Scarlet Fever Definition and Symptoms An illness resulting from infection with group a beta-hemolytic streptococcal bacteria that occurs as a complication of strep throat. Scarlet fever begins with the same symptoms as strep throat-sudden onset of fever and often severe throat pain. Within two days a rash erupts, starting on the chest and back and spreading […]
Cholera Definition An illness resulting from infection with the bacterium vibrio cholerae. The bacteria release a toxin in the small intestine that disrupts the electrolyte balance, drawing vast amounts of water into the small intestine and causing sudden, profuse diarrhea. The diarrhea in turn causes severe dehydration. The incubation period (time from exposure to illness) is a few hours to a […]
Septicemia Definition A life-threatening bacterial infection that invades the blood circulation, resulting in spreading the infection throughout the body. Septicemia, also called bacteremia, typically arises as a complication of localized bacterial infection. The onset and progression are rapid and can result in septic shock, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), and death within hours. Treatment Treatment requires hospitalization, usually in an intensive […]
Definition Infectious Arthritis – inflammation of a joint that results from infection. The infectious agent (pathogen) may be bacteria or mycobacteria or a virus, or fungus and travels to the joint through the blood circulation. Infectious arthritis, also called septic arthritis, may also develop as a consequence of contamination during surgery on the joint. The doctor may withdraw fluid from the infected joint to […]
Shigellosis Definition and Symptoms An illness resulting from infection with any of numerous strains of shigella bacteria. Shigellosis most commonly occurs as a foodborne illness, producing symptoms of fever, abdominal cramping, and bloody diarrhea within about 12 hours of infection with the bacteria. The illness is generally self-limiting, running its course in five to seven days. Most people recover fully, though for […]
Definition of Erysipelas Infection Erysipelas is a streptococcal infection of the dermis, the middle layer of the skin. Infection commonly follows strep throat, with the bacteria likely carried on the hands to the skin where a scratch or other breach allows the bacteria to colonize into an infection. The infection presents characteristic symptoms that allow prompt clinical diagnosis. These symptoms include Redness […]
Diphtheria Definition Diphtheria – an illness that results from infection with the bacterium Corynebacterium diphtheriae. Routine childhood immunization has made diphtheria rare in the United States, though the infection can occur in people who do not receive a booster vaccine every 10 years and is common in other parts of the world. Infection may involve the nose and throat (respiratory diphtheria) or […]
Strep Throat and Definition An infection of the pharynx (throat), also called streptococcal pharyngitis, with various strains of group A beta-hemolytic streptococcal bacteria. Strep throat is highly contagious through contact with saliva and requires treatment with antibiotic medications to prevent potentially serious complications such as rheumatic heart disease. Symptoms and Diagnostic Path The symptoms of strep throat come on suddenly, usually within five days […]
Definition of Erythrasma Erythrasma is a chronic bacterial infection of the epidermis (outer layer of the skin) that produces scaly, brownish red patches that often itch. The patches may occur anywhere on the body though are most common in skin folds and moist areas such as the underarm (axilla) and groin. When viewed under ultraviolet light, the areas of […]
Escherichia (E.) Coli Infection – Definition Escherichia (E.) coli – Illness that results from infection with any of the numerous strains of Escherichia coli bacteria, some of which are normal flora in the human gastrointestinal tract and others that are normal flora in the gastrointestinal tracts of animals consumed as food (such as cattle and poultry). Most strains of E. coli […]