Cystitis is the medical term for inflammation of the bladder. It is most often caused by a bacterial infection, usually by Escherichia coli (E. coli), a type of bacteria commonly found in the intestines. Cystitis is considered a form of urinary tract infection (UTI), which affects parts of the body that produce and carry urine. … Read more
Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a serious intestinal disease that mostly affects newborn babies, especially those who are born prematurely or have a very low birth weight. In this condition, parts of the intestine become inflamed and begin to die (a process called necrosis). If not treated quickly, NEC can cause holes (perforations) in the bowel, … Read more
Leptospirosis is an infectious disease caused by spiral-shaped bacteria called Leptospira. It spreads mainly through contact with water, soil, or food contaminated by the urine of infected animals, especially rodents such as rats. The bacteria can survive for long periods in warm and wet environments, so the disease is more common in tropical and subtropical … Read more
Epiglottitis is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition in which the epiglottis – a small flap of tissue that covers the windpipe during swallowing – becomes swollen and inflamed. This swelling can quickly block the airway, making it difficult to breathe. Because of this risk, the condition requires rapid diagnosis and emergency treatment to prevent … Read more
Peritonitis is a serious condition where the peritoneum, the thin, protective layer that lines the inside of the abdomen and covers most abdominal organs becomes inflamed. This usually happens when bacteria or fungi enter the abdominal cavity, which is normally sterile. It can occur if an organ ruptures, such as with appendicitis or a stomach … Read more
Athlete’s foot (tinea pedis) is a common fungal infection that affects the skin on the feet. It usually causes itching, redness, and flaking of the skin, and in some cases, the skin may crack, peel, or form blisters. The infection most often appears between the toes, where moisture builds up, but it can also spread … Read more
Periodontitis is a long-term disease of the gums that causes gradual damage to the soft tissues and the bone that hold teeth in place. It is the most severe stage of gum disease, developing after gingivitis, and is one of the main causes of tooth loss in adults worldwide. The disease is mainly caused by … Read more
Septic arthritis is a serious joint infection that occurs when bacteria, or less commonly other microbes, enter the joint space. This causes inflammation, which leads to sudden pain, swelling, warmth, and difficulty moving the joint. The knee is most often affected, but the hip, shoulder, ankle, and wrist can also be involved. While it can … Read more
Sepsis is a life-threatening condition that happens when the body overreacts to an infection releasing chemicals into the bloodstream. This overreaction causes widespread inflammation, which can damage tissues, harm organs, and, if not treated quickly, lead to death. Sepsis affects millions of people around the world every year and is one of the main causes … Read more
Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is a rare but serious illness caused by poisons (toxins) released by certain bacteria, most often Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus pyogenes. It was first identified in 1978 and became widely known in the early 1980s after being linked to the use of super-absorbent tampons. TSS develops quickly and can cause high … Read more