Disease Flash Cards Microbiology 242

Pertussis (Whooping Cough) Respiratory System Disease

Causative Agent Bordetella pertussis is a Gram-negative, aerobic, pathogenic, encapsulated coccobacillus of the genus Bordetella, and the causative agent of pertussis or whooping cough. Unlike B. bronchiseptica, B. pertussis is not motile. Signs and Symptoms The disease usually starts with cold-like symptoms and maybe a mild cough or fever. In babies, the cough can be minimal or not even there. Babies may have a symptom known as "apnea." Apnea is a pause in the child's breathing pattern. Pertussis is most dangerous for babies. About half of babies younger than 1 year who get the disease need care in the hospital. Learn more about pertussis complications. In those who have gotten the pertussis vaccine: In most cases, the cough won't last as many days Coughing fits, whooping, and vomiting after coughing fits occur less often The percentage of children with apnea (long pause in breathing), cyanosis (blue/purplish skin coloration due to lack of oxygen) and vomiting is less Early symptoms can last for 1 to 2 weeks and usually include: Runny nose Low-grade fever (generally minimal throughout the course of the disease) Mild, occasional cough Apnea - a pause in breathing (in babies) Pertussis in its early stages appears to be nothing more than the common cold. Therefore, healthcare professionals often do not suspect or diagnose it until the more severe symptoms appear. Later-stage Symptoms After 1 to 2 weeks and as the disease progresses, the traditional symptoms of pertussis may appear and include: Paroxysms (fits) of many, rapid coughs followed by a high-pitched "whoop" sound Vomiting (throwing up) during or after coughing fits Exhaustion (very tired) after coughing fits Pertussis in Babies It is important to know that many babies with pertussis don't cough at all. Instead it causes them to stop breathing and turn blue. Pertussis can cause violent and rapid coughing, over and over, until the air is gone from your lungs. When there is no more air in the lungs, you are forced to inhale with a loud "whooping" sound. This extreme coughing can cause you to throw up and be very tired. Although you are often exhausted after a coughing fit, you usually appear fairly well in-between. Coughing fits generally become more common and bad as the illness continues, and can occur more often at night. The coughing fits can go on for up to 10 weeks or more. In China, pertussis is known as the "100 day cough." The "whoop" is often not there if you have milder (less serious) disease. The infection is generally milder in teens and adults, especially those who have gotten the pertussis vaccine. Diagnosis Healthcare providers diagnose pertussis (whooping cough) by considering if you have been exposed to pertussis and by doing a: History of typical signs and symptoms Physical examination Laboratory test which involves taking a sample of mucus (with a swab or syringe filled with saline) from the back of the throat through the nose — see Figure 1 and video demonstrations Blood test Transmission Whooping cough is highly contagious and spreads among people by direct contact with fluids from the nose or mouth of infected people. People contaminate their hands with respiratory secretions from an infected person and then touch their own mouth or nose. In addition, small bacteria-containing droplets of mucus from the nose or lungs enter the air during coughing or sneezing. People become infected by breathing in these drops. Treatment The recommended antimicrobial agents for treatment or chemoprophylaxis of pertussis are azithromycin*, clarithromycin, and erythromycin. Clinicians can also use Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxasole. Antibiotics are the recommended treatment for anyone who has had the disease for less than three to four weeks. Azithromycin (Zithromax), clarithromycin (Biaxin), erythromycin (E-Mycin, Eryc, Ery-Tab, PCE, Pediazole, Ilosone), and sulfamethoxazole (Bactrim, Septra) are antibiotics that have been shown to be effective in treating whooping cough

Cutaneous Anthrax Integumentary System Disease

Causative Agent Anthrax is an infection caused by the bacterium Bacillus anthracis. Signs and Symptoms Cutaneous anthrax A cutaneous anthrax infection enters your body through a cut or other sore on your skin. It's by far the most common route the disease takes. It's also the mildest — with appropriate treatment, cutaneous anthrax is seldom fatal. Signs and symptoms of cutaneous anthrax include: A raised, itchy bump resembling an insect bite that quickly develops into a painless sore with a black center Swelling in the sore and nearby lymph glands Gastrointestinal anthrax This form of anthrax infection begins by eating undercooked meat from an infected animal. Signs and symptoms include: Nausea Vomiting Abdominal pain Headache Loss of appetite Fever Severe, bloody diarrhea in the later stages of the disease Sore throat and difficulty swallowing Swollen neck Inhalation (pulmonary) anthrax Inhalation anthrax develops when you breathe in anthrax spores. It's the most deadly way to contract the disease, and even with treatment, it is often fatal. Initial signs and symptoms of inhalation anthrax include: Flu-like symptoms, such as sore throat, mild fever, fatigue and muscle aches, which may last a few hours or days Mild chest discomfort Shortness of breath Nausea Coughing up blood Painful swallowing As the disease progresses, you may experience: High fever Trouble breathing Shock Meningitis — a potentially life-threatening inflammation of the brain and spinal cord Injection anthrax This is the most recently identified route of anthrax infection. It's contracted through injecting illegal drugs and has been reported only in Europe so far. Initial signs and symptoms of injection anthrax include: Redness at the area of injection (without an area that changes to black) Significant swelling As the disease progresses, you may experience: Shock Multiple organ failure Meningitis Diagnosis If inhalation anthrax is suspected, chest X-rays or CT scans can confirm if the patient has mediastinal widening or pleural effusion, which are X-ray findings typically seen in patients with inhalation anthrax. The only ways to confirm an Anthrax diagnosis are: To measure antibodies or toxin in blood To test directly for Bacillus anthracis in a sample blood skin lesion swab spinal fluid respiratory secretions Transmission Inhalation (lung) anthrax is not spread from person to person. Even if you develop symptoms of inhalation anthrax, you are not contagious to other persons. If you develop cutaneous (skin) anthrax, the drainage from an open sore presents a low risk of infection to others. You cannot catch anthrax from another person the way you might catch a cold or the flu. In rare cases, person-to-person transmission has been reported with cutaneous anthrax, where discharges from skin lesions might be infectious. People get infected with anthrax when spores get into the body. Treatment The standard treatment for anthrax is a 60-day course of an antibiotic, such as ciprofloxacin (Cipro) or doxycycline (Monodox, Vibramycin, others). Which single antibiotic or combination of antibiotics will be most effective for you depends on how you were infected with anthrax, your age, your overall health and other factors. Treatment is most effective when started as soon as possible. Some cases of injection anthrax were successfully treated with the surgical removal of infected tissue.

Viral Hepatitis Digestive System Disease

Causative Agent At least five viruses can cause hepatitis. The three most common are hepatitis viruses A, B and C. Infection with any of these three can be fatal. Other types of hepatitis can result from overconsumption of alcohol or an autoimmune condition. In the United States, viral hepatitis is most commonly caused by hepatitis A virus (HAV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), and hepatitis C virus (HCV). These three viruses can all result in acute disease with symptoms of nausea, abdominal pain, fatigue, malaise, and jaundice. Signs and Symptoms Many patients infected with HAV, HBV, and HCV have few or no symptoms of illness. For those who do develop symptoms of viral hepatitis, the most common are flu- like symptoms including: Loss of appetite Nausea Vomiting Fever Weakness Tiredness Aching in the abdomen Less common symptoms include: Dark urine Light-colored stools Fever Jaundice (a yellow appearance to the skin and white portion of the eyes) Diagnosis Viral hepatitis, such as hepatitis C (HCV), hepatitis B (HBV) and hepatitis A (HAV), is diagnosed by your symptoms, a physical exam, blood tests, and blood tests. Sometimes imaging studies such as a sonogram or CAT scan and a liver biopsy are also used. Transmission Hepatitis A is spread when a person ingests fecal matter—even in microscopic amounts—from contact with objects, food, or drinks contaminated by feces or stool from an infected person Hepatitis B is primarily spread when blood, semen, or certain other body fluids- even in microscopic amounts - from a person infected with the hepatitis B virus enters the body of someone who is not infected. The hepatitis B virus can also be transmitted from: Birth to an infected mother Sex with an infected person Sharing equipment that has been contaminated with blood from an infected person, such as needles, syringes, and even medical equipment, such as glucose monitors Sharing personal items such as toothbrushes or razors Poor infection control has resulted in outbreaks in health care facilities Hepatitis C is spread when blood from a person infected with the Hepatitis C virus - even in microscopic amounts - enters the body of someone who is not infected. The hepatitis C virus can also be transmitted from Sharing equipment that has been contaminated with blood from an infected person, such as needles and syringes Receiving a blood transfusion or organ transplant before 1992 (when widespread screening virtually eliminated hepatitis C from the blood supply) Poor infection control has resulted in outbreaks in health care facilities Birth to an infected mother Treatment Bed rest, abstaining from alcohol, and taking medication to help relieve symptoms. Most people who have hepatitis A and E get well on their own after a few weeks. Hepatitis B is treated with drugs, such as lamivudine and adefovir dipivoxil. Hepatitis C is treated with a combination of peginterferon and ribovarin. Hepatitis A There is no specific treatment for HAV. The doctor will advise the patient to abstain from alcohol and drugs during the recovery. Most patients with hepatitis A will recover without intervention. Hepatitis B A patient with HBV needs to rest and abstain completely from alcohol. The doctor may prescribe an antiviral agent called interferon, or other antiviral suppressive therapies. Hepatitis C A patient with hepatitis C will be prescribed antiviral agents, with or without ribavirin. Some directed antivirals and combination therapies are now available to treat the hepatitis C virus based on its subtype. These treatments target viral replication and prevent the virus from being able to reproduce. When taken correctly, the cure rate is very high. These medications can be expensive, and insurers may have specific criteria for treatment.

Spongiform Encephalitis Nervous System Disease

Causative Agent BSE (bovine spongiform encephalopathy) is a progressive neurological disorder of cattle that results from infection by an unusual transmissible agent called a prion. The nature of the transmissible agent is not well understood. Currently, the most accepted theory is that the agent is a modified form of a normal protein known as prion protein. Signs and Symptoms ataxia within weeks or months, dementia (loss of memory and confusion) and myoclonus late in the illness, a duration of illness of at least six months, and a diffusely abnormal nondiagnostic electroencephalogram. Mood: anxiety, apathy, or nervousness Muscular: problems with coordination or rhythmic muscle contractions Sensory: pins and needles or uncomfortable tingling and burning Cognitive: dementia or confusion Psychological: major depression or psychosis Also common: insomnia, restlessness, slurred speech, or unresponsiveness apprehensiveness nervousness reluctance to cross concrete, turn corners, enter yards, go through doorways or permit milking occasional aggression directed at other cattle or humans manic kicking when milked head shyness, with head held low high stepping gait, particularly hind legs difficulties in rising skin tremors loss of condition, weight or milk yield Diagnosis The routine laboratory diagnosis of BSE consists of histopathological examination of the brain and detection of the modified prion protein, PrP(BSE), in brain tissue. Histopathological exam the microscopic examination of tissue in order to study the manifestations of disease. Specifically, in clinical medicine, histopathology refers to the examination of a biopsy or surgical specimen by a pathologist, after the specimen has been processed and histological sections have been placed onto glass slides. Transmission Transmission occurs when healthy animals or humans consume tainted tissues from others with the disease. Treatment There is currently no treatment that can halt progression of any of the TSEs. Treatment is aimed at alleviating symptoms and making the patient as comfortable as possible.

Impetigo Integumentary System Disease

Causative Agent Impetigo is the most common bacterial infection in children. This acute, highly contagious infection of the superficial layers of the epidermis is primarily caused by Streptococcus pyogenes or Staphylococcus aureus. Signs and Symptoms Classic signs and symptoms of impetigo involve red sores that quickly rupture, ooze for a few days and then form a yellowish-brown crust. The sores usually occur around the nose and mouth but can be spread to other areas of the body by fingers, clothing and towels. Itching and soreness are generally mild. A less common form of the disorder, called bullous impetigo, may feature larger blisters that occur on the trunk of infants and young children. A more serious form of impetigo, called ecthyma, penetrates deeper into the skin — causing painful fluid- or pus-filled sores that turn into deep ulcers. The sores quickly grow into blisters, ooze and burst, and then form a yellowish crust. The crust is often described as honey-colored. The clusters of blisters may expand to cover more of your skin. The sores are unsightly, itchy, and occasionally painful. After the crust phase, they leave red marks that fade without leaving scars. Infants often have a less common type of impetigo, with larger blisters around the diaper area or in skin folds. These fluid-filled blisters soon burst, leaving a scaly rim called a collarette. Impetigo can be uncomfortable. Occasionally, it may involve swollen glands in the area of the outbreak. Fever and swollen glands can occur in more severe cases. Diagnosis Doctors usually diagnose impetigo by looking at the distinctive sores. Lab tests generally aren't necessary. If the sores don't clear, even with antibiotic treatment, your doctor may take a sample of the liquid produced by a sore and test it to see what types of antibiotics might work best on it. Transmission The infection is spread by direct contact with lesions or with nasal carriers. The incubation period is 1-3 days after exposure to Streptococcus and 4-10 days for Staphylococcus. Dried streptococci in the air are not infectious to intact skin. Scratching may spread the lesions. Treatment Mild impetigo can be handled by gentle cleansing of the sores, removing crusts from the infected person, and applying the prescription-strength antibiotic ointment mupirocin (Bactroban). Nonprescription topical antibiotic ointments (such as Neosporin) generally are not effective. More severe or widespread impetigo, especially of bullous impetigo, may require oral antibiotic medication. Antibiotics which can be helpful include penicillin derivatives (such as amoxicillin-clavulanic acid [Augmentin]) and cephalosporins such as cephalexin (Keflex). If clinical suspicion supported by culture results show other bacteria, such as drug-resistant staph (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus or MRSA), other antibiotics such as clindamycin or trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (Bactrim or Septra) may be necessary. Treatment is guided by laboratory results (culture and sensitivity tests).

