Bacterial infections can be caused by a wide range of bacteria, resulting in mild to life-threatening illnesses that require immediate intervention. In the United States, bacterial infections are a leading cause of death in children and the elderly. Bacteria can be beneficial – for instance, gut bacteria help us to digest food – but some are responsible for a range of infections. These disease-causing varieties are called pathogenic bacteria. Many bacterial infections can be treated successfully with appropriate antibiotics, although antibiotic-resistant strains are beginning to emerge. Immunization is available to prevent many important bacterial diseases. Under normal circumstances, people are protected from bacterial infections by a healthy immune system. Thus, maintaining the healthiest immune profile possible will help reduce the risk of bacterial infection.

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