Definition Stickler syndrome and related disorders are a group of inherited conditions characterized by ocular abnormalities, hearing loss, and skeletal or joint problems. Most individuals with this syndrome have a distinct facial appearance with a flattened midface, sometimes with the Pierre Robin sequence. The majority of cases are caused by …
Read More »Ehrlichiosis – Causes, Symptoms, and Prevention
What is Ehrlichiosis? Ehrlichiosis is an illness caused by the bacteria Ehrlichia chaffeensis, E. ewingii or E. muris eauclairensis. You can get ehrlichiosis through the bite of infected ticks, including the lone star tick and the blacklegged tick. Symptoms can start out mild and flu-like, but if not treated quickly, …
Read More »Cercarial Dermatitis or Swimmer’s Itch – Risk and Causes
What is Cercarial Dermatitis? Cercarial dermatitis, also known as swimmer’s itch, is an itchy rash caused by a tiny parasitic worm. It’s contracted by swimming or wading in infested fresh water lakes or ponds. The parasite’s usual hosts are waterfowl and rodents. After the parasite is excreted from the waterfowl …
Read More »Kniest Dysplasia – Causes, Complications, and Prevention
Definition Kniest dysplasia is collagenopathy collagen II affecting bone growth and is characterized by short stature (dwarfism), other skeletal abnormalities, and hearing and vision problems. The latter are mostly myopia, vitreous degeneration, and retinal detachment. Skeletal features may include kyphoscoliosis, platyspondyly, dumbbell-shaped bones in the arms and legs, long, gnarled …
Read More »Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) – Overview and Types
Definition Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) involves unwanted and disturbing thoughts, images, or urges (obsessions) that intrude into a child/teen’s mind and cause a great deal of anxiety or discomfort, which the child/teen then tries to reduce by engaging in repetitive behaviors or mental acts (compulsions). As its name suggests, obsessive-compulsive …
Read More »Carbon Monoxide Poisoning – Description and Prevention
Description Carbon monoxide poisoning occurs when carbon monoxide builds up in your bloodstream. When too much carbon monoxide is in the air, your body replaces the oxygen in your red blood cells with carbon monoxide. This can lead to serious tissue damage, or even death. Carbon monoxide is a colorless, …
Read More »Haemophilus Influenzae – Diagnosis and Prevention
What is Haemophilus influenzae? Haemophilus influenzae or H. influenzae, represents a group of bacteria that may cause different types of infections in infants and children. H. influenzae most commonly causes ear, eye, or sinus infections, and pneumonia. A more serious strain of the bacteria called H. influenzae type b has been …
Read More »Melioidosis – Symptoms & Signs, Diagnosis, and Treatment
What is melioidosis? Melioidosis, also known as Whitmore’s disease, is an uncommon bacterial infection caused by Burkholderia pseudomallei. The disease affects humans and animals. Individuals acquire the bacteria through direct contact with contaminated soil and surface waters. Transmission The bacterium that causes melioidosis usually enters the body via cuts and sores …
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