Traveler's Diarrhea Bacterial Gastroenteritis Digestive System Disease

Causative Agent Infectious agents are the primary cause of travelers' diarrhea. Bacterial enteropathogens cause about 80% of cases. Viruses and protozoans account for most of the rest. The most common causative agent isolated in countries surveyed has been enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC). It's possible that traveler's diarrhea may stem from the stress of traveling or a change in diet. But almost always an infectious agent is to blame. You typically develop traveler's diarrhea after ingesting food or water that's contaminated with organisms from feces. These organisms are infectious agents — including various bacteria, viruses and parasites — that enter your digestive tract and overpower your defense mechanisms, resulting in signs and symptoms of traveler's diarrhea. The most common cause of traveler's diarrhea is enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) bacteria. These bacteria attach themselves to the lining of your intestine and release a toxin that causes diarrhea and abdominal cramps. Signs and Symptoms Traveler's diarrhea usually begins abruptly during your trip or shortly after you return home. The most common signs and symptoms of traveler's diarrhea are: Abrupt onset of passage of three or more loose stools a day An urgent need to defecate Abdominal cramps Nausea Vomiting Fever Sometimes, people experience moderate to severe dehydration, persistent vomiting, a high fever, bloody stools, or severe pain in the abdomen or rectum. Diagnosis The presumptive diagnosis of travelers' diarrhea is based solely on the development of diarrhea when visiting a part of the world where this condition is common among travelers. Identification may be difficult or impossible in undeveloped countries because of the lack of medical laboratories. When laboratories are available, the stool can be examined for parasites and cultured for bacteria. Identification of the pathogen results in the definitive diagnosis. Transmission It is easily spread from person-to-person or by consuming contaminated food or water. Travellers' diarrhea is caused by many different bacteria (including E. coli, Salmonella, Shigella and Campylobacter), parasites (including Giardia, Crytosporidium, Cyclospora and others) and viruses (such as norovirus and rotavirus). Treatment Anti-motility agents. These medications) — which include loperamide (Imodium A-D) and drugs containing diphenoxylate (Lomotil, Lonox) — provide prompt but temporary relief by reducing muscle spasms in your gastrointestinal tract, slowing the transit time through your digestive system and allowing more time for absorption. Anti-motility medications aren't recommended for infants or people with a fever or bloody diarrhea, as they can delay clearance of the infectious organisms and make the illness worse. Also, stop using anti-motility agents after 48 hours if you have abdominal pain or if your signs or symptoms worsen and your diarrhea continues. In such cases, see a doctor. Bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol). This over-the-counter medication can decrease the frequency of your stools and shorten the duration of your illness. However, it isn't recommended for children, pregnant women or people who are allergic to aspirin. Antibiotics. If you have more than four loose stools a day or severe symptoms, including a fever or blood, pus or mucus in your stools, a doctor may prescribe a course of antibiotics.

Syphilis Primary, Secondary, Latent, Tertiary (Urinary and Reproductive) System Disease

Causative Agent Primary Stage During the first (primary) stage of syphilis, you may notice a single sore or multiple sores. The sore is the location where syphilis entered your body. Sores are usually (but not always) firm, round, and painless. Because the sore is painless, it can easily go unnoticed. The sore usually lasts 3 to 6 weeks and heals regardless of whether or not you receive treatment. Even after the sore goes away, you must still receive treatment. This will stop your infection from moving to the secondary stage. Secondary Stage During the secondary stage, you may have skin rashes and/or mucous membrane lesions. Mucous membrane lesions are sores in your mouth, vagina, or anus. This stage usually starts with a rash on one or more areas of your body. The rash can show up when your primary sore is healing or several weeks after the sore has healed. The rash can look like rough, red, or reddish brown spots on the palms of your hands and/or the bottoms of your feet. The rash usually won't itch and it is sometimes so faint that you won't notice it. Other symptoms you may have can include fever, swollen lymph glands, sore throat, patchy hair loss, headaches, weight loss, muscle aches, and fatigue (feeling very tired). The symptoms from this stage will go away whether or not you receive treatment. Without the right treatment, your infection will move to the latent and possibly tertiary stages of syphilis. syphilis rash on back Secondary rash from syphilis on torso. Latent Stage The latent stage of syphilis is a period of time when there are no visible signs or symptoms of syphilis. If you do not receive treatment, you can continue to have syphilis in your body for years without any signs or symptoms. Tertiary Stage Most people with untreated syphilis do not develop tertiary syphilis. However, when it does happen it can affect many different organ systems. These include the heart and blood vessels, and the brain and nervous system. Tertiary syphilis is very serious and would occur 10-30 years after your infection began. In tertiary syphilis, the disease damages your internal organs and can result in death. Neurosyphilis and Ocular Syphilis Without treatment, syphilis can spread to the brain and nervous system (neurosyphilis) or to the eye (ocular syphilis). This can happen during any of the stages described above. Symptoms of neurosyphilis include severe headache; difficulty coordinating muscle movements; paralysis (not able to move certain parts of your body); numbness; and dementia (mental disorder). Signs and Symptoms Primary You might notice that the lymph nodes near your groin are enlarged. Typically, the first visible sign of syphilis is a small, painless sore (doctors call it a "chancre") on the skin (you may develop several sores) The sore will heal on its own in about 3 to 6 weeks. Secondary About 2 to 10 weeks after the first sore appears, you may develop the following: A skin rash that causes small, reddish-brown sores Sores in your mouth, vagina, or anus Fever Swollen glands Weight loss Hair loss Headache Extreme tiredness (fatigue) Muscle aches Latent Not everyone who has syphilis will go through this stage. If you do, you won't have any symptoms, maybe for years. In some cases, symptoms will never return. But the infection isn't gone, it's simply progressing to the tertiary stage. Tertiary It can appear 10 to 30 years after the initial infection. You might experience permanent organ damage and death. Complications may include: Brain (neurological) problems Stroke Infection and inflammation of membranes around the brain and spinal cord Numbness Deafness Visual problems or blindness Personality changes Dementia Heart valve disease Aneurysm Inflammation of blood vessels Diagnosis Syphilis can be diagnosed by testing samples of: Blood. Blood tests can confirm the presence of antibodies that the body produces to fight infection. The antibodies to the bacteria that cause syphilis remain in your body for years, so the test can be used to determine a current or past infection. Transmission Syphilis is transmitted from person to person by direct contact with a syphilitic sore, known as a chancre. Chancres can occur on or around the external genitals, in the vagina, around the anus , or in the rectum, or in or around the mouth. Transmission of syphilis can occur during vaginal, anal, or oral sex. Treatment There are no home remedies or over-the-counter drugs that will cure syphilis, but syphilis is easy to cure in its early stages. A single intramuscular injection of long acting Benzathine penicillin G (2.4 million units administered intramuscularly) will cure a person who has primary, secondary or early latent syphilis. Three doses of long acting Benzathine penicillin G (2.4 million units administered intramuscularly) at weekly intervals is recommended for individuals with late latent syphilis or latent syphilis of unknown duration. Treatment will kill the syphilis bacterium and prevent further damage, but it will not repair damage already done.

Schistosomiasis Cardiovascular System Disease

Causative Agent Schistosomiasis is caused by digenetic blood trematodes. The three main species infecting humans are Schistosoma haematobium, S. japonicum, and S. mansoni. Two other species, more localized geographically, are S. mekongi and S. intercalatum Signs and Symptoms Within days after becoming infected, you may develop a rash or itchy skin. Fever, chills, cough, and muscle aches can begin within 1-2 months of infection. Most people have no symptoms at this early phase of infection. When adult worms are present, the eggs that are produced usually travel to the intestine, liver or bladder, causing inflammation or scarring. Children who are repeatedly infected can develop anemia, malnutrition, and learning difficulties. After years of infection, the parasite can also damage the liver, intestine, lungs, and bladder. Rarely, eggs are found in the brain or spinal cord and can cause seizures, paralysis, or spinal cord inflammation. Symptoms of schistosomiasis are caused by the body's reaction to the eggs produced by worms, not by the worms themselves. Fever Abdominal pain (liver/spleen area) Bloody diarrhea or blood in the stools Cough Malaise Headache Rash Body aches The majority of people who develop chronic schistosomiasis have symptoms develop months or years after the initial exposure to the parasites. The following is a list of most symptoms associated with chronic schistosomiasis. Patients usually have a few of these symptoms. Abdominal pain Abdominal swelling (ascites) Bloody diarrhea or blood in the stools Blood in the urine and painful urination Shortness of breath and coughing Weakness Chest pain and palpitations Seizures Paralysis Mental status changes Lesions on the vulva or the perianal area Diagnosis Stool or urine samples can be examined microscopically for parasite eggs (stool for S. mansoni or S. japonicum eggs and urine for S. haematobium eggs). The eggs tend to be passed intermittently and in small amounts and may not be detected, so it may be necessary to perform a blood (serologic) test. Transmission People become infected when larval forms of the parasite - released by freshwater snails - penetrate the skin during contact with infested water. Transmission occurs when people suffering from schistosomiasis contaminate freshwater sources with their excreta containing parasite eggs, which hatch in water. Treatment Safe and effective medication is available for treatment of both urinary and intestinal schistosomiasis. Praziquantel, a prescription medication, is taken for 1-2 days to treat infections caused by all Schistosoma species. Surgical care may include removal of tumor masses, ligation of esophageal varices, shunt surgeries, and granuloma removal. Corticosteroids are often used to reduce the symptoms of this reaction. Unfortunately, this response limits the use of praziquantel. Praziquantel and oxaminquine or artemether are used by some clinicians early in infections, or to treat individuals infected with both malaria and schistosomes, respectively.

Tularemia Cardiovascular System Disease

Causative Agent The causative agent is the gram-negative bacterium Francisella tularensis. The disease is primarily one of animals; human infections are incidental. It occurs naturally in many types of wildlife Signs and Symptoms A skin ulcer that forms at the site of infection — usually an insect or animal bite Swollen and painful lymph glands Fever Chills Headache Exhaustion Diagnosis Tularemia can be difficult to diagnose. ... Blood tests and cultures can help confirm the diagnosis Transmission transmitted to humans by the bite of infected ticks, deer flies, contact with infected animals or infected carcasses, inhalation of air-borne bacteria, and ingestion of infected food or water. In the summer, most cases come from infected tick bites. Treatment Antibiotics used to treat tularemia include streptomycin, gentamicin, doxycycline, and ciprofloxacin. Treatment usually lasts 10 to 21 days depending on the stage of illness and the medication used. Although symptoms may last for several weeks, most patients completely recover

Lyme Disease Cardiovascular System Disease

Causative Agent The causative agent of Lyme disease is the bacterium, Borrelia burgdorferi. Borrelia burgdorferi is a spirochete that is approximately 20-30mm in length and .2-.3mm in width. Its means of motility is via an axial filament (endoflagella), by which it moves in a corkscrew fashion Signs and Symptoms Rash. From 3 to 30 days after an infected tick bite, an expanding red area might appear that sometimes clears in the center, forming a bull'&s-eye pattern. The rash (erythema migrans) expands slowly over days and can spread to 12 inches (30 centimeters) across. It is typically not itchy or painful. Erythema migrans is one of the hallmarks of Lyme disease. Some people develop this rash at more than one place on their bodies. Flu-like symptoms. Fever, chills, fatigue, body aches and a headache may accompany the rash. Later signs and symptoms If untreated, Erythema migrans appearing in other areas of your body. Joint pain. Bouts of severe joint pain and swelling are especially likely to affect your knees, but the pain can shift from one joint to another. Neurological problems. Weeks, months or even years after infection, you might develop inflammation of the membranes surrounding your brain (meningitis), temporary paralysis of one side of your face (Bell's palsy), numbness or weakness in your limbs, and impaired muscle movement. Signs and symptoms caused by the bacterium Borrelia mayonii may also include: Nausea and vomiting Diffuse rashes (rather than a single bull's-eye rash commonly associated with Lyme disease) Less common signs and symptoms Several weeks after infection, Heart problems, such as an irregular heartbeat. Heart problems rarely last more than a few days or weeks. Eye inflammation. Liver inflammation (hepatitis). Severe fatigue. Diagnosis Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) test. The test used most often to detect Lyme disease, ELISA detects antibodies to B. burgdorferi. But because it can sometimes provide false-positive results, it's not used as the sole basis for diagnosis. This test might not be positive during the early stage of Lyme disease, but the rash is distinctive enough to make the diagnosis without further testing in people who live in areas infested with ticks that transmit Lyme disease. Western blot test. If the ELISA test is positive, this test is usually done to confirm the diagnosis. In this two-step approach, the Western blot detects antibodies to several proteins of B. burgdorferi. Transmission The Lyme disease bacterium, Borrelia burgdorferi, is spread through the bite of infected ticks. The blacklegged tick (or deer tick, Ixodes scapularis) spreads the disease in the northeastern, mid-Atlantic, and north-central United States. Treatment Oral antibiotics. These are the standard treatment for early-stage Lyme disease. These usually include doxycycline for adults and children older than 8, or amoxicillin or cefuroxime for adults, younger children, and pregnant or breast-feeding women. A 14- to 21-day course of antibiotics is usually recommended, but some studies suggest that courses lasting 10 to 14 days are equally effective. Intravenous antibiotics. If the disease involves the central nervous system, your doctor might recommend treatment with an intravenous antibiotic for 14 to 28 days. This is effective in eliminating infection, although it may take you some time to recover from your symptoms. Intravenous antibiotics can cause various side effects, including a lower white blood cell count, mild to severe diarrhea, or colonization or infection with other antibiotic-resistant organisms unrelated to Lyme.

