infectious disease

What causes epiglottis? It is important to differentiate epiglottitis from a less serious condition called croup, which presents with similar symptoms. Epiglottitis is a potentially life-threatening illness characterized by inflammation of the epiglottis, which is a lid-like structure that covers the opening of the windpipe or trachea.  What causes epiglottis? The epiglottis works to close …

What is meningitis? What causes meningitis? There are many potential causes of meningitis. Meningitis is an infection of the meninges or coverings of the brain. This serious illness can progress very quickly and have lifelong consequences. So, it is important to get medical attention as soon as possible. The most frequent cause of meningitis is a viral or bacterial infection. …

Facts you should know about respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection Respiratory Viral Infections RSV is a highly contagious virus infection that is most prevalent during the winter season. Most children who develop an RSV infection have mild symptoms of fever, nasal congestion, nasal discharge, and cough. High-risk groups are more likely to have a more severe disease process, including wheezing …

Facts you should know about Powassan virus (POW virus) Readers Comments 3 Share Your Story Picture of a map of Powassan virus infections reported by states, 2006-2015; SOURCE: CDC Powassan viruses are members of the genus Flavivirus; there are two types, termed lineage 1 and lineage 2. Powassan virus disease is an infection caused by these viruses that may result …

Facts you should know about mucormycosis (zygomycosis) Mucormycosis (zygomycosis) is a fungal infection caused by Zygomycetes. Symptoms include fever, headache, coughing, shortness of breath, abdominal pain, bloody vomit, and possible altered mental status. Mucormycosis (zygomycosis) is a serious, potentially deadly fungal infection that's infrequently diagnosed. Many different fungi may cause mucormycosis; infections with the Mucoraceae family of fungi predominate as …

Effects of the Shingrix vaccine last for at least four years in most people The effects of the Shingrix vaccine last for at least four years in most people and may last even longer in some. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), you do not need a booster dose after getting the two doses of Shingrix. What …

Facts you should know about sick building syndrome Sick building syndrome is believed by some to be an illness caused by unknown agents in buildings. Sick building syndrome is a controversial subject because many experts do not think it is a true syndrome. Sick building syndrome has no known cause, however, known causes of illness such as lead poisoning, formaldehyde …

Group A streptococcal infections (GAS) facts Figure 1: Photo of Streptococcus pyogenes (GAS). SOURCE: CDC Group A streptococci (GAS) are defined gram-positive spherical-shaped bacteria that produce beta-hemolysis (lysis of red blood cells producing clear or transparent areas in special growth media) and appear usually as a chain of two or more bacteria and have molecules on their surface known as …

Facts you should know about NDM-1 NDM-1 stands for a gene that produces New Delhi metallo-beta-lactamase in certain bacteria that cause infections. This is a substance that destroys the commonest types of antibiotics. Bacteria with the NDM-1 gene are part of a larger group of superbug bacteria that are extremely hard to treat and can spread easily in hospitals. Most …

This digitally colorized scanning electron micrograph (SEM) depicts four green-colored, spheroid-shaped methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) bacteria as they were in the process of being enveloped by a much larger human white blood cell.Source: CDC – National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) Facts you should know about MRSA infections Staphylococcus aureus (Staph aureus, S. aureus, or SA) is a …