infectious disease

Facts you should know about tularemia Tularemia is caused by the bacteria Francisella tularensis. Tularemia affects animals and humans. Humans acquire tularemia when they come into contact with infected animals or are bitten by insects that feed on infected animals. Tularemia may be spread through inhalation of dried animal matter, eating undercooked game, skinning or …

What are basophils? Though basophils constitute a minuscule percentage of white cells, they play an important role in the immune responses to infectious bacteria and parasites. Basophils are a type of white blood cell (leukocyte), which constitutes one of the components of the immune system. Along with other white cells, basophils play an important role in fighting bacterial, fungal, and …

What are sepsis and septic shock? Sepsis and septic shock represent different stages of the same medical condition, so the symptoms can be similar. When bacteria get into your blood, they can cause an infection that becomes life-threatening. The organisms can enter the body through different access points. People can suffer from sepsis and septic shock without ever realizing they …

Norovirus infections cause GI symptoms and can cause severe illness. The illness usually lasts two to three days and resolves by itself.Source: Getty Images Norovirus infection facts Norovirus is a small virus that is highly contagious among humans. People acquire the virus by ingesting material contaminated with small amounts of infected feces or fluids. Food and water may be contaminated …

What is thrush? Thrush in adults is caused by an overgrowth of the yeast Candida Albicans that can be caused by diabetes, medications, radiation or chemotherapy, immune system disorders, and some oral health conditions. Thrush is a fungal infection that occurs in your mouth and throat. Under normal conditions, your body contains millions of yeast and fungi. They usually cause …

What is Salmonella? Most people recover from the bacteria without requiring additional Salmonella treatment. Patients should consume extra fluids until their diarrhea clears up. Doctors may also prescribe antibiotics to treat more severe cases. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Salmonella infects around 1.35 million people every year. Over the course of a year, approximately 26,500 …

What Is whooping cough? Whooping cough also known as pertussis is a highly contagious cough condition caused by bacteria called Bordetella pertussis. While it is usually not a major concern for adults, it can be fatal to infants and children who haven’t yet received their pertussis vaccine. Whooping cough is also called pertussis. It is a highly contagious cough condition …

What is E. coli vs. salmonella? E. coli and salmonella are both bacteria that can cause food poisoning. You can potentially catch pathogenic E.coli from infected animals or people whereas salmonella occurs in raw poultry, eggs, beef, and occasionally unwashed fruits and vegetables. E. coli and salmonella are both bacteria that can cause food poisoning. If certain strains of either …

What is whooping cough? Pertussis, commonly called whooping cough, is a highly contagious bacterial infection. It causes severe coughing that sometimes causes a 'whooping' sound when your child breathes in. Pertussis, commonly called whooping cough, is a highly contagious bacterial infection that can invade your child’s respiratory system.  Whooping cough causes severe coughing that sometimes causes a “whooping” sound when …

Ticks feed on blood and can bite humans or animals.Source: ThinkStock Tick facts Ticks are scientifically classified as Arachnida (a classification that includes spiders). The fossil record suggests ticks have been around at least 90 million years. Most tick bites do not transmit harmful microbes. There are a variety of tick-borne diseases. There is a wide range of symptoms that …