Pseudomonas Infection Integumentary System Disease

Causative Agent The graphical representation of no. of patient verses microorganism conclude that the common causative agent is Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The second most common organism found is staph aureus. It is gram negative organism also effected to immunocompromized patient. Signs and Symptoms Signs and Symptoms: Common signs and symptoms of pseudomonas pneumonia include shortness of breath, fever, chills, increased heart rate, decrease appetite, malaise, systemic inflammatory response, productive cough, increase sputum production that may have a yellow-green pigment, is thick, and usually foul smelling. Blood A bacterial infection of the blood is called bacteremia. A blood infection is one of the most severe infections caused by pseudomonas. Symptoms may include: fever chills fatigue muscle and joint pain Bacteremia with pseudomonas can also cause very low blood pressure, known as hemodynamic shock, which can lead to failure of other organs including the heart, kidneys, and liver. Lungs Infection of the lungs is called pneumonia. Symptoms include: chills fever cough with or without sputum production difficulty breathing Skin When this bacterium infects the skin, it most often affects the hair follicles. This is called folliculitis. Symptoms may include: redness of the skin abscess formation in the skin draining wounds Ear An external ear canal infection may sometimes be caused by pseudomonas and result in "swimmer's ear." Symptoms may include: swelling ear pain itching inside the ear discharge from the ear difficulty hearing Eye Symptoms of an eye infection may include: inflammation pus pain swelling redness impaired vision Pseudomonas infections can be very aggressive, particularly infections in the lungs or skin. Diagnosis Doctors diagnose Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections by taking a sample of blood or other body fluids and sending it to a laboratory to grow (culture) and identify the bacteria. Tests to determine which antibiotics are likely to be effective (susceptibility tests) are also done. Transmission Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a common inhabitant of soil, water, vegetation, and animals. Transmission occurs from patient to patient on the hands of healthcare workers, by patient contact with contaminated reservoirs, and by the ingestion of contaminated materials. Treatment Antibiotics are the best option to treat Pseudomonas or other bacterial infections. Most minor Pseudomonas infections resolve either without treatment or after minimal treatment. If symptoms are mild or nonexistent, it is not necessary to treat the infection. In the case of swimmer's ear, rinsing the ear with vinegar can help. A doctor may also prescribe an antibiotic called polymyxin. Doctors usually treat urinary tract infections with an oral antibiotic, such as levofloxacin or ciprofloxacin. Eye infections from Pseudomonas bacteria are relatively rare. When they do arise, doctors can treat them with antibiotic drops. In severe cases, doctors may use a particular procedure to inject antibiotics directly into the eye

Peptic Ulcers Digestive System Disease

Causative Agent The most common causes of peptic ulcers are infection with the bacterium Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) and long-term use of aspirin and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (Advil, Aleve, others). Signs and Symptoms Bloated feeling Burping Lack of appetite or weight loss Nausea Bloody or dark poop Vomiting Burning stomach pain Feeling of fullness, bloating or belching Fatty food intolerance Heartburn Nausea Less often, ulcers may cause severe symptoms Vomiting or vomiting blood — which may appear red or black Dark blood in stools, or stools that are black or tarry Trouble breathing Feeling faint Nausea or vomiting Unexplained weight loss Appetite changes Diagnosis Endoscopy (EGD): A thin, lighted tube is inserted through your mouth and into the stomach and the first part of the small intestine. This test is used to look for ulcers, bleeding, and any tissue that looks abnormal. Endoscopic biopsy: A piece of stomach tissue is removed so it can be analyzed in a lab. Transmission The stomach ulcer bacterium Helicobacter pylori is not transmitted through drinking water as previously thought, but rather through vomit and possibly feces. Transmission. H. pylori is commonly transmitted person-to-person by saliva. The bacteria can also be spread by fecal contamination of food or water. In developing countries, a combination of untreated water, crowded conditions, and poor hygiene contributes to higher H. pylori prevalence.. Antibiotic medications to kill H. pylori. If H. pylori is found in your digestive tract, your doctor may recommend a combination of antibiotics to kill the bacterium. These may include amoxicillin (Amoxil), clarithromycin (Biaxin), metronidazole (Flagyl), tinidazole (Tindamax), tetracycline (Tetracycline HCL) and levofloxacin (Levaquin). Medications that block acid production and promote healing. Proton pump inhibitors — also called PPIs — reduce stomach acid by blocking the action of the parts of cells that produce acid. These drugs include the prescription and over-the-counter medications omeprazole (Prilosec), lansoprazole (Prevacid), rabeprazole (Aciphex), esomeprazole (Nexium) and pantoprazole (Protonix). Long-term use of proton pump inhibitors, particularly at high doses, may increase your risk of hip, wrist and spine fracture. Ask your doctor whether a calcium supplement may reduce this risk. Medications to reduce acid production. Acid blockers — also called histamine (H-2) blockers — reduce the amount of stomach acid released into your digestive tract, which relieves ulcer pain and encourages healing. Available by prescription or over-the-counter, acid blockers include the medications ranitidine (Zantac), famotidine (Pepcid), cimetidine (Tagamet HB) and nizatidine (Axid AR). Antacids that neutralize stomach acid. Your doctor may include an antacid in your drug regimen. Antacids neutralize existing stomach acid and can provide rapid pain relief. Side effects can include constipation or diarrhea, depending on the main ingredients. Antacids can provide symptom relief, but generally aren't used to heal your ulcer. Medications that protect the lining of your stomach and small intestine. In some cases, your doctor may prescribe medications called cytoprotective agents that help protect the tissues that line your stomach and small intestine. Options include the prescription medications sucralfate (Carafate) and misoprostol (Cytotec).

Lymphangitis Cardiovascular System Disease

Lymphangitis: is defined as an inflammation of the lymphatic channels that occurs as a result of infection at a site distal to the channel. Causative Agent In the United States, acute lymphangitis is most commonly due to group A streptococci, and chronic lymphangitis is usually caused by S. schenckii The most common cause of lymphangitis in humans is Streptococcus pyogenes (Group A strep), although it can also be caused by the fungus Sporothrix schenckii Signs and Symptoms Fever and chills Enlarged and tender lymph nodes (glands) -- usually in the elbow, armpit, or groin General ill feeling (malaise) Headache Loss of appetite Muscle aches Red streaks from the infected area to the armpit or groin (may be faint or obvious) Throbbing pain along the affected area Diagnosis The doctor will perform a physical exam, which includes feeling your lymph nodes and examining your skin. The doctor may look for signs of injury around swollen lymph nodes. A biopsy and culture of the affected area may reveal the cause of the inflammation. A blood culture may be done to see if the infection has spread to the blood. To diagnose lymphangitis, your doctor will perform a physical exam. They'll feel your lymph nodes to check for swelling. Your doctor may also order tests such as a biopsy to reveal the cause of the swelling or a blood culture to see if the infection is present in your blood. Transmission Epizootic lymphangitis is a contagious disease which can infect humans. The mode of transmission of the disease is not well established. Direct contact with infective materials through injured skin or through cutaneous abrasions is the most common mode of infection. Treatment Antibiotics by mouth or IV (vein) to treat any infection Pain medicine to control pain Anti-inflammatory medicines to reduce inflammation and swelling Warm, moist compresses to reduce inflammation and pain Surgery may be needed to drain an abscess.

Bacteremia Cardiovascular System Disease

Bacteremia: is the presence of bacteria in the bloodstream. Causative Agent Gram positive bacteria are an increasingly important cause of bacteremia. Staphylococcus aureus is the most common cause of healthcare-associated bacteremia in North and South America and is also an important cause of community-acquired bacteremia. There are many different types of streptococcal species that can cause bacteremia. Enterococci are an important cause of healthcare-associated bacteremia. These bacteria commonly live in the gastrointestinal tract and female genital tract. Intravenous catheters, urinary tract infections and surgery. Signs and Symptoms Some patients are asymptomatic or have only mild fever. Development of symptoms such as tachypnea, shaking chills, persistent fever, altered sensorium, hypotension, and GI symptoms (abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) suggests sepsis or septic shock. Septic shock develops in 25 to 40% of patients with significant bacteremia. Sustained bacteremia may cause metastatic focal infection or sepsis. Diagnosis Cultures If bacteremia, sepsis, or septic shock is suspected, cultures of blood and any other appropriate specimens are obtained. Transmission Bacteremia (also bacteraemia) is the presence of bacteria in the blood. ... Bacteria can also spread via the blood to other parts of the body (which is called hematogenous spread), causing infections away from the original site of infection, such as endocarditis or osteomyelitis. Treatment Antibiotics In patients with suspected bacteremia, empiric antibiotics are given after appropriate cultures are obtained. Early treatment of bacteremia with an appropriate antimicrobial regimen appears to improve survival. Continuing therapy involves adjusting antibiotics according to the results of culture and susceptibility testing, surgically draining any abscesses, and usually removing any internal devices that are the suspected source of bacteria.

Histoplasmosis Respiratory System Disease

Causative Agent Histoplasma contains a few species, including—Histoplasma capsulatum—the causative agent of histoplasmosis; and Histoplasma capsulatum var. farciminosum (old term, Histoplasma farciminosum), causing epizootic lymphangitis in horses. Signs and Symptoms Chest pain Chills Cough Fever Joint pain and stiffness Muscle aches and stiffness Rash (usually small sores on the lower legs) Shortness of breath Liver and spleen enlargement Dimorphic can go yeast or mold at. Body temp it is yeast. Diagnosis The most common way that healthcare providers test for histoplasmosis is by taking a blood sample or a urine sample and sending it to a laboratory. Healthcare providers may do imaging tests such as chest x-rays or CT scans of your lungs. Transmission Histoplasmosis is most commonly transmitted when these spores become airborne, often during cleanup or demolition projects. Soil contaminated by bird or bat droppings also can transmit histoplasmosis, so farmers and landscapers are at a higher risk of contracting the disease. Nitrogen rich soil Treatment Itraconazole is one type of antifungal medication that's commonly used to treat histoplasmosis. Depending on the severity of the infection and the person's immune status, the course of treatment can range from 3 months to 1 year. Fluconazole (Diflucan), and amphotericin B (Ambisome, Amphotec; drug of choice for severe disease) are antifungal drugs that treat histoplasmosis.

