Germs? Bacteria? Viruses? What's the difference?
A germ is a microscopic organism or agent, especially one that is pathogenic, such as bacterium or virus.
Bacteria are microorganisms made up of a single cell that has no distinct nucleus. Bacteria reproduce by fission or by forming spores.
American Psychological Association (APA):
bacteria. (n.d.).
The American Heritage® New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, Third Edition. Retrieved January 31, 2008, from Dictionary.com website:
http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/bacteria
Chicago Manual Style (CMS):
bacteria. Dictionary.com.
The American Heritage® New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, Third Edition. Houghton Mifflin Company, 2005.
http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/bacteria (accessed: January 31, 2008).
Modern Language Association (MLA):
"bacteria."
The American Heritage® New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, Third Edition. Houghton Mifflin Company, 2005. 31 Jan. 2008. <Dictionary.com
http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/bacteria>.
A virus is a minute organism that consists of a core of nucleic acid surrounded by protein. Viruses, which are so small that a special kind of microscope is needed to view them, can grow and reproduce only inside living cells.
American Psychological Association (APA):
virus. (n.d.).
The American Heritage® New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, Third Edition. Retrieved January 31, 2008, from Dictionary.com website:
http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/virus
Chicago Manual Style (CMS):
virus. Dictionary.com.
The American Heritage® New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, Third Edition. Houghton Mifflin Company, 2005.
http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/virus (accessed: January 31, 2008).
Modern Language Association (MLA):
"virus."
The American Heritage® New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, Third Edition. Houghton Mifflin Company, 2005. 31 Jan. 2008. <Dictionary.com
http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/virus>.
Contact: Janet Wright, RN, BSN
School Age Health Specialist
Division of Child and Adolescent Health
Virginia Department of Health
109 Governor Street 8th Floor
Richmond, Virginia 23219
Phone: 804-864-7689 Fax: 804-864-7722
Email: Janet.Wright@vdh.virginia.gov
