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
Acne is a common chronic skin condition characterized by the presence of comedones (blackheads and whiteheads), papules, pustules, nodules, and, in some cases, permanent scarring. It primarily occurs in areas rich in sebaceous glands, including the face, chest, and back. The condition is strongly associated with the bacterium Cutibacterium acnes (formerly Propionibacterium acnes), which promotes … Read more
Avian influenza (commonly called bird flu) is an infectious disease caused by influenza A viruses that mainly affect birds, especially wild waterfowl and domestic poultry. Birds are the natural hosts of these viruses, but in rare cases the infection can spread to humans and other animals, including pigs and cats. Human cases are uncommon but … Read more
Swine flu is a type of influenza (flu) that usually affects pigs but can also spread to humans. It became widely known during the 2009 pandemic, when a new strain of the H1N1 virus spread quickly across the world and infected millions of people. The virus is mainly passed from person to person through tiny … Read more
Helicobacter pylori infection is a common bacterial condition that affects the lining of the stomach. It is strongly linked to long-term inflammation of the stomach (chronic gastritis), peptic ulcers, and a higher risk of stomach cancers, including gastric adenocarcinoma and a rare type of lymphoma known as MALT lymphoma. The infection is caused by Helicobacter … Read more
Sinusitis is an inflammatory condition affecting the tissue lining of the paranasal sinuses, a group of air-filled cavities located within the bones around the nose and eyes. Under normal circumstances, these sinuses are lined with a thin layer of mucus that helps trap and remove dust, pathogens, and other particles. When the lining becomes inflamed, … Read more
Osteomyelitis is an infection of the bone that causes inflammation and often severe pain. It usually develops when germs, most commonly the bacterium Staphylococcus aureus, enter and grow inside bone tissue. The infection can spread to the bone through the bloodstream, from nearby infected tissue, or directly after an injury, surgery, or the use of … Read more
Smallpox was a highly contagious and often deadly disease caused by the variola virus. It spread mainly through close contact with infected people, especially by breathing in droplets released when they coughed, sneezed, or talked. The virus could also spread through contaminated bedding, clothing, or surfaces. Without treatment, smallpox killed about 30 percent of those … Read more