Poliomyelitis Nervous System Disease

Causative Agent Poliovirus, the causative agent of poliomyelitis (commonly known as polio), is a human enterovirus and member of the family of Picornaviridae. Poliovirus is composed of an RNA genome and a protein capsid. The genome is a single-stranded positive-sense RNA genome that is about 7500 nucleotides long. Signs and Symptoms Nonparalytic polio Signs and symptoms, which can last up to 10 days, include: Fever Sore throat Headache Vomiting Fatigue Back pain or stiffness Neck pain or stiffness Pain or stiffness in the arms or legs Muscle weakness or tenderness Paralytic polio Loss of reflexes Severe muscle aches or weakness Loose and floppy limbs (flaccid paralysis) Post-polio syndrome Progressive muscle or joint weakness and pain Fatigue Muscle wasting (atrophy) Breathing or swallowing problems Sleep-related breathing disorders, such as sleep apnea Decreased tolerance of cold temperatures Diagnosis Poliovirus can be detected in specimens from the throat, and feces (stool), and occasionally cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), by isolating the virus in cell culture or by detecting the virus by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). CDC laboratories conduct testing for poliovirus including: Culture Intratypic differentiation Genome sequencing Serology Transmission Poliovirus only infects humans. It is very contagious and spreads through person-to-person contact. The virus lives in an infected person's throat and intestines. It enters the body through the mouth and spreads through contact with the feces (poop) of an infected person and, though less common, through droplets from a sneeze or cough. You can get infected with poliovirus if you have feces on your hands and you touch your mouth. Also, you can get infected if you put in your mouth objects like toys that are contaminated with feces (poop). Treatment The most common supportive treatments include: bed rest painkillers antispasmodic drugs to relax muscles antibiotics for urinary tract infections portable ventilators to help with breathing physical therapy or corrective braces to help with walking heating pads or warm towels to ease muscle aches and spasms physical therapy to treat pain in the affected muscles physical therapy to address breathing and pulmonary problems pulmonary rehabilitation to increase lung endurance

Tetanus Nervous System Disease

Causative Agent The causative agent of tetanus disease is Clostridium tetani, an anaerobic spore-forming bacterium, whose natural habitat is soil, dust, and intestinal tracts of various animals. Signs and Symptoms Spasms and stiffness in your jaw muscles (trismus) Stiffness of your neck muscles Difficulty swallowing Stiffness of your abdominal muscles Painful body spasms lasting for several minutes, typically triggered by minor occurrences, such as a draft, loud noise, physical touch or light Possible other signs and symptoms include: Fever Sweating Elevated blood pressure Rapid heart rate Diagnosis Doctors diagnose tetanus based on a physical exam, medical and immunization history, and the signs and symptoms of muscle spasms, stiffness and pain. Laboratory tests generally aren't helpful for diagnosing tetanus. Transmission The spores can get into the body through broken skin, usually through injuries from contaminated objects. Certain breaks in the skin are more likely to get infected with tetanus bacteria. These include: Wounds contaminated with dirt, poop (feces), or spit (saliva) Wounds caused by an object puncturing the skin (puncture wounds), like a nail or needle Burns Crush injuries Injuries with dead tissue Treatment Antitoxin. Your doctor may give you a tetanus antitoxin, such as tetanus immune globulin. However, the antitoxin can neutralize only toxin that hasn't yet bonded to nerve tissue. Antibiotics. Your doctor may also give you antibiotics, either orally or by injection, to fight tetanus bacteria. Vaccine. All people with tetanus should receive the tetanus vaccine as soon as they're diagnosed with the condition. Sedatives. Doctors generally use powerful sedatives to control muscle spasms. Other drugs. Other medications, such as magnesium sulfate and certain beta blockers, might be used to regulate involuntary muscle activity, such as your heartbeat and breathing. Morphine might be used for this purpose as well as sedation.

Trachoma Nervous System Disease

Causative Agent The etiological agent of Trachoma is an obligate intracellular parasite, the Chlamydia trachomatis bacteria. Signs and Symptoms Usually affects both eyes and may include: Mild itching and irritation of the eyes and eyelids Discharge from the eyes containing mucus or pus Eyelid swelling Light sensitivity (photophobia) Eye pain Diagnosis bacteriologic and other tests available, trachoma is commonly diagnosed by examining the eyes and eyelids of the patient. In the rare cases seen in developed countries, the diagnosis is usually by the ophthalmologist. Transmission The infection is transmitted through contact with eye and nose discharge of infected people, particularly young children who harbour the principal reservoir of infection If equipment is available, the vision is measured and the eye is inspected with a slit lamp (biomicroscope), with which characteristic changes in the lids, tear film, conjunctiva, and cornea can more easily be seen Treatment In the early stages of trachoma, treatment with antibiotics alone may be enough to eliminate the infection. Your doctor may prescribe tetracycline eye ointment or oral azithromycin (Zithromax). Azithromycin appears to be more effective than tetracycline, but it's more expensive. Surgery Treatment of later stages of trachoma — including painful eyelid deformities — may require surgery. In eyelid rotation surgery (bilamellar tarsal rotation), your doctor makes an incision in your scarred lid and rotates your eyelashes away from your cornea. The procedure limits the progression of corneal scarring and may help prevent further loss of vision. If your cornea has become clouded enough to seriously impair your vision, corneal transplantation may be an option that may improve vision. Frequently, however, with trachoma, this procedure doesn't have good results. You may have a procedure to remove eyelashes (epilation) in some cases. This procedure may need to be done repeatedly. Another temporary option, if surgery isn't an available option, is to place an adhesive bandage over your eyelashes to keep them from touching your eye.

Streptococcal Respiratory System Disease

Causative Agent The most significant streptococcal pathogen is S. pyogenes, which is beta-hemolytic and in Lancefield group A and is thus denoted as group A beta-hemolytic streptococci (GABHS). Signs and Symptoms Throat pain that usually comes on quickly Painful swallowing Red and swollen tonsils, sometimes with white patches or streaks of pus Tiny red spots on the area at the back of the roof of the mouth (soft or hard palate) Swollen, tender lymph nodes in your neck Fever Headache Rash Nausea or vomiting, especially in younger children Body aches Diagnosis For strep throat, rapid tests and/or culture of a sample taken from the throat For cellulitis and impetigo, often a doctor's evaluation For necrotizing fasciitis, an imaging test (such as CT), culture, and often exploratory surgery Different streptococcal diseases are diagnosed differently. Doctors suspect strep throat based on the following: Fever Enlarged and tender lymph nodes in the neck Pus in or on the tonsils Absence of cough Transmission Streptococcal bacteria are highly contagious. They can spread through airborne droplets when someone with the infection coughs or sneezes, or through shared food or drinks. You can also pick up the bacteria from a doorknob or other surface and transfer them to your nose, mouth or eyes. Treatment Treated with oral antibiotics (for example, penicillin v [Pen-Vee-K, Veetids], amoxicillin [Amoxil, Dispermox, Trimox], cephalosporins; if allergic to penicillins, erythromycin [E-Mycin, Eryc, Ery-Tab, Pce, Pediazole, Ilosone], azithromycin [Zithromax, Zmax]). Some third-generation cephalosporins (for example, ceftriaxone [Rocephin]), given IV or IM, followed by oral antibiotics are useful to treat mild to moderate infections. However, invasive group A strep infections require a more aggressive treatment approach. High doses of penicillin, together with clindamycin (Cleocin) by sequential IV administration, are often recommended. Some investigators suggest adding immune globulin to the multi-antibiotic treatment.

African Sleeping Sickness Nervous System Disease

Causative Agent African trypanosomiasis, also known as sleeping sickness, is an insect-borne parasitic disease of humans and other animals. It is caused by protozoa of the species Trypanosoma brucei. There are two types that infect humans, Trypanosoma brucei gambiense (TbG) and Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense (TbR). Signs and Symptoms Following the bite of the infected fly (both male and female can transmit infection), the parasite multiplies in the lymph and the blood of the person bitten, causing unspecific symptoms and signs such as headaches, fever, weakness, pain in the joints, lymphadenopathy, and stiffness. It causes various neurological changes which include the sleep disorder (hence the name "sleeping sickness"), deep sensory disturbances, abnormal tone and mobility, ataxia, psychiatric disorders, seizures, coma and ultimately death. Diagnosis Diagnosis of the stage of disease is a necessary step to complete a diagnosis of HAT and is vital for appropriate treatment. HAT progresses in two stages. Diagnosis requires confirming the presence of the parasite in any body fluid, usually in the blood and lymph system. Early diagnosis is difficult because of the lack of specific signs or symptoms in the first stage of the disease and also because of the lack of sensitivity of the parasitological methods available. Transmission It is transmitted by the tsetse fly (Glossina species), which is found only in rural Africa. Although the infection is not found in the United States, historically, it has been a serious public health problem in some regions of sub-Saharan Africa. Treatment Pentamidine, which is the recommended drug for first stage T. b. gambiense infection, is widely available in the U.S. The other drugs (suramin, melarsoprol, eflornithine, and nifurtimox) used to treat African trypanosomiasis are available in the U.S. only from the CDC. There is no test of cure for African trypanosomiasis. After treatment patients need to have serial examinations of their cerebrospinal fluid for 2 years, so that relapse can be detected if it occurs.

Brucellosis Cardiovascular System Disease

Causative Agent Bacteria of the genus Brucella are the causative agents of brucellosis, a worldwide zoonosis that affects a broad range of mammals, including livestock and humans. Four species of brucella can cause human disease: B. melitensis, B. abortus, B. suis, and B. canis. Signs and Symptoms fever, fatigue, sweating, pain in the muscles, joints, and/or abdomen, pain in the back, loss of appetite, weight loss, cough, headache, and/or swollen lymph nodes. Diagnosis Doctors usually confirm a diagnosis of brucellosis by testing a sample of blood or bone marrow for the brucella bacteria or by testing blood for antibodies to the bacteria. To help detect complications of brucellosis, you may have additional tests, including: X-rays. X-rays can reveal changes in your bones and joints Tests will be performed to look for bacteria in samples of blood, bone marrow, or other body fluids. In addition, a blood test can be performed to detect antibodies against the bacteria. Transmission Brucellosis is transmitted from animals to humans in several ways. The most common route of transmission occurs when humans consume raw milk or cheese from infected sheep and goats. ... Brucellosis can also be transmitted to humans via inhalation of the organism or by direct contact with infected animal secretions. Or via scrapes an abrasions... Treatment Generally, the antibiotics doxycycline and rifampin are recommended in combination for a minimum of 6-8 weeks. commonly used to treat brucellosis include: doxycycline streptomycin ciprofloxacin or ofloxacin rifampin bactrim tetracycline You will generally be given doxycycline and rifampin a in combination for 6-8 weeks. You must take the antibiotics for many weeks to prevent the disease from returning. The rate of relapse following treatment is about 5-15% and usually occurs within the first six months after treatment. Recovery can take weeks, even months. Patients who receive treatment within one month of the start of symptomscan be cured of the disease.

Vaginal Candidiasis (Urinary and Reproductive) System Disease

Causative Agent Candidiasis is an infection caused by a yeast (a type of fungus) called Candida. Candida normally lives inside the body (in places such as the mouth, throat, gut, and vagina) and on skin without causing any problems. Sometimes Candida can multiply and cause an infection if the environment inside the vagina changes in a way that encourages its growth. Candidiasis in the vagina is commonly called a "vaginal yeast infection." Other names for this infection are "vaginal candidiasis," "vulvovaginal candidiasis," or "candidal vaginitis." Signs and Symptoms Vaginal itching or soreness Pain during sexual intercourse Pain or discomfort when urinating Abnormal vaginal discharge Although most vaginal candidiasis is mild, some women can develop severe infections involving redness, swelling, and cracks in the wall of the vagina. Diagnosis A laboratory test is usually needed to diagnose vaginal candidiasis because the symptoms are similar to those of other types of vaginal infections. A healthcare provider will usually diagnose vaginal candidiasis by taking a small sample of vaginal discharge to be examined under a microscope or sent to a laboratory for a fungal culture. However, a positive fungal culture does not always mean that Candida is causing the symptoms because some women can have Candida in the vagina without having any symptoms. Transmission Vaginal thrush is usually not spread from person to person and although sexual transmission is possible, it is unusual. Candida is therefore not regarded as a sexually transmitted infection (STI). Candidiasis or "yeast infection" is caused by a small fungus. Healthy women normally have small numbers of them in the vagina. Sometimes the numbers grow and cause such problems as vaginal itching, burning, a heavy, curdy, white discharge, and pain when having sex. Treatment Vaginal candidiasis is usually treated with antifungal medicine.3 For most infections, the treatment is an antifungal medicine applied inside the vagina or a single dose of fluconazole taken by mouth. For more severe infections, infections that don't get better, or keep coming back after getting better, other treatments might be needed. These treatments include more doses of fluconazole taken by mouth or other medicines applied inside the vagina such as boric acid, nystatin, or flucytosine.

Cytomegalovirus Cardiovascular System Disease

Causative Agent Causative agent. Human (beta) herpesvirus 5 (human CMV), a member of the subfamily Betaherpesvirus of the family Herpesviridae includes 4 major genotypes and many strains, although there often is cross-antigenicity among genotypes and strains. Signs and Symptoms Fatigue Low-grade fever (can last days or weeks) Chills and/or sweat Muscle aches Decreased appetite Enlarged lymph nodes Sore throat Headache Diagnosis A blood test to detect the antibodies will be positive if the person has had a CMV infection. ... They may also be done to diagnose a congenital CMV infection if CMV is detected in a newborn's urine, saliva, blood, or other body tissues within two to three weeks after birth. Transmission People with CMV may pass the virus in body fluids, such as saliva, urine, blood, tears, semen, and breast milk. CMV is spread from an infected person in the following ways: From direct contact with saliva or urine, especially from babies and young children. ... Through transplanted organs and blood transfusions. Treatment Treatment generally isn't necessary for healthy children and adults. Healthy adults who develop CMV mononucleosis generally recover without medication. But newborns and people with compromised immune systems need treatment when they're having signs and symptoms of CMV infection. The type of treatment depends on the signs and symptoms and their severity. The most common treatment is antiviral medications. They can slow reproduction of the virus, but can't eliminate it. Researchers are studying new medications and vaccines to treat and prevent CMV.

Chlamydia Infections (Urinary and Reproductive) System Disease

Causative Agent Chlamydia trachomatis is the most common causative agent of bacterial sexually transmitted disease, being responsible for an estimated 90 million new cases per year worldwide, and is also a leading cause of blindness. Signs and Symptoms pain or burning while peeing pain during sex lower belly pain abnormal vaginal discharge (may be yellowish and have a strong smell) bleeding between periods pus or a watery/milky discharge from the penis swollen or tender testicles pain, discharge and/or bleeding around the anus Diagnosis A sample of your urine analyzed in the laboratory may indicate the presence of this infection. A swab. For women, your doctor takes a swab of the discharge from your cervix for culture or antigen testing for chlamydia. This can be done during a routine Pap test Transmission Chlamydia is passed primarily during anal or vaginal sex. It is less likely to be transmitted through oral sex. It can be passed when the mucous membrane, the soft skin covering all the openings of the body, comes into contact with the mucous membrane secretions or semen of an infected person. Treatment Chlamydia can be easily cured with antibiotics. HIV-positive persons with chlamydia should receive the same treatment as those who are HIV-negative. Persons with chlamydia should abstain from sexual activity for 7 days after single dose antibiotics or until completion of a 7-day course of antibiotics, to prevent spreading the infection to partners. A single dose of azithromycin or taking doxycycline twice daily for 7 to 14 days are the most common treatments and are the same for those with or without HIV.

