T

Definition Typhoid fever is caused by Salmonella typhi bacteria. Typhoid fever is rare in industrialized countries. However, it remains a serious health threat in the developing world, especially for children. Typhoid fever spreads through contaminated food and water or through close contact with someone who’s infected. Signs and symptoms usually …

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, …

Definition Trichinosis is a disease caused by parasitic roundworms (nematodes) that can infect and damage body tissues. Nematodes are a major division of the helminth family of parasitic worms (for example, Trichinella spiralis). When ingested, these parasitic worms can pass through the intestinal tract to invade other tissues, such as …

Definition Tinea nigra is a fungal infection that is mainly seen on the palms of the hands or soles of the feet causing a dark brown to black discoloration of the affected skin. The word tinea means a fungal infection and nigra means black. Tinea nigra is overall an uncommon …

Definition Testicular cancer is a disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in the tissues of one or both testicles. It occurs in the testicles (testes), which are located inside the scrotum, a loose bag of skin underneath the penis.   Testicular cancer Epidemiology Studies of testicular cancer in selected …

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 …

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 …

Definition Turner syndrome is a chromosomal condition that alters development in females. Women with this condition tend to be shorter than average and are usually unable to conceive a child (infertile) because of an absence of ovarian function. Other features of this condition that can vary among women who have …