Bacterial infections are caused by the presence and growth of
microorganisms that damage host tissue. The extent of infection is
generally determined by how many organisms are present and how virulent
(toxic) they are. Worldwide, bacterial infections are responsible for
more deaths than any other cause. Symptoms can include inflammation and
swelling, pain, heat, redness, and loss of function. The most important
risk factors are burns, severe trauma, low white blood cell counts,
very old or young patients, patients on immunotherapy treatment, and
anyone suffering from malnutrition or vitamin deficiency.
Antibiotic is an agent that weakens or destroys bacteria;
antibiotics are medicinally used to treat various types of bacterial
infections. The various types of antibiotics work either by preventing
an infection from growing or by destroying an existing infection.
Antibiotics are produced either from a mold or a fungus or are produced
synthetically. If bacteria become resistant to the antibiotics or
together with the antibiotics these other remedies can be used:
Bromelain - a proteolytic digestive enzyme, can potentiate
(augment or strengthen) the effects of conventional antibiotics, making
them more effective in killing bacteria.
Arginine - a crystalline basic amino acid, can stimulate
antibacterial components of the immune system when taken in doses
ranging from 6 to 20 grams per day. Arginine promotes nitric oxide
synthesis, which is believed to help protect against bacterial
infections.
- Chandler, D.S., Mynott, T.L. Bromelain protects piglets from
diarrhoea caused by oral challenge with K88 positive enterotoxigenic
Escherichia coli. Gut 1998; 43(2): 196-202