Plaque Cardiovascular System Disease

Causative Agent Cholesterol plaques from atherosclerosis cause the three main kinds of cardiovascular disease: Coronary artery disease -- Stable cholesterol plaques in the heart's arteries can cause no symptoms or can cause chest pain called angina. Sudden cholesterol plaque rupture and clotting causes blocked arteries Plaque build-up in arteries is, unfortunately, a natural part of living. Even children and adolescents have early evidence of the process. However, diet and other lifestyle factors play an important role. High blood pressure, high LDL cholesterol and smoking can all worsen atherosclerosis. High blood pressure and the toxins in tobacco products damage the smooth inner lining of the artery, called the endothelium. These and other causes of inflammation of the artery lining contribute to cholesterol and other materials embedding in the artery wall to form plaques. Additionally, some people are predisposed to having atherosclerosis. A genetic condition called familial hypercholesterolemia causes some people to have abnormally very high LDL cholesterol levels in the bloodstream. Signs and Symptoms Chest pain Shortness of breath Heart palpitations Weakness or dizziness Nausea Sweating Diagnosis Cholesterol screening Chest X-ray CT scan Ultrasound Echocardiogram and/or cardiac stress test Electrocardiogram MRI or PET scanning Angiogram Transmission Builds up deposits Treatment Eating a diet low in saturated fats and cholesterol, with less sugars and simple carbohydrates, and rich in fruits and vegetables Maintaining a healthy body weight Not smoking Exercising regularly Managing stress levels Keeping blood pressure and cholesterol down Maintaining low blood sugars 2. Surgical or interventional procedures. In some instances, surgery may be necessary to treat clogged arteries and prevent additional arterial plaque accumulation. These procedures may include: Stent placement. A small tube called a stent, which may contain medication, can be placed in an artery to maintain adequate blood flow. A catheter is used through the artery of the leg to reach the heart, and a stent is put in place through the catheter in the area of the blockage. Bypass surgery. In this operation, arteries from other parts of the body are moved to bypass clogged arteries and help oxygen-rich blood reach its target destination. Balloon angioplasty. This procedure helps open clogged arteries that have become partially or fully blocked by opening up the blockage with a device that pushes the plaque to the side walls of the arteries.

Herpes Integumentary System Disease

Causative Agent Herpes is a long-term condition caused by the herpes simplex virus HSV1 and HSV2 Signs and Symptoms burning when you pee if your urine touches the herpes sores having trouble peeing because the sores and swelling are blocking your urethra itching pain around your genitals If your genital herpes is caused by HSV-2, you might also have flu-like symptoms, such as: swollen glands in your pelvic area, throat, and under your arms fever chills headache feeling achy and tired Diagnosis Your doctor usually can diagnose genital herpes based on a physical exam and the results of certain laboratory tests: Viral culture. This test involves taking a tissue sample or scraping of the sores for examination in the laboratory. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test. Transmission HSV-1 is usually passed from person to person by kissing. HSV-1 can also spread from the mouth to the genitals during oral sex (fellatio, cunnilingus, analingus). If this happens, it becomes a case of genital herpes. HSV-2 is most often passed by vaginal sex and anal sex. But just as HSV-1 can infect the genitals and cause genital herpes, HSV-2 can pass from one person's genitals to another person's mouth, resulting in oral herpes. HSV-2 cannot survive long on a non-living surface, so there is no real risk of getting it from a toilet seat or hot tub, for example. Treatment Treatment with antiviral drugs can help people who are bothered by genital herpes outbreaks stay symptom-free longer There are three major drugs commonly used to treat genital herpes symptoms: acyclovir (Zovirax), famciclovir (Famvir), and valacyclovir (Valtrex). These are all taken in pill form. Severe cases may be treated with the intravenous (IV) drug acyclovir.

Chicken Pox and Shingles Integumentary System Disease

Causative Agent Infectious agent of chickenpox or shingles. The causative agent is called human herpesvirus 3 (HHV-3) or varicella zoster virus (VZV). Signs and Symptoms Fever Loss of appetite Headache Tiredness and a general feeling of being unwell (malaise) Once the chickenpox rash appears, it goes through three phases: Raised pink or red bumps (papules), which break out over several days Small fluid-filled blisters (vesicles), forming from the raised bumps over about one day before breaking and leaking Crusts and scabs, which cover the broken blisters and take several more days to heal New bumps continue to appear for several days. As a result, you may have all three stages of the rash — bumps, blisters and scabbed lesions — at the same time on the second day of the rash. Once infected, you can spread the virus for up to 48 hours before the rash appears, and you remain contagious until all spots crust over. Diagnosis Chickenpox diagnosis. You or your child should not usually need any medical tests to diagnose chickenpox. You can be pretty sure that it is chickenpox if there are the key symptoms of a mild fever followed by an itchy rash, blisters and scabs. Doctors generally diagnose chickenpox based on the telltale rash. If there's any doubt about the diagnosis, chickenpox can be confirmed with laboratory tests, including blood tests or a culture of lesion samples. Transmission Chickenpox is a highly contagious disease. It is transmitted from person to person by direct contact (touching the rash), droplet or air born spread (coughing and sneezing) of vesicle fluid or secretions of the respiratory tract of cases or of vesicle fluid of patients with herpes Zoster. Treatment Otherwise healthy children, chickenpox typically requires no medical treatment. Your doctor may prescribe an antihistamine to relieve itching. But for the most part, the disease is allowed to run its course. For people who have a high risk of complications from chickenpox, doctors sometimes prescribe medications to shorten the duration of the infection and to help reduce the risk of complications. If you or your child falls into a high-risk group, your doctor may suggest an antiviral drug such as acyclovir (Zovirax) or another drug called immune globulin intravenous (Privigen). These medications may lessen the severity of the disease when given within 24 hours after the rash first appears. Other antiviral drugs, such as valacyclovir (Valtrex) and famciclovir (Famvir), also may lessen the severity of the disease, but may not be approved or appropriate for all cases. In some instances, your doctor may recommend getting the chickenpox vaccine after exposure to the virus. This can prevent the disease or lessen its severity.

Folliculitis Integumentary System Disease

Causative Agent Inflammation of the hair follicle There are various infectious and non-infectious causes of folliculitis, and the most common causative agent is Staphylococcus aureus. In addition, several Gram-negative bacterial, fungal, parasitic, and viral pathogens can cause follicular papules and pustules. Signs and Symptoms Clusters of small red bumps or white-headed pimples that develop around hair follicles Pus-filled blisters that break open and crust over Itchy, burning skin Painful, tender skin A large swollen bump or mass Diagnosis Your doctor is likely to diagnose folliculitis by looking at your skin and reviewing your medical history. He or she may use a technique for microscopic examination of the skin (dermoscopy). If initial treatments don't clear up your infection, your doctor may use a swab to take a sample of your infected skin or hair. Transmission Although most folliculitis is not contagious, folliculitis caused by an infectious agents may be transmitted through person-to-person skin contact, shared razors, or through Jacuzzis or hot tubs. It is possible to give the infection to someone else through close skin contact. Treatment Antibiotics Stops the growth of or kills bacteria. Penicillin antibiotic Stops growth of or kills specific bacteria. Topical antiseptic Destroys or prevents the grow Avoid shaving affected area Shaving can irritate skin. Antibacterial soap Cleanses skin and reduces risk of infection. Warm compress Soothes painful muscles or joints and can help drain skin infections. Moisturizer Hydrates and protects skin from damage. Primary care provider (PCP) Prevents, diagnoses, and treats diseases. Dermatologist Focuses on disorders of skin, nails, and hair.

Necrotizing Fasciitis Integumentary System Disease

Causative Agent Necrotizing fasciitis, or the "flesh eating bacteria, is a skin disease which can be caused by several bacteria, but the most common and deadly causative agent is Streptococcus pyogenes, or group A streptococcus, from here on denoted as GAS. Aeromonas hydrophila Clostridium E. coli Klebsiella Staphylococcus aureus Signs and Symptoms The first symptoms of necrotizing fasciitis may not seem serious. Your skin may become warm and red, and you may feel as if you've pulled a muscle. You may even feel like you simply have the flu. You can also develop a painful, red bump, which is typically small. However, the red bump doesn't stay small. The pain will become worse, and the affected area will grow quickly. There may be oozing from the infected area, or it may become discolored as it decays. Blisters, bumps, black dots, or other skin lesions might appear. In the early stages of the infection, the pain will be much worse than it looks. Other symptoms of necrotizing fasciitis include: fatigue weakness fever with chills and sweating nausea vomiting dizziness infrequent urination Diagnosis Finger Test and Biopsy. The finger test should be used in the diagnosis of patients who present with necrotizing fasciitis. The area of suspected involvement is first infiltrated with local anesthesia. A 2-cm incision is made in the skin down to the deep fascia.Nov Transmission Necrotizing fasciitis (NECK-re-tie-zing FASH-e-i-tis) is a rare bacterial infection that spreads quickly in the body and can cause death. ... Once in the body, the bacteria spread quickly and destroy the tissue they infect. Media reports often call them "flesh eating bacteria. Treatment Since necrotizing fasciitis can spread so rapidly, patients often must get surgery done very quickly. Doctors also give strong antibiotics through a needle into a vein (IV antibiotics) to try to stop the infection. Sometimes, however, antibiotics cannot reach all of the infected areas because the bacteria have killed too much tissue and reduced blood flow. When this happens, doctors have to surgically remove the dead tissue. Sometimes doctors have to remove the infected limb (e.g., leg, foot, arm) to stop the infection from spreading further. It is not unusual for someone with necrotizing fasciitis to end up needing multiple surgeries.

Spotted Fever Rickettsiosis (Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever-most severe) Integumentary System Disease

Causative Agent Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF) is the most common rickettsial infection and the second most commonly reported tick-borne disease (after Lyme disease) in the United States. ... The causative agent is Rickettsia rickettsii (named after Howard T. Ricketts, the discoverer of the organism). Signs and Symptoms Fever Headache Rash Nausea Vomiting Stomach pain Muscle pain Lack of appetite Rash Rash is a common sign in people who are sick with RMSF. Rash usually develops 2-4 days after fever begins. The look of the rash can vary widely over the course of illness. Some rashes can look like red splotches and some look like pinpoint dots. While almost all patients with RMSF will develop a rash, it often does not appear early in illness, which can make RMSF difficult to diagnose. Diagnosis The signs and symptoms of RMSF are similar to those of many other diseases. See your health care provider if you develop any of the signs or symptoms of RMSF. Be sure to tell your health care provider if you become ill and have recently been bitten by a tick or have spent time in areas where ticks may be found. Your health care provider may order certain blood tests to look for evidence of RMSF. The results of these tests can take weeks. If your health care provider thinks your illness might be RMSF, he or she should recommend antibiotic treatment before test results are available. Transmission Rocky Mountain spotted fever is a serious tickborne illness which can be deadly if not treated early. It is spread by several species of ticks in the United States, including the American dog tick (Dermacentor variabilis) Rocky Mountain spotted fever is spread by the bite of an infected tick (the American dog tick or the lone-star tick) or by contamination of the skin with tick blood or feces. Person-to- person transmission does not occur. Treatment RMSF can be life-threatening. Early treatment with the antibiotic doxycycline can prevent death and severe illness. Doxycycline is the recommended antibiotic treatment for RMSF in adults and children of all ages.

