Anthrax is a serious infectious disease that affects both humans and animals. It is caused by exposure to the spores of Bacillus anthracis, a bacterium capable of surviving in the environment for long periods under harsh conditions. Anthrax is primarily a zoonotic disease, occurring most commonly in livestock such as cattle, sheep, and goats, but … Read more
Legionnaires’ disease is a severe and potentially fatal form of pneumonia caused by infection with Legionella bacteria, most frequently Legionella pneumophila. The disease is typically acquired through the inhalation of aerosolized water droplets that contain the bacteria. These aerosols can originate from various sources where Legionella thrives, such as improperly maintained or contaminated water systems. … Read more
Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, is a highly contagious acute respiratory illness caused by Bordetella pertussis. The infection primarily targets the mucosal lining of the respiratory tract and is characterized by a prolonged paroxysmal cough, often accompanied by a high-pitched “whoop” sound during gasping inhalation following coughing fits. The disease has a global distribution … Read more
Shigellosis is an acute, highly contagious infectious disease caused by gram-negative bacteria of the genus Shigella, which includes four major species: S. dysenteriae, S. flexneri, S. boydii, and S. sonnei. It primarily affects the intestines, leading to inflammation of the colon (colitis), and is characterized by diarrhea that may range from mild to severe, often … Read more
Diphtheria is an acute and highly contagious bacterial infection caused by Corynebacterium diphtheriae. It primarily affects the mucous membranes of the upper respiratory tract, including the throat and nose. A characteristic feature of the disease is the formation of a thick, gray or white pseudomembrane, which can obstruct the airway and lead to breathing difficulties. … Read more
Lyme disease is an infectious disease caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi, transmitted to humans through the bite of infected black-legged ticks (Ixodes scapularis in North America). Early symptoms typically include fever, fatigue, and a characteristic skin lesion known as erythema migrans. If left untreated, the infection can spread to joints, the nervous system, and … Read more
Chlamydia is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections (STIs) worldwide, with millions of new cases reported annually. It is caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis and primarily affects the urogenital tract. Many individuals infected with C. trachomatis are asymptomatic, which may result in delayed diagnosis and an increased risk of complications, including pelvic … Read more
Herpes simplex (HSV) is a viral infection caused by the herpes simplex virus, of which there are two types: HSV-1 and HSV-2. HSV-1 is primarily associated with oral herpes, which commonly causes cold sores or fever blisters around the mouth. HSV-2 is typically linked to genital herpes, which affects the genital and anal regions. However, … Read more
Viral infections are common in human populations and occur when viruses invade the body and replicate within host cells, causing a range of symptoms.1 2 These symptoms can vary from mild, such as a runny nose or sore throat, to severe outcomes including respiratory distress or death.3 4 5 A variety of viruses can cause … Read more
Malaria is a life-threatening disease caused by parasites that are transmitted to people through the bites of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes (Phillips, 2017). It is a major public health problem worldwide, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa where it is responsible for a significant proportion of morbidity and mortality. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there … Read more