Introduction HIV is a virus that attacks the immune system, which is our body’s natural defense against illness. The virus destroys a type of white blood cell in the immune system called a T-helper cell, and makes copies of itself inside these cells. T-helper cells are also referred to as …
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Rickets – Epidemiology, Symptoms and Treatment.
Definition Rickets is a bone disorder caused by a deficiency of vitamin D, calcium, or phosphate. Rickets leads to softening and weakening of the bones and is seen most commonly in children 6-24 months of age. Vitamin D promotes the absorption of calcium and phosphorus from the gastrointestinal tract. A …
Read More »Trachoma – Epidemiology, Symptoms, and Prevention.
Definition Trachoma is a contagious bacterial infection which affects the conjunctival covering of the eye, the cornea, and the eyelids. It is often associated with poverty and lack of proper hygiene. Trachoma is caused by the Chlamydia trachomatis bacteria and is essentially totally preventable and curable. It is the leading …
Read More »Transverse Myelitis – Causes, Complications and Treatment.
Definition Transverse myelitis (TM) is a neurological condition that happens when both sides of the same section of the spinal cord become inflamed. This inflammation can damage myelin, the fatty substance that covers your nerves. Loss of myelin often leads to spinal cord scarring that blocks nerve impulses and results …
Read More »Addison’s Disease – Causes, Prevention, and Treatment.
Definition Addison’s disease occurs when the adrenal cortex is damaged, and the adrenal glands don’t produce enough of the steroid hormones cortisol and aldosterone. The adrenal glands are triangular in shape, roughly up to three inches (7.6 cm) by one inch (2.5 cm) in size, and one gland sits on …
Read More »Amoebiasis – Definition, Manifestations and Treatment.
Definition Amoebiasis is a condition in which your gut (intestines) becomes infected with the parasite E. histolytica. Entamoebae are a group of single-celled parasites (living things that live in, or on, other living organisms) that can infect both humans and some animals. There are at least six species of entamoeba …
Read More »Brucellosis – Symptoms, Treatment and Prevention.
Definition Brucellosis is an infectious disease caused by a type of bacteria called Brucella. The bacteria can spread from animals to humans. There are several different strains of Brucella bacteria. Some types are seen in cows. Others occur in dogs, pigs, sheep, goats, and camels. Recently, scientists have seen new …
Read More »Plague: Definition, Manifestations and Treatment.
Definition Plague is an infectious disease caused by bacteria called Yersinia pestis. These bacteria are found mainly in rodents, particularly rats, and in the fleas that feed on them. Other animals and humans usually contract the bacteria from rodent or flea bites. SEM image of Yersinia pestis History Historically, it …
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