Bacterial Gastroenteritis Digestive System Disease

Causative Agent Salmonella, Shigella, and Campylobacter species are the top three leading causes of bacterial diarrhea worldwide, followed closely by Aeromonas species. ... Organisms such as E coli and Clostridium species are normal enteric flora, pathogenic strains of which can cause gastroenteritis. yersinia, found in pork staphylococcus, found in dairy products, meat, and eggs shigella, found in water (often swimming pools) salmonella, found in meat, dairy products, and eggs campylobacter, found in meat and poultry E. coli, found in ground beef and salads Signs and Symptoms loss of appetite nausea and vomiting diarrhea abdominal pains and cramps blood in your stools fever Diagnosis Diagnosing bacterial gastroenteritis. Your doctor will ask questions about your illness and check for signs of dehydration and abdominal pain. To find out which bacteria is causing your infection, you may be required to provide a stool sample for analysis. Transmission In the developing world, especially sub-Saharan Africa and Asia, cholera is a common cause of gastroenteritis. This infection is usually transmitted by contaminated water or food. ... Staphylococcus aureus infectious diarrhea may also occur in those who have used antibiotics. Treatment for you have a milder case, you may be able to treat your illness at home. Try the following: Drink fluids regularly throughout the day, especially after bouts of diarrhea. Eat little and often, and include some salty foods. Consume foods or drinks with potassium, such as fruit juice and bananas. Don't take any medications without asking your doctor. Go to the hospital if you can't keep any fluids down. Bacterial gastroenteritis will often clear up on its own without any treatment. However, vomiting and diarrhea can cause dehydration, so it is important to stay hydrated. This is usually possible to achieve at home by drinking plenty of fluids, especially water. Vomiting and diarrhea can also cause the body to lose essential minerals such as sodium, potassium, and calcium. Eating soups or broths can replace both fluid and minerals. Fluid and mineral replacement solutions are also available at drug stores. If a person cannot keep fluids down or becomes too dehydrated, they may need to go to the hospital. There, a doctor will give them intravenous fluids and electrolytes. In severe cases of bacterial gastroenteritis, a doctor may prescribe antibiotics. Generally, people can treat the symptoms of bacterial gastroenteritis at home by: getting plenty of rest drinking enough fluids to stay hydrated eating small amounts of mineral-rich food at regular intervals avoiding dairy products, foods high in fiber, and fruit avoiding sports or soft drinks, or other drinks that are high in sugar

Staphylococcal Scalded Skin Syndrome Integumentary System Disease

Causative Agent Staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome (SSSS) is an illness characterised by red blistering skin that looks like a burn or scald, hence its name staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome. SSSS is caused by the release of two exotoxins (epidermolytic toxins A and B) from toxigenic strains of the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus. Signs and Symptoms SSSS usually starts with fever, irritability and widespread redness of the skin. Within 24-48 hours fluid-filled blisters form. These rupture easily, leaving an area that looks like a burn. fever irritability fatigue chills weakness lack of appetite conjunctivitis (an inflammation or infection of the clear lining that covers the white portion of the eyeball) You may also notice the appearance of a crusty sore. The sore typically appears in the diaper region or around the stump of the umbilical cord in newborns and on the face in children. In adults, it can appear anywhere. As the toxin gets released, you may also notice: red, tender skin, either limited to the entry point of the bacteria or widespread easily broken blisters peeling skin, which can come off in large sheets Diagnosis Diagnosis of SSSS is usually made via a clinical exam and a look at your medical history. Because the symptoms of SSSS can resemble those for other skin disorders such as bullous impetigo and certain forms of eczema, your doctor may perform a skin biopsy or take a culture to make a more definitive diagnosis. They may also order blood tests and tissue samples taken by swabbing the inside the throat and nose. Skin biopsy. A tiny sample of skin is taken and checked under a microscope. A frozen section can be done quickly to confirm the diagnosis. Cultures. These are simple tests to check for bacteria. Cultures may be done of the blood, urine, nose and throat, and skin. In newborns, a culture of the belly button may also be done. Transmission Staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome (SSSS) is an acute epidermolysis caused by a staphylococcal toxin. ... Epidemics may occur in nurseries, presumably transmitted by the hands of personnel who are in contact with an infected infant or who are nasal carriers of Staphylococcus aureus. Sporadic cases also occur. Treatment Prompt treatment with parenteral anti-staphylococcal antibiotics is essential. Most staphylococcal infections implicated in staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome have penicillinases and are resistant to penicillin. Penicillinase-resistant synthetic penicillins such as nafcillin or oxacillin should be started promptly.

Poxvirus Smallpox Integumentary System Disease

Causative Agent The Variola virus, which is the most virulent member of Genus Orthopoxvirus, is the causative agent of smallpox. It specifically infects humans. Signs and Symptoms high fever chills headache severe back pain abdominal pain vomiting Diagnosis These symptoms would go away within two to three days. Then the patient would feel better. However, just as the patient started to feel better, a rash would appear. The rash started on the face and then spread to the hands, forearms, and the main part of the body. The person would be highly contagious until the rash disappeared. Within two days of appearance, the rash would develop into abscesses that filled with fluid and pus. The abscesses would break open and scab over. The scabs would eventually fall off, leaving pit mark scars. Until the scabs fell off, the person remained contagious. Transmission The virus which causes smallpox is contagious and spreads through person-to- person contact and saliva droplets in an infected person's breath. It has an incubation period of between 7 and 17 days after exposure and only becomes infectious once the fever develops. A distinctive rash appears two to three days later. Treatment There's no treatment or cure for smallpox. A vaccine can prevent it. But the vaccine's side effect risk is too high to justify routine vaccination for people at low risk of exposure to the virus. There is no proven treatment for smallpox disease, but some antiviral drugs may help treat it or prevent it from getting worse. There also is a vaccine to protect people from smallpox. If there were a smallpox outbreak, health officials would use the smallpox vaccine to control it.

Infectious Mononucleosis Cardiovascular System Disease

Causative Agent The causative agent of infectious mononucleosis is "Epstein-Barr virus" (known as EBV or human herpes virus 4. Signs and Symptoms Fatigue Sore throat, perhaps a strep throat that doesn't get better with antibiotic use Fever Swollen lymph nodes in your neck and armpits Swollen tonsils Headache Skin rash Soft, swollen spleen Diagnosis Most adults have laboratory evidence (antibodies against the Epstein-Barr virus) indicative of a previous infection with EBV and are immune to further infection. The diagnosis of mono is confirmed by blood tests. Mono can cause liver inflammation (hepatitis) and enlargement of the spleen. Transmission Infectious mononucleosis (mono) is often called the kissing disease. The virus that causes mono is transmitted through saliva, so you can get it through kissing, but you can also be exposed through a cough or sneeze, or by sharing a glass or food utensils with someone who has mono. Treatment There's no specific therapy available to treat infectious mononucleosis. Antibiotics don't work against viral infections such as mono. Treatment mainly involves bed rest, good nutrition and drinking plenty of fluids. Medications Treating secondary infections. Occasionally, a streptococcal (strep) infection accompanies the sore throat of mononucleosis. You may also develop a sinus infection or an infection of your tonsils (tonsillitis). If so, you may need treatment with antibiotics for these accompanying bacterial infections.

Gonorrhea (Urinary and Reproductive) System Disease

Causative Agent The etiologic agent that is responsible for the disease Gonorrhea is Neisseria gonorrhoeae. The test most commonly used to correctly identify Neisseria gonorrhoeae is known as the Nucleic Acid Amplification Test (NAAT), also known as the molecular test. Signs and Symptoms Pain or burning feeling when you pee Abnormal discharge from the vagina that may be yellowish or bloody Bleeding between periods People with penises are more likely to have symptoms if they get gonorrhea. The symptoms usually begin within a week after they get the infection. These include: Yellow, white, or green discharge from your penis Pain or burning feeling when you pee Pain or swelling in your testicles Gonorrhea can also infect your anus if you have anal sex, or you may spread the infection to your anus from another part of your body (like by wiping after you go to the bathroom). Anal gonorrhea often doesn't have any symptoms. But signs of gonorrhea in your anus can include: Itching in or around your anus Discharge from your anus Pain when you poop Diagnosis Most of the time, urine can be used to test for gonorrhea. However, if you have had oral and/or anal sex, swabs may be used to collect samples from your throat and/or rectum. In some cases, a swab may be used to collect a sample from a man's urethra (urine canal) or a woman's cervix (opening to the womb). Transmission Gonorrhea is transmitted through sexual contact with the penis, vagina, mouth, or anus of an infected partner. Ejaculation does not have to occur for gonorrhea to be transmitted or acquired. Gonorrhea can also be spread perinatally from mother to baby during childbirth. People who have had gonorrhea and received treatment may be reinfected if they have sexual contact with a person infected with gonorrhea. Treatment Gonorrhea can be cured with the right treatment. CDC recommends dual therapy, or using two drugs, to treat gonorrhea - a single dose of 250mg of intramuscular ceftriaxone AND 1g of oral azithromycin. It is important to take all of the medication prescribed to cure gonorrhea. Medication for gonorrhea should not be shared with anyone. Although medication will stop the infection, it will not repair any permanent damage done by the disease

HPV (human papilloma virus) (Urinary and Reproductive) System Disease

Causative Agent The human papillomavirus, is a member of the Papillomaviridae family. This family consists of small, non-enveloped DNA viruses comprised of multiple genera. Papillomavirus obtained its name from the papillomas, or warts, they cause on epithelium of the body. subset of HPV types are the causative agents of cervical cancer, since 99% of tumors are positive for HPV DNA. Signs and Symptoms Genital warts. These appear as flat lesions, small cauliflower-like bumps or tiny stem-like protrusions. In women, genital warts appear mostly on the vulva but can also occur near the anus, on the cervix or in the vagina. In men, genital warts appear on the penis and scrotum or around the anus. Genital warts rarely cause discomfort or pain, though they may itch. Common warts. Common warts appear as rough, raised bumps and usually occur on the hands, fingers or elbows. In most cases, common warts are simply unsightly, but they can also be painful or susceptible to injury or bleeding. Plantar warts. Plantar warts are hard, grainy growths that usually appear on the heels or balls of your feet. These warts might cause discomfort. Flat warts. Flat warts are flat-topped, slightly raised lesions darker than your skin. They can appear anywhere, but children usually get them on the face and men tend to get them in the beard area. Women tend to get them on the legs. Diagnosis A vinegar solution is placed on the cervix. The solution turns abnormal cells that are infected with HPV white, so they can be seen more easily. HPV DNA test: This test looks directly for the genetic material (DNA) of the HPV within a sample of cells. The test can detect the type of HPV connected to cervical cancer. Transmission You can get HPV by having vaginal, anal, or oral sex with someone who has the virus. It is most commonly spread during vaginal or anal sex. HPV can be passed even when an infected person has no signs or symptoms. Anyone who is sexually active can get HPV, even if you have had sex with only one person. Treatment There is no treatment for the virus itself. However, there are treatments for the health problems that HPV can cause: Genital warts can be treated by your healthcare provider or with prescription medication. If left untreated, genital warts may go away, stay the same, or grow in size or number. Prevents Cancerous cells

Staphylococcal Toxic Shock Syndrome (Urinary and Reproductive) System Disease

Causative Agent The main causative agent of Toxic Shock Syndrome is Staphylococcus aureus. Another bacterium that can cause this disease is Streptococcus pyogenes but it is more uncommon. Staphylococcus aureus Streptococcus pyogenes Clostridium sordellii (C. sordellii) Signs and Symptoms A sudden high fever Low blood pressure (hypotension) Vomiting or diarrhea A rash resembling a sunburn, particularly on your palms and soles Confusion Muscle aches Redness of your eyes, mouth and throat Seizures Headaches Fever above 102 F Headache Fatigue Flat, red rash like a sunburn on most of your body Vomiting Diarrhea Muscle pain Redder than usual mouth, eyes, and vagina Bruising Low urine output Diagnosis Your doctor may make a diagnosis of toxic shock syndrome based on a physical examination and your symptoms. Additionally, your doctor may check your blood and urine for traces of Staphylococcus or Streptococcus bacteria. Your doctor may also do a blood test to check your liver and kidney function. Transmission Transmission: Toxic Shock Syndrome can not be transmitted from an infected person to an uninfected person. However, Staphylococcus aureus (the microbe that causes TSS) lives on the skin and in mucosal sites on the human body and can be transmitted by direct contact between people. Treatment Some people with the condition have to stay in the intensive care unit for several days so that medical staff can closely monitor them. Your doctor will most likely prescribe an intravenous (IV) antibiotic to help you fight the bacterial infection in your body. This will require the placement of a special IV line called a peripherally inserted intravenous catheter, or PICC line. You will receive 6-8 weeks of antibiotics at home. If this is the case, an infectious disease doctor will closely monitor you. Other treatment methods for toxic shock syndrome vary depending on the underlying cause. For example, if a vaginal sponge or tampon triggered toxic shock, your doctor may need to remove this foreign object from your body. If an open wound or surgical wound caused your toxic shock syndrome, the doctor will drain pus or blood from the wound to help clear up any infection. Other possible treatments include: medication to stabilize blood pressure IV fluids to fight dehydration gamma globulin injections to suppress inflammation and boost your body's immune system

Listeria Bacterial Food Poisoning Digestive System Disease

Causative Agent The major human pathogen in the genus Listeria is L. monocytogenes. It is usually the causative agent of the relatively rare bacterial disease listeriosis, an infection caused by eating food contaminated with the bacteria. The major human pathogen in the genus Listeria is L. monocytogenes. It is usually the causative agent of the relatively rare bacterial disease listeriosis, an infection caused by eating food contaminated with the bacteria. Signs and Symptoms Fever Muscle aches Nausea Diarrhea May take as long as 30 days or more before the first signs and symptoms of infection begin. If the listeria infection spreads to your nervous system Headache Stiff neck Confusion or changes in alertness Loss of balance Convulsions Symptoms during pregnancy and for newborns During pregnancy, a listeria infection is likely to cause only mild signs and symptoms in the mother. The consequences for the baby, however, may be devastating. The baby may die unexpectedly before birth or experience a life-threatening infection within the first few days after birth. As in adults, the signs and symptoms of a listeria infection in a newborn can be subtle, but may include: Little interest in feeding Irritability Fever Vomiting Diagnosis Diagnosis and Treatment. Listeriosis is usually diagnosed when a bacterial culture (a type of laboratory test) grows Listeria monocytogenes from a body tissue or fluid, such as blood, spinal fluid, or the placenta. Transmission Infected animals, even if they are not sick, may carry the bacteria, spread it, and contaminate foods. Listeria can be spread to people by several different methods. Eating food contaminated with the bacteria, such as through raw (unpasteurized) milk or contaminated vegetables, is often a source for cases. Treatment Treatment of listeria infection varies, depending on the severity of the signs and symptoms. Most people with mild symptoms require no treatment. More-serious infections can be treated with antibiotics. During pregnancy, prompt antibiotic treatment may help keep the infection from affecting the baby

Mumps Digestive System Disease

Causative Agent The mumps virus is part of the paramyxovirus family, a common cause of infection, especially in children. Mumps is caused by an organism called a paramyxovirus. Signs and Symptoms Swollen, painful salivary glands on one or both sides of your face (parotitis) Fever Headache Muscle aches Weakness and fatigue Loss of appetite Pain while chewing or swallowing Diagnosis If your doctor suspects that you or your child has mumps, a virus culture or a blood test may be needed. Your immune system normally makes antibodies to help you fight an infection. So if you have mumps, the blood test can detect the antibodies in your system that are fighting the mumps virus. Transmission Mumps is an airborne virus and can be spread by: an infected person coughing or sneezing and releasing tiny droplets of contaminated saliva, which can then be breathed in by another person. ... sharing utensils, such as cups, cutlery or plates with an infected person. Treatment Because mumps is a virus, it doesn't respond to antibiotics or other medications. However, you can treat the symptoms to make yourself more comfortable while you're sick. These include: Rest when you feel weak or tired. Take over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen, to bring down your fever. Soothe swollen glands by applying ice packs. Drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration due to fever. Eat a soft diet of soup, yogurt, and other foods that aren't hard to chew (chewing may be painful when your glands are swollen). Avoid acidic foods and beverages that may cause more pain in your salivary glands.

