21.   It may turn out that hardening of the arteries, rheumatoid arthritis, heart valve disease and other health problems could be caused by bacteria.

22.   It is different from acute sinusitis, which lasts a month or less and is typically caused by bacteria.

23.   Salmonella bacteria can cause food poisoning.

24.   Researchers believe the bacteria may cause an inflammation that leads to stroke and heart attacks.

25.   Sepsis is usually caused by bacteria that produce organ-damaging toxins.

26.   Some bacteria cause other serious illnesses, said Dr. Michael Osterholm, an official of the Minnesota Health Department and a leading expert on food-borne illness.

27.   Surviving bacteria may cause a recurrent acute infection or a low-grade chronic sinusitis.

28.   The bacteria can cause diarrhea and other nastiness, he says, so campers and hikers should add iodine drops or tablets to water found in the wild.

29.   The bacteria can cause toxic shock or infect the bloodstream or organs.

30.   The bacteria cause infection when they are ingested, usually through tainted food or water, or when there is exposure to an infected person.