Coccidioidomycosis, also known as Valley Fever, is a fungal infection caused by breathing in tiny airborne spores from the fungi Coccidioides immitis and Coccidioides posadasii. These fungi live in dry, sandy soil and are most common in hot desert regions. The spores become airborne when the soil is disturbed by wind, farming, or construction. People … 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
Giardiasis is an intestinal infection caused by a tiny parasite called Giardia duodenalis (also known as Giardia lamblia or Giardia intestinalis). It is one of the most common parasitic infections worldwide, with hundreds of millions of people affected each year. The parasite spreads when people swallow its hardy “cysts” (a protective form that survives outside … Read more
Chikungunya virus infection is an illness spread by mosquitoes and caused by the chikungunya virus (CHIKV), which belongs to the Togaviridae family of viruses. It is mainly transmitted by the bites of infected female Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes, which are most active during the day in tropical and subtropical regions. After being bitten … 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
Jock itch (also called tinea cruris) is a common fungal skin infection that usually affects the groin, inner thighs, and buttocks. It is caused by a type of fungus known as dermatophytes, which live on the outer layer of the skin, hair, and nails. The main fungi responsible are Trichophyton rubrum, Trichophyton mentagrophytes, and Epidermophyton … Read more
Ringworm (also called dermatophytosis or tinea) is a common fungal infection that affects the outer layer of the skin, the scalp, and the nails. It is caused by a group of fungi known as dermatophytes, mainly from the genera Trichophyton, Microsporum, and Epidermophyton. Despite its name, ringworm is not caused by a worm. The term … 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
Rift Valley fever (RVF) is a viral disease that affects both animals and humans, mainly in Africa and the Middle East. It is caused by the Rift Valley fever virus, which belongs to the same group of viruses that include other insect-borne diseases. The virus spreads mostly through the bites of infected mosquitoes, especially species … Read more
Epstein–Barr virus (EBV), also called human herpesvirus 4 (HHV-4), is a member of the herpesvirus family. It is one of the most common viruses in humans, with about 90–95% of people worldwide becoming infected at some point in their lives. The virus spreads mainly through saliva, but it can also be transmitted through blood transfusions … Read more