Cutaneous Mycoses (Fungal Infections) Integumentary System Disease

Causative Agent The organisms that cause these diseases are called dermatophytes. The resulting diseases are often called ringworm (even though there is no worm involved) or tinea. Cutaneous mycoses are caused by Microsporum, Trichophyton, and Epidermophyton fungi, which together comprise 41 species. Signs and Symptoms Red round or oval lesions, which may peel off the edges and the center fading. Pustules, eg. at the beard White deposits attached to the mucous membranes (mouth, genitals) Vaginal flow Redness in the anal area and genitals Rhagades erosions and between the fingers and toes Erythematous lesions crusted and scaly scalp Itching Unsightly staining of certain areas of the skin Burning, mainly mucosal Diagnosis Careful examination of the skin areas affected by fluorescent light (Wood's lamp). Smears of the lesions: sampling scales at the edges of lesions Identification of the organism on a culture medium Histology: use of special stains when the smear examinations and culture are negative but a fungal infection is suspected. Transmission If classified as exogenous, an infecting organism may be transmitted by airborne, cutaneous, or percutaneous routes. An endogenously-acquired fungal infection may be acquired from colonization or reactivation of a fungus from a latent infection. Mode of transmission is direct contact with fungus. Cutaneous mycoses, occurs in the deep epidermis, is also known as dermatomycoses Treatment Antifungal drugs are used to treat mycoses. Depending on the nature of the infection, a topical or systemic agent may be used. Example of antifungals include: fluconazole which is the basis of many over-the-counter antifungal treatments. Another example is amphotericin B which is more potent and used in the treatment of the most severe fungal infections that show resistance to other forms of treatment and it is administered intravenously. Drugs to treat skin infections are the azoles: ketoconazole, itraconazole, terbinafine among others. Yeast infections in the vagina, caused by Candida albicans, can be treated with medicated suppositories such as tioconazole and pessaries whereas skin yeast infections are treated with medicated ointments.

Warts Integumentary System Disease

Causative Agent Warts are small growths on the skin caused by a virus known as human papillomavirus (HPV). Warts are extremely common: it is estimated that about 25% of the population have a wart at any one time. They're a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by certain strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV). Signs and Symptoms Common warts usually occur on your fingers or hands and may be: Small, fleshy, grainy bumps Flesh-colored, white, pink or tan Rough to the touch Sprinkled with black pinpoints, which are small, clotted blood vessels Small, flesh-colored or gray swellings in your genital area Several warts close together that take on a cauliflower-like shape Itching or discomfort in your genital area Bleeding with intercourse Diagnosis Examining the wart. Scraping off the top layer of the wart to check for signs of dark, pinpoint dots — clotted blood vessels — which are common with warts. Removing a small section of the wart (shave biopsy) and sending it to a laboratory for analysis to rule out other types of skin growths. Transmission The HPV strains that cause plantar warts aren't highly contagious. So the virus isn't easily transmitted by direct contact from one person to another. But it thrives in warm, moist environments. Treatment You get genital warts from having skin-to-skin contact with someone who's infected, often during vaginal, anal, and oral sex. Genital warts can be spread even if no one cums, and a penis doesn't have to go inside a vagina or anus to get them. You can spread them even when you don't have any visible warts or other symptoms, though that's less common. You can also pass genital warts to a baby during vaginal childbirth, but that's pretty rare.

Hansen's Disease (Leprosy) Nervous System Disease

Causative Agents Acid fast rod-shaped bacillus Mycobacterium leprae. Signs and Symptoms Discolored patches of skin, usually flat, that may be numb and look faded (lighter than the skin around) Growths (nodules) on the skin Thick, stiff or dry skin Painless ulcers on the soles of feet Painless swelling or lumps on the face or earlobes Loss of eyebrows or eyelashes Damage to the nerves are: Numbness of affected areas of the skin Muscle weakness or paralysis (especially in the hands and feet) Enlarged nerves (especially those around the elbow and knee and in the sides of the neck) Eye problems that may lead to blindness (when facial nerves are affected) mucous membranes are: A stuffy nose Nosebleeds left untreated, the signs of advanced leprosy can include: Paralysis and crippling of hands and feet Shortening of toes and fingers due to reabsorption Chronic non-healing ulcers on the bottoms of the feet Blindness Loss of eyebrows Nose disfigurement Other complications that may sometimes occur are: Painful or tender nerves Redness and pain around the affected area Burning sensation in the skin Diagnosis Based on clinical presentation and the diagnosis is confirmed by skin or nerve biopsy and acid fast staining. Transmission Scientists currently think it may happen when a person with Hansen's disease coughs or sneezes, and a healthy person breathes in the droplets containing the bacteria. Treatment multidrug therapy (MDT) using a combination of antibiotics depending on the form of the disease: Paucibacillary form - 2 antibiotics are used at the same time, daily dapsone and rifampicin once per month Multibacillary form - daily clofazimine is added to rifampicin and dapsone. Treatment usually lasts between one to two years.

Bacterial Meningitis Nervous System Disease

Causative Agents Meningococcus (Neisseria meningitidis) is the commonest causative in adolescents and middle aged individuals, while Streptococcus pneumonia is again the most common causative bacterial organism causing meningitis in the elderly. Mycobacterium are also a causative of meningitis. Signs and Symptoms nausea and vomiting fever headache and a stiff neck muscle pain sensitivity to light confusion cold hands or feet and mottled skin in some cases, a rash that does not fade under pressure Later symptoms include seizures and coma. Infants may: breathe quickly refuse feeds and be irritable cry excessively, or give a high-pitched moan be stiff, with jerky movements, or listless and floppy The fontanelle may be bulging. Diagnosis Spinal tap (lumbar puncture). For a definitive diagnosis of meningitis, you'll need a spinal tap to collect cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). In people with meningitis, the CSF often shows a low sugar (glucose) level along with an increased white blood cell count and increased protein. Transmission coughing sneezing kissing Treatment Acute bacterial meningitis must be treated immediately with intravenous antibiotics and, more recently, corticosteroids. This helps to ensure recovery and reduce the risk of complications, such as brain swelling and seizures. Antibiotics can't cure viral meningitis, and most cases improve on their own in several weeks. Treatment of mild cases of viral meningitis usually includes: Bed rest Plenty of fluids Over-the-counter pain medications to help reduce fever and relieve body aches Your doctor may prescribe corticosteroids to reduce swelling in the brain, and an anticonvulsant medication to control seizures. If a herpes virus caused your meningitis, an antiviral medication is available.

Common Cold Respiratory System Disease

Causative Agents The common cold can be caused by more than 200 different viruses. Around 50 percent of colds are caused by rhinoviruses, other cold-causing viruses include: human parainfluenza virus Human metapneumovirus coronaviruses adenovirus human respiratory syncytial virus enteroviruses Signs and Symptoms Runny or stuffy nose Sore throat Cough Congestion Slight body aches or a mild headache Sneezing No fever Generally feeling unwell (malaise) Diagnosis Most people with a common cold can be diagnosed by their signs and symptoms. If your doctor suspects you have a bacterial infection or other condition, he or she may order a chest X-ray or other tests to exclude other causes of your symptoms. Transmission The common cold virus is typically transmitted via airborne droplets (aerosols), direct contact with infected nasal secretions, or fomites (contaminated objects) Treatment Most people recover on their own within two weeks. Over-the-counter products and home remedies can help control symptoms. Self-care Menthol An oil made from mint that soothes sore throats and relieves itching. Nasal washing Rinsing the inside of the nose with warm salt water to flush out irritants and excess mucus. Often done using a neti pot or squeeze bottle. Throat lozenge Soothes sore throats. Medications Nonsteroidal anti-Inflammatory drug Relieves pain, decreases inflammation, and reduces fever. Common drugs Ibuprofen It can treat fever and mild to severe pain. Analgesic Relieves pain. Common drugs Acetaminophen It can treat minor aches and pains, and reduces fever. Antihistamine Reduces or stops an allergic reaction. Common drugs Diphenhydramine It can treat pain and itching caused by insect bites, minor cuts, burns, poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac when applied topically. In its oral form, it can treat hay fever, allergies, cold symptoms, and insomnia. In its injected form, it can treat severe allergic reactions, motion sickness, and symptoms of Parkinson's disease. Cough medicine Blocks the cough reflex. Some may thin and loosen mucus, making it easier to clear from the airways. Common drugs Guaifenesin It can thin mucus. This may make it easier to clear from the head, throat, and lungs. Dextromethorphan It can treat cough. Decongestant Relieves nasal congestion, swelling, and runny nose. Common drugs Oxymetazoline It can relieve nasal congestion.

Primary Atypical (Mycoplasmal) Pneumonia Respiratory System Disease

Causative Agents Walking pneumonia -smallest bacteria Can cause meningitis Yersinia cause plague Disease Mycoplasma pneumoniae. Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a very small bacterium in the class Mollicutes. It is a human pathogen that causes the disease mycoplasma pneumonia, a form of atypical bacterial pneumonia related to cold agglutinin disease. Signs and Symptoms a persistent cough that may come in fits throughout the day flu-like symptoms, such as fever, chill, or cold sweat a sore, dry, or itchy throat a persistent headache weakness or fatigue chest pain when breathing deeply aches and pains in the muscles and joints Diagnosis In order to make a diagnosis, your doctor uses a stethoscope to listen for any abnormal sounds in your breathing. A chest X-ray and a CT scan may also help your doctor to make a diagnosis. Your doctor may order blood tests to confirm the infection. Transmission M. pneumoniae spread from person to person. People without symptoms may carry the bacteria in their nose or throat at one time or another. People spread M. pnuemoniae by coughing or sneezing, which creates small respiratory droplets in the air that contain the bacteria. Other people then breathe in the bacteria. Treatment Most people will recover from an illness caused by Mycoplasma pneumoniae without medicine. However, if someone develops pneumonia (lung infection) caused by M. pneumoniae, doctors usually prescribe antibiotics as treatment. Antibiotics can help patients recover from the illness faster if started early on.

Diphtheria Respiratory System Disease

Causative Agents Diphtheria is an infectious disease caused by the bacterial microorganism known as Corynebacterium diphtheriae. Other Corynebacterium species can be responsible, but this is rare. Some strains of this bacterium produce a toxin, and it is this toxin that causes the most serious complications of diphtheria. Signs and Symptoms A thick, gray membrane covering your throat and tonsils A sore throat and hoarseness Swollen glands (enlarged lymph nodes) in your neck Difficulty breathing or rapid breathing Nasal discharge Fever and chills Malaise Second type of diphtheria can affect the skin, causing the typical pain, redness and swelling associated with other bacterial skin infections. Ulcers covered by a gray membrane also may develop in cutaneous diphtheria. Diagnosis Doctors may suspect diphtheria in a sick child who has a sore throat with a gray membrane covering the tonsils and throat. Growth of C. diphtheriae in a laboratory culture of material from the throat membrane pins down the diagnosis. Doctors can also take a sample of tissue from an infected wound and have it tested in a laboratory to check for the type of diphtheria that affects the skin (cutaneous diphtheria). Transmission Diphtheria is spread (transmitted) from person to person, usually through respiratory droplets, like from coughing or sneezing. Treatment An antitoxin. If doctors suspect diphtheria, the infected child or adult receives an antitoxin. The antitoxin, injected into a vein or muscle, neutralizes the diphtheria toxin already circulating in the body. Using diphtheria antitoxin to stop the poison (toxin) produced by the bacteria from damaging the body Using medicines (called antibiotics) to kill and get rid of the bacteria Even with treatment, about 1 out of 10 people who gets diphtheria will die. Diphtheria patients are usually kept in isolation, until they are no longer contagious — this usually takes about 48 hours after starting antibiotics. After the patient finishes taking the antibiotic, the doctor will run tests to make sure the bacteria are not in the patient's body anymore. Antibiotics. Diphtheria is also treated with antibiotics, such as penicillin or erythromycin. Antibiotics help kill bacteria in the body, clearing up infections. Antibiotics reduce to just a few days the length of time that a person with diphtheria is contagious.

