Definition Herpes is an infection caused by HSV (herpes simplex virus). This virus affects the external genitalia, anal region, mucosal surfaces, and skin in other parts of the body. Herpes is a long-term condition. However, many people never have symptoms even though they are carrying the virus. The herpes simplex …
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Tularemia or Rabbit Fever: Definition, Causes, Treatment and Prevention
Definition Tularemia is a rare infectious disease that typically attacks the skin, eyes, lymph nodes and lungs. Tularemia also called rabbit fever or deer fly fever is caused by the bacterium Francisella tularensis. The disease mainly affects mammals, especially rodents, rabbits and hares, although it can also infect birds, sheep, …
Read More »Cryptosporidiosis – Causes, Treatment, and Prevention.
Definition Cryptosporidiosis is a diarrheal disease caused by microscopic parasites, Cryptosporidium, that can live in the intestine of humans and animals and is passed in the stool of an infected person or animal. Both the disease and the parasite are commonly known as “Crypto.” The parasite is protected by an …
Read More »Cholera – Definition, Causes, Risk Factors, and Treatments.
Definition Cholera is an acute bacterial infection of the intestine caused by ingestion of food or water containing Vibrio cholerae, serogroups O1 or O139. Symptoms include acute watery diarrhea and vomiting which can result in severe dehydration or water loss. When left untreated, death can occur rapidly – sometimes within …
Read More »Babesiosis – Risk Factors, Causes, Treatment, and Prevention.
Definition Babesia is a tiny parasite that infects your red blood cells. Infection with Babesia is called babesiosis. The parasitic infection is usually transmitted by a tick bite. Babesiosis often occurs at the same time as Lyme disease. The tick that carries the Lyme bacteria can also be infected with …
Read More »Botulism – Definition, Risk Factors, Symptoms, and Prevention.
Definition Botulism is a rare but serious paralytic illness caused by a nerve toxin that is produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum and sometimes by strains of Clostridium butyricum and Clostridium baratii. Botulism is caused by botulinum toxin, a potent neurotoxin produced by Clostridium botulinum, a few strains of C. …
Read More »Bacillary Dysentry or Shigellosis – Causes, Symptoms, and Risk factors.
What is Shigellosis (Bacillary Dysentery)? Bacillary Dysentry or Shigellosis is an infectious disease caused by a group of bacteria called Shigella that causes bacterial dysentery. These bacterium cause disease by penetrating the lining of the large intestine, causing swelling and sores. This causes diarrhoea, fever, and stomach cramps 1-2 days …
Read More »Scabies – Symptoms, Complications, Treatment, and Prevention.
Definition Scabies is an itchy skin condition caused by a tiny burrowing mite called Sarcoptes scabiei. The presence of the mite leads to intense itching in the area of its burrows. The urge to scratch may be especially strong at night. Scabies is contagious and can spread quickly through close …
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