What is Gonorrhea A sexually transmitted disease (STD) resulting from INFECTION with the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae. N. gonorrhoeae infects 350,000 Americans each year, though public health officials believe another 350,000 people have gonorrhea that goes undiagnosed because they do not know they are infected. Gonorrhea is highly contagious and passes among sexual partners through vaginal intercourse, anal […]
Tuberculosis Definition An illness resulting from INFECTION with the MICROBE Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Though tuberculosis most commonly infects the LUNGS, the disease may involve other organs as well, notably the KIDNEYS. Health experts estimate more than 2 billion people worldwide have active (symptoms are present) or latent (symptoms are not present) tuberculosis. An important characteristic of […]
Keratitis definition Keratitis is an INFLAMMATION of the CORNEA, usually the result of an INFECTION. The cause of the infection is more commonly viral, such as HERPES SIMPLEX or HERPES ZOSTER, than bacterial. Symptoms of infectious keratitis include redness and irritation of the EYE and conjunctiva (inner eyelids) discomfort or PAIN excessive tearing difficulty keeping the eye open diminished VISUAL […]
What is Infection – Definition Infection – The invasion of the body by a PATHOGEN (microorganism capable of causing disease), sometimes called an infectious agent, that enters cells and attempts to reproduce or replicate itself. The pathogen may be a bacterium, FUNGUS (yeast or mold), VIRUS, PARASITE, or prion. Not all infections cause symptoms or illness, and some infections may be […]
Typhoid Fever Definition An illness resulting from INFECTION with the bacterium Salmonella typhi. Typhoid FEVER is rare in the United States, and most people who have the illness acquire the infection while traveling in regions of the world where typhoid fever is endemic. Substandard COMMUNITY SANITATION is the key risk for the spread of typhoid […]
Listeriosis and Bacteria Listeria – Definition Listeriosis – an illness that results from INFECTION with the bacterium Listeria monocytogenes. Listeriosis most often occurs as a foodborne illness and has the potential to cause serious symptoms. Listeria monocytogenes are normally present in soil and can contaminate milking equipment. Animals also can carry Listeria monocytogenes without illness. The most common […]
Waterborne Illnesses Definition Diseases that result from pathogens transmitted by drinking or otherwise consuming contaminated water. Heavy metals and industrial chemicals may also contaminate water supplies, causing poisoning. People may acquire waterborne infections through drinking water supplies or by swallowing water during recreational activities in lakes, rivers, pools, hot tubs, and similar sources. Drinking water […]
Lyme disease Definition Lyme disease – an illness that results from INFECTION with the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi in North America and other Borrelia species in Europe. The bite of the Ixodes scapularis tick, common in wooded areas throughout the northern United States, spreads the infection. B. burgdorferi infection primarily causes flulike symptoms though may also affect the CENTRAL […]
Anthrax Definition An illness resulting from INFECTION with the bacterium Bacillus anthracis. Anthrax is a naturally occurring infection among wild and domestic livestock (such as cows, sheep, goats, and antelope). Anthrax is rare in people in the United States, though more common in people who live, work, or travel to countries where anthrax is more common in livestock. […]
Lymfogranuloma Venereum Lymfogranuloma – this STD is caused by bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis. Serotypes L-1, L-2, L-3 of this bacterium play the main role. It starts with a small genital ulcer (1-3 mm) on penis or vulva. Then the pustule brakes and heals completely. When the pustule is healed, infection spread throw lymphatic vessels to inguinal […]