What is the difference between a viral infection and a bacterial infection & which is more severe?
A viral infection is caused by a virus, a bacterial one by a bacterium. Virii are very, very small packets, sometimes not more than a few strands of DNA. They infect cells and turn the nucleus into a kind of factory for producing more virus. Bacteria, on the other hand, are microscopic, single-celled organisms with their own fully developed organic systems. When they attack cells, they do so from the outside. Or they grow in systems and organs in the body and their waste products prove toxic. Some bacteria are more serious than some viruses, but bacteria are often susceptible to the effects of antibiotics. Treatment for viruses is not yet as effective, cheap, or widespread. Vaccinations can provide protection from some; there are some chemical and genetic therapies that attack the virus itself. These have shown some promise in treatment of HIV. Interestingly enough, the best way to grow some viruses is in cultures of bacteria. Hope this helps.
