Poliomyelitis, or polio, is a highly infectious disease caused by the poliovirus. It mainly affects children under five, though anyone can catch it. In most cases, people recover without lasting problems, but in a small number of cases, the virus attacks the brain and spinal cord, causing permanent paralysis—usually in the legs. In the most … Read more
Candidiasis is a fungal infection caused by an overgrowth of Candida species, most often Candida albicans. Candida is a type of yeast that normally lives on the skin and on moist surfaces inside the body, such as the mouth, throat, and genital area. In healthy conditions, it exists harmlessly alongside other microorganisms. However, if the … Read more
Shingles (also called herpes zoster) is an illness caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV)—the same virus that causes chickenpox. After a person recovers from chickenpox, usually in childhood, the virus stays inactive in the body’s nerve cells. Many years later, it can become active again and cause shingles. The condition is most common in older … Read more
Bacterial infections are a common health concern that affect millions of people worldwide (Bhattarai, 2021). They can range from minor skin infections to life-threatening illnesses, and can be caused by a variety of different bacteria (Rotstein, 2008). Bacteria are microscopic organisms that can live in a variety of environments, including soil, water, and the human … Read more
Varicella, also known as chickenpox, is a highly contagious illness caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV), a member of the herpesvirus family. It causes an itchy skin rash with red spots and small fluid-filled blisters that eventually dry out and form scabs. The rash usually starts on the face, chest, and back before spreading to … Read more
Ebola virus disease (EVD) is a serious and often deadly illness caused by viruses in the Ebolavirus group, which are part of the Filoviridae family. The virus is zoonotic, meaning it can spread from animals to humans. Fruit bats, particularly those in the Pteropodidae family, are believed to be the natural hosts of the virus. … Read more
Listeriosis is a foodborne illness caused by the bacterium Listeria monocytogenes. This microorganism is widespread in the environment and can be found in soil, water, and animal feces. It can survive and grow under conditions that inhibit many other bacteria, including refrigeration temperatures. The infection is most dangerous for pregnant women, newborn babies, older adults, … Read more
Lassa fever is a serious illness caused by the Lassa virus. People usually get infected through contact with the urine, feces, saliva, or nesting materials of infected multimammate rats (Mastomys natalensis), which often live in or around homes in West Africa. These rats are the natural carriers of the virus. The disease is common in … Read more
Brucellosis is a zoonotic bacterial infection caused by Brucella species—gram-negative, facultative intracellular pathogens that primarily affect livestock, including cattle (Brucella abortus), sheep and goats (Brucella melitensis), pigs (Brucella suis), and, less commonly, dogs (Brucella canis). These bacteria are highly infectious and can survive within host cells, evading the immune system and complicating treatment. The disease … Read more
Tularemia, also known as rabbit fever or deer fly fever, is a rare but potentially serious infectious disease caused by the bacterium Francisella tularensis. This bacterium is highly infectious, meaning that even a small number of organisms can cause illness. It is considered a zoonotic disease, which means it can be transmitted from animals to … Read more