uBiome has put out a an appropriately timed article highlighting all the presidents that we have lost to bacteria related issues. Below is a brief summary of troubles in the white house that were belived to be caused by bacteria. I suggest reading the article for the full explanation.

• William Henry Harrison – gastroenteritis (a bacteria infection)
• James Knox Polk – gastrointestinal infection
• Zachary Taylor – gastrointestinal infection
• George Washington – Haemophilus influenzae bacterium
• William McKinley – septic shock / gangrene (gunshot)
• Calvin Coolidge Jr. (presidents son) – Staphylococcus aureus (untreated toe blister)