Bacteria vs Virus

Bacteria and viruses differ in their structure and their response to medications.

Bacteria are single-celled, living organisms. They have a cell wall and all the components necessary to survive and reproduce, although some may derive energy from other sources.Viruses are not considered to be “living” because they require a host cell to survive long-term, for energy, and to reproduce. Viruses consist of only one piece of genetic material and a protein shell called a capsid. They survive and reproduce by “hijacking” a host cell, and using its ribosomes to make new viral proteins.Less than 1% of bacteria cause disease. Most are beneficial for our good health and the health of Earth’s ecosystems. Most viruses cause disease.Antibiotics may be used to treat some bacterial infections, but they do not work against viruses. Some severe bacterial infections may be preventezd by vaccination.Vaccination is the primary way to prevent viral infections; however, antivirals have been engineered that can treat some viral infections, such as Hepatitis C or HIV. Antivirals are not effective against bacteria.