Published on 06-May-2023
Feature |
Virus |
Bacteria |
---|---|---|
Definition | A small infectious agent that can only replicate inside living cells | A single-celled organism that can exist independently or as part of a larger organism |
Structure | Consists of genetic material (DNA or RNA) surrounded by a protein coat | Consists of a single cell with a cell wall and internal structures |
Reproduction | Can only reproduce by infecting living cells and hijacking their machinery | Can reproduce independently through cell division |
Size | Much smaller than bacteria, typically between 20-300 nanometers in size | Larger than viruses, typically between 0.5-5 micrometers in size |
Living/non-living | Considered non-living because they cannot reproduce or carry out metabolic functions outside of a host cell | Considered living because they can reproduce and carry out metabolic functions on their own |
Transmission | Typically transmitted through direct contact with infected bodily fluids or through the air | Can be transmitted through direct contact, ingestion, or inhalation |
Treatment | Difficult to treat, as they cannot be killed with antibiotics | Can be treated with antibiotics, although some strains may be resistant |
Replication | Replicates by taking over host cells and using their machinery to produce new virus particles | Replicates through cell division, with each cell producing two identical daughter cells |
Host range | Typically infect a narrow range of host species, often specific to a certain tissue or cell type | Can infect a wide range of hosts, from humans to animals to plants |
Symptoms | Can cause a wide range of symptoms, including fever, coughing, and fatigue | Can cause a wide range of symptoms, including fever, inflammation, and organ damage |
Immunity | Typically results in immunity after recovery from infection | Can result in immunity after recovery or through vaccination |
Evolution | Can evolve rapidly, with new strains emerging through mutation or recombination | Can evolve through mutation or recombination, but generally at a slower rate than viruses |
Antibiotic resistance | Not affected by antibiotics, although antiviral drugs may be effective in some cases | Can develop resistance to antibiotics through genetic mutations |
Life cycle | Enters a host cell, hijacks the cell's machinery to replicate, and then bursts the cell to release new virus particles | Reproduces through cell division, with each cell producing two identical daughter cells |
Diagnosis | Diagnosed through laboratory tests that detect the presence of viral genetic material or antibodies in blood samples | Diagnosed through laboratory tests that detect the presence of bacterial cells or genetic material in blood, urine, or other bodily fluids |
Vaccines | Can be prevented through vaccination, which stimulates the immune system to produce antibodies against the virus | Can be prevented through vaccination, which stimulates the immune system to produce antibodies against the bacteria |
Incubation period | Generally has a shorter incubation period than bacteria, ranging from a few days to several weeks | Generally has a longer incubation period than viruses, ranging from a few days to several months |
Infection rate | Typically has a higher infection rate than bacteria, due to the ability to spread rapidly through infected bodily fluids or air droplets | Typically has a lower infection rate than viruses, as bacteria generally require direct contact or ingestion to spread |
Environmental survival | Generally cannot survive outside of a host cell for very long, although some viruses may be able to survive for extended periods in certain conditions | Can survive in a variety of environments, including soil, water, and air, and may be able to form resistant spores |
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