Clostridioides difficile infection (C. diff infection) is an illness of the colon caused by the bacterium Clostridioides difficile. It mainly leads to watery diarrhea, stomach pain or cramping, fever, nausea, and loss of appetite. The infection usually develops after a person takes broad-spectrum antibiotics, which can disrupt the normal “good” bacteria in the gut and … Read more
Typhus refers to a group of infectious diseases caused by Rickettsia bacteria and transmitted to humans through arthropod vectors such as fleas, lice, or mites. These diseases, including epidemic typhus, endemic (murine) typhus, and scrub typhus. Globally, murine typhus alone is estimated to cause tens of thousands of infections each year, while large historical outbreaks … Read more
Anaplasmosis is an infectious disease spread by ticks. It is caused by Anaplasma phagocytophilum, a type of bacteria that can only survive inside the cells of its host and is classified as gram-negative (a laboratory term describing its outer cell structure). People become infected mainly through the bite of blacklegged ticks, Ixodes scapularis in the … Read more
Endophthalmitis is a serious inflammation inside the eye, usually caused by bacteria or fungi. It is considered a medical emergency because, without quick treatment, it can cause rapid and permanent loss of vision. The condition most often develops after eye surgeries, especially cataract surgery, where it occurs in about 0.02% to 0.2% of cases worldwide. … Read more
Ehrlichiosis is a tick-borne illness caused by several species of Ehrlichia, a group of bacteria that must live inside human cells to survive. The main species that infect people are Ehrlichia chaffeensis, Ehrlichia ewingii, and Ehrlichia muris eauclairensis. Infection occurs when an infected hard tick, most commonly the lone star tick (Amblyomma americanum) and, in … Read more
Endocarditis is a serious and potentially life-threatening inflammation of the endocardium, the thin inner lining of the heart. It is usually caused by an infection from bacteria, fungi, or other microorganisms. Although the condition is not common, affecting about 3 to 10 people per 100,000 each year worldwide, it has high health risks. Even with … Read more
Pericarditis is inflammation of the pericardium, the thin, double-layered sac that surrounds the heart and normally holds a small amount of lubricating fluid. This condition usually begins suddenly and is best known for causing sharp or stabbing chest pain. The pain may spread to the shoulder, neck, or back. It often gets worse when a … Read more
Guillain–Barré syndrome (GBS) is a rare autoimmune disorder in which the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the peripheral nerves, the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord. This can cause muscle weakness, numbness, tingling, and, in severe cases, paralysis. Symptoms usually start in the legs and feet and can gradually spread to the arms, face, … Read more
Transverse myelitis is a rare condition in which the spinal cord becomes inflamed. It affects about 1 to 8 people per million each year. The inflammation is usually caused by the immune system mistakenly attacking the spinal cord. Symptoms often begin suddenly and can worsen over hours to a few days. Common symptoms include pain, … Read more
Pancreatitis is the inflammation of the pancreas, a small organ located behind the stomach. The pancreas has two main functions: it helps digest food by releasing digestive enzymes into the small intestine, and it regulates blood sugar by producing hormones such as insulin and glucagon. When the pancreas becomes inflamed, these functions are disrupted, causing … Read more