Infectious Diseases: A brief Introduction

Infectious Diseases

Infectious diseases are illnesses brought on by pathogens—dangerous organisms—that enter your body from the outside. Infectious disease-causing pathogens include viruses, bacteria, fungi, parasites, and, in rare cases, prions.

Types

Viral, bacterial, parasitic, or fungal infections can all cause infectious illnesses. Transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs) are an uncommon class of infectious disorders.

Viral Infections

The DNA or RNA that makes up viruses is enclosed in a protective capsid. Viruses cannot replicate on their own because they are considerably smaller than your cells. They enter your cells and use the equipment inside to replicate themselves.

Bacