Madonna admitted to intensive care: What causes bacterial infections - and which are the most common?
The singer has postponed her tour while she recovers.
Watch: Madonna postpones upcoming Celebration tour due to 'serious bacterial infection'
Madonna has been forced to postpone several upcoming tour dates after spending several days in intensive care after developing a "serious bacterial infection".
According to her management, the singer fell ill on Saturday but is expected to make a “full recovery”.
The star, 64, had been about to embark on her Celebration Tour of North America and Europe, due to kick off in Canada in July.
A statement from Madonna’s talent agent Guy Oseary, shared online, read: “On Saturday June 24, Madonna developed a serious bacterial infection which lead to a several-day stay in the ICU (intensive care unit). Her health is improving, however she is still under medical care. A full recovery is expected."
Read more: Madonna world tour postponed after pop star admitted to intensive care - Independent, 2-min read
What are bacterial infections?
According to Dr Joseph Ambani, bacterial infections are caused by pathogenic bacteria, single-celled microorganisms that can invade our bodies and cause a host of illnesses.
"Not all bacteria are harmful, in fact, many are vital for our survival, residing harmoniously in places like our gut and skin. However, some species are pathogenic and when they enter or grow in the wrong place, they can cause infections," he explains.
"These can vary greatly, from a mild skin infection to more severe and life-threatening conditions like meningitis or pneumonia. The severity can depend on the bacteria's virulence (ability to cause disease), the location of the infection, and the individual's immune response.
What causes bacterial infections?
Bacterial infections occur when harmful bacteria enter the body, often through an open wound, by ingestion, or through our airways.
"Person-to-person transmission is common, especially with respiratory infections. Many are also foodborne, waterborne, or vectored by insects," Dr Ambani continues.
"Certain environmental factors can increase the risk of bacterial infections, such as poor sanitation, lack of access to clean water, or close contact with someone who is infected."
Non-bacterial infections
It is possible for other microbes to cause infections. For example, coughs, colds and the flu are usually caused by viruses and not bacteria.
"In terms of symptoms, bacterial infections often localise in a specific area (like in a wound or the lungs in pneumonia), causing localised symptoms, whereas viral infections often cause systemic symptoms like fatigue, fever, and body aches," Dr Ambani explains.
"However, there can be overlaps, and it's often challenging to differentiate between the two based on symptoms alone.
Common bacterial infections
According to Dr Angela Rai, GP at The London General Practice and Dr Ambani bacterial infections encompass a wide range of conditions.
Some of the most common include:
Urinary tract infections, mainly caused by E. coli, predominantly affect women but can occur in men and children
Skin infections
Respiratory infections like pneumonia
Strep throat, caused by Streptococcus pyogenes, is common, especially in children
Staphylococcus aureus can cause skin and soft tissue infections and is also responsible for more severe conditions like MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus).
Other notable bacterial infections include Lyme disease (caused by Borrelia burgdorferi and transmitted by ticks), gonorrhea (caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae), and tuberculosis (caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis).
Symptoms can include fever, malaise, chills and headache.
Treatment of bacterial infections
Bacterial infections can be treated by oral antibiotics. More serious infections can be treated in hospital with intravenous antibiotics.
"If untreated bacterial infections can become very serious, especially if you have a weakened immune system," Dr Rai adds.
Additional reporting PA.
