthy and stay safe!