Bacterial and Urinary Tract Infections (Urinary and Reproductive) System Disease

Causative Agents The bacteria that cause urinary tract infections typically enter the bladder via the urethra. ... Escherichia coli is the single most common microorganism, followed by Klebsiella and Proteus spp., to cause urinary tract infection. Klebsiella and Proteus spp., are frequently associated with stone disease. Types of Infections Kidneys (acute pyelonephritis) Upper back and side (flank) pain High fever Shaking and chills Nausea Vomiting Bladder (cystitis) Pelvic pressure Lower abdomen discomfort Frequent, painful urination Blood in urine Urethra (urethritis) Burning with urination Discharge Signs and Symptoms A strong, persistent urge to urinate A burning sensation when urinating Passing frequent, small amounts of urine Urine that appears cloudy Urine that appears red, bright pink or cola-colored — a sign of blood in the urine Strong-smelling urine Pelvic pain, in women — especially in the center of the pelvis and around the area of the pubic bone Diagnosis Bacterial UTIs can involve the urethra, prostate, bladder, or kidneys. Symptoms may be absent or include urinary frequency, urgency, dysuria, lower abdominal pain, and flank pain. Systemic symptoms and even sepsis may occur with kidney infection. Diagnosis is based on analysis and culture of urine Transmission Infection of the urethra (urethritis). This type of UTI can occur when GI bacteria spread from the anus to the urethra. Also, because the female urethra is close to the vagina, sexually transmitted infections, such as herpes, gonorrhea, chlamydia and mycoplasma, can cause urethritis. Treatment The form of antibiotic used to treat a bacterial UTI usually depends on what part of the tract is involved. Lower tract UTIs can usually be treated with oral antibiotics. Upper tract UTIs require intravenous antibiotics. These antibiotics are put directly into your veins. Sometimes, bacteria develop resistance to antibiotics. Results from your urine culture can help your doctor select an antibiotic treatment that will work best against the type of bacteria that's causing your infection.

Botulism Nervous System Disease

Foodborne botulism. The harmful bacteria thrive and produce the toxin in environments with little oxygen, such as in home-canned food. Wound botulism. If these bacteria get into a cut, they can cause a dangerous infection that produces the toxin. Infant botulism. This most common form of botulism begins after Clostridium botulinum bacterial spores grow in a baby's intestinal tract. It typically occurs in babies between the ages of 2 months and 8 months. Causative Agent Clostridium botulinum is the causative agent in four types of botulism: foodborne, infant, wound and those classified as undetermined. The types of C. botulinum and food products involved in various foodborne botulism outbreaks are discussed in this review. Signs and Symptoms Food Borne botulism Difficulty swallowing or speaking Dry mouth Facial weakness on both sides of the face Blurred or double vision Drooping eyelids Trouble breathing Nausea, vomiting and abdominal cramps Paralysis Wound botulism Difficulty swallowing or speaking Facial weakness on both sides of the face Blurred or double vision Drooping eyelids Trouble breathing Paralysis The wound may or may not appear red and swollen. Infant botulism If infant botulism is related to food, such as honey, problems generally begin within 18 to 36 hours after the toxin enters the baby's body. Signs and symptoms include: Constipation, which is often the first sign Floppy movements due to muscle weakness and trouble controlling the head Weak cry Irritability Drooling Drooping eyelids Tiredness Difficulty sucking or feeding Paralysis Diagnosis To diagnose botulism, your doctor will check you for signs of muscle weakness or paralysis, such as drooping eyelids and a weak voice. Your doctor will also ask about the foods you've eaten in the past few days, and ask if you may have been exposed to the bacteria through a wound. In cases of possible infant botulism, the doctor may ask if the child has eaten honey recently and has had constipation or sluggishness. Analysis of blood, stool or vomit for evidence of the toxin may help confirm an infant or foodborne botulism diagnosis. But because these tests may take days, your doctor's exam is the main way to diagnose botulism. Transmission Clostridium botulinum bacterium forms spores, which are small, usually single-celled reproductive bodies that are highly resistant to drought and heat and capable of growing into new organisms. Botulism is not transmitted from person to person. Botulism develops if a person ingests the toxin (or rarely, if the toxin is inhaled or injected) or if the organism grows in the intestines or wounds and toxin is released. Food-borne botulism is spread by consuming food contaminated with the botulism toxin or spores. It can be especially dangerous because many people can be poisoned by consuming contaminated food from the same source. Wound botulism occurs when the spores of Clostridum botulinum get into an open wound and are able to reproduce. It can result from contamination of wounds by soil, gravel, or improperly treated open fractures. It has also been associated with the use of injectable street drugs. Infant botulism occurs when infants ingest Clostridum botulinum spores. In most adults and children older than one year, the body's natural defenses that develop over time prevent the germination and growth of these spores. However, because infants have not yet developed these natural defenses, the spores grow in the infant's gut, producing the bacteria that release the toxin. Honey and corn syrup are the food sources of infant botulism. Treatment If you're diagnosed early with foodborne or wound botulism, injected antitoxin reduces the risk of complications. The antitoxin attaches itself to toxin that's still circulating in your bloodstream and keeps it from harming your nerves. Doctors treat botulism with a drug called an antitoxin. The toxin attacks the body's nerves, and the antitoxin prevents it from causing any more harm. It does not heal the damage the toxin has already done. If your disease is severe, you may have breathing problems and even respiratory (breathing) failure if the toxin paralyzes the muscles involved in breathing. If that happens, your doctor may put you on a breathing machine (ventilator) until you are able to breathe on your own. If you have wound botulism, your doctor may need to surgically remove the source of the toxin-producing bacteria and give you antibiotics

Tuberculosis Primary, Secondary, Disseminated Respiratory System Disease

Primary tuberculosis: seen as an initial infection, usually in children. The initial focus of infection is a small subpleural granuloma accompanied by granulomatous hilar lymph node infection. Together, these make up the Ghon complex. In nearly all cases, these granulomas resolve and there is no further spread of the infection. Secondary tuberculosis: seen mostly in adults as a reactivation of previous infection (or reinfection), particularly when health status declines. The granulomatous inflammation is much more florid and widespread. Typically, the upper lung lobes are most affected, and cavitation can occur. When resistance to infection is particularly poor, a "miliary" pattern of spread can occur in which there are a myriad of small millet seed (1-3 mm) sized granulomas, either in lung or in other organs. Dissemination of tuberculosis outside of lungs can lead to the appearance of a number of uncommon findings with characteristic patterns: Disseminated Tuberculosis (TB) is a contagious bacterial infection that has spread from the lungs to other parts of the body through the blood or lymph system. It is caused by the bacterium called Mycobacterium tuberculosis Causative Agent Mycobacterium tuberculosis is the organism that is the causative agent for tuberculosis (TB). Signs and Symptoms Latent TB. In this condition, you have a TB infection, but the bacteria remain in your body in an inactive state and cause no symptoms. Latent TB, also called inactive TB or TB infection, isn't contagious. It can turn into active TB, so treatment is important for the person with latent TB and to help control the spread of TB. An estimated 2 billion people have latent TB. Active TB. This condition makes you sick and can spread to others. It can occur in the first few weeks after infection with the TB bacteria, or it might occur years later. Signs and symptoms of active TB include: Coughing that lasts three or more weeks Coughing up blood Chest pain, or pain with breathing or coughing Unintentional weight loss Fatigue Fever Night sweats Chills Loss of appetite Diagnosis A positive TB skin test or TB blood test only tells that a person has been infected with TB bacteria. It does not tell whether the person has latent TB infection (LTBI) or has progressed to TB disease. Other tests, such as a chest x-ray and a sample of sputum, are needed to see whether the person has TB disease Quatiferon blood test Transmission M. tuberculosis is carried in airborne particles, called droplet nuclei, of 1- 5 microns in diameter. Infectious droplet nuclei are generated when persons who have pulmonary or laryngeal TB disease cough, sneeze, shout, or sing. TB is spread from person to person through the air. Treatment Latent TB Isoniazid (INH): This is the most common therapy for latent TB. You typically take an isoniazid antibiotic pill daily for 9 months. Rifampin : You take this antibiotic each day for 4 months. It's an option if you have side effects or contraindications to INH. Isoniazid and rifapentine: You take both of these antibiotics once a week for 3 months under your doctor's supervision. Active TB If you have this form of the disease, you'll need to take a number of antibiotics for 6 to 9 months. These four medications are most commonly used to treat it: Ethambutol Isoniazid Pyrazinamide Rifampin

Septicemia Cardiovascular System Disease

Septicemia: is a serious bloodstream infection. It's also known as bacteremia, or blood poisoning. Septicemia occurs when a bacterial infection elsewhere in the body, such as in the lungs or skin, enters the bloodstream. Causative Agent Septicemia-The majority of cases of sepsis are due to bacterial infections, some are due to fungal infections, and very few are due to other causes of infection or agents that may cause systemic inflammatory response syndrome. Signs and Symptoms Early signs of sepsis include: fever, shivering, or feeling cold fast heart rate fast breathing and shortness of breath sweaty or clammy skin changes in mental state, such as feeling sleepy, confused, or losing interest If medical attention is not accessed at once, septic shock may occur. Symptoms of septic shock include: feeling dizzy or faint being confused or losing alertness unusual mental changes, including a feeling of doom or a fear of death slurred speech diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting severe muscle pain and extreme overall discomfort difficulty breathing passing very little urine cold, clammy, and pale or mottled skin cold and pale or unusually warm extremities loss of consciousness Diagnosis Septicemia-Definitive diagnosis depends on a positive blood culture for an infectious agent and at least two of the criteria. However, other helpful tests depend on lab analysis such as white blood cell examinations, procalcitonin levels, and PaCO2 In addition, other underlying causes for sepsis are often established by using CT imaging studies, MRI, ultrasound, and chest X-rays Transmission However, sepsis spreads within a person's body, usually from a site of infection that is somewhat localized to one organ (for example, pneumonia in the lungs or a wound infection in the leg). ... When these situations arise, the person's infection has spread internally, and the person is considered to be septic. Treatment Antibiotics. Treatment with antibiotics should begin immediately, within the first six hours or earlier. Initially you'll receive broad-spectrum antibiotics, which are effective against a variety of bacteria. The antibiotics are administered intravenously (IV). Vasopressors. If your blood pressure remains too low even after receiving intravenous fluids, you may be given a vasopressor medication, which constricts blood vessels and helps to increase blood pressure.

Toxemia Cardiovascular System Disease

Toxemia: A condition in pregnancy, also known as pre-eclampsia (or preeclampsia) characterized by abrupt hypertension (a sharp rise in blood pressure), albuminuria (leakage of large amounts of the protein albumin into the urine) and edema (swelling) of the hands, feet, and face. A generic term for the presence of toxins in the blood. Causative Agent The causes of the condition are yet to be determined. However, the condition may possibly be caused by insufficient blood flow to the uterus, damaged blood vessels, immune system problem & poor diet. The main causative agent of Toxic Shock Syndrome is Staphylococcus aureus. Another bacterium that can cause this disease is Streptococcus pyogenes but it is more uncommon. Doctors cannot yet identify one single cause of preeclampsia, but some potential causes are being explored. These include: genetic factors diet blood vessel problems autoimmune disorders There are also risk factors that can increase your chances of developing preeclampsia. These include: being pregnant with multiple fetuses being over the age of 35 being in your early teens being pregnant for the first time being obese having a history of high blood pressure having a history of diabetes having a history of a kidney disorder Signs and Symptoms The patient may also experience other symptoms such as severe headaches, changes in vision, upper abdominal pain, nausea or vomiting, dizziness & decreased urine output. She may also suddenly gain weight. Diagnosis The doctor diagnoses the condition when the patient has high blood pressure & excess protein in the urine after 20 weeks of pregnancy. The condition is usually discovered during a routine prenatal blood pressure check & urine test. The doctor recommends further tests to check the functioning of the liver & kidneys & whether the number of platelets is at the normal level. Transmission Pregnancy toxemia is not a transmittable disease from one doe or ewe to another, however, flocks or herds experiencing the disease may appear to be infectious because the plane of nutrition and management throughout pregnancy is similar. This shortage of energy in the diet may cause these symptoms in several does or ewes, especially those carrying twins or triplets. Treatment The condition can only be cured by delivering the baby. If the condition is diagnosed earlier in the pregnancy, it may be continually monitored to allow time for the baby to mature, without putting the mother & baby at risk of serious complications.