The main difference between pathogenic and nonpathogenic bacteria is that the pathogenic bacteria can cause diseases while the nonpathogenic bacteria are harmless. Moreover, pathogenic bacteria possess several genes that endow the capacity to cause diseases while nonpathogenic bacteria lack such genes. Another difference between pathogenic and nonpathogenic bacteria is that the pathogenic bacteria invades the cells of the body while nonpathogenic bacteria live outside the body cells.
Pathogenic and nonpathogenic bacteria are the two main types of bacteria other organisms are in contact with. The distinction between the two can be made based on the Koch’s Postulates. However, some pathogenic bacteria may be present in normal individuals without causing a disease. Moreover, nonpathogenic bacteria may also cause diseases, becoming opportunistic pathogens in an immune-compromised host.
Bacterial Diseases, Nonpathogenic Bacteria, Pathogenic Bacteria, Pathogenic Factors, Useful Bacteria
Pathogenic bacteria are disease-causing bacteria. Pathogenicity is the capacity of a bacteria to cause a disease. The diseases caused by pathogenic bacteria are generally called infections. Around 100 bacterial species can cause diseases in humans. Tuberculosis is the most common bacterial disease in humans. It is caused by the Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
Figure 2: Mycobacterium tuberculosis Colonies
Pathogenic Bacteria
Disease
Streptococcus and Pseudomonas
