• There are many different types of bacteria that live on toilet seats.uniquely lit toilet in boston nightclub image by Stephen Orsillo from Fotolia.com
  
  Bathrooms are a breeding ground for bacteria.They are moist places where bacteria can thrive. Most of the varieties of bacteria found living on toilet seats are transmitted through feces. Unless a person has an open sore that comes in contact with the bacteria, or if he fails to properly wash his hands, these bacteria should not harm a person.
  
  

Shigellosis

• This bacteria found on toilet seats is found in fecal matter. It causes severe food poisoning. You know if you have been infected by this bacteria because you may have bloody diarrhea, a fever and stomach cramps, which can last for up to a week. Shigellosis is diagnosed with a stool sample and it can be treated with antibiotics.
  
  

E. coli

• E. coli is another bacteria that lives on toilet seats. This causes bloody diarrhea and can lead to kidney failure and death. The symptoms are nausea and vomiting so most people assume they have the flu. E. coli is transmitted through feces, so this bacteria lives on toilet seats that have come in contact with it.
  
  

Hepatitis A

• Hepatitis A lives on toilet seats and can be transferred through fecal matter. There have been instances in which several people at a restaurant have gotten sick because someone preparing the food did not wash his hands after using restroom. Hepatitis A affects the liver and symptoms may not show up for a few weeks. You will feel tired, have a fever, sore ribs, and may experience weight loss. No medicine is needed because it will go away after time.
  
  

The common cold

• Bacteria that cause the common cold live on toilet seats. This causes sneezing, coughing, runny nose and other symptoms associated with the cold. There is no cure for the cold, but symptoms can be eased with over-the-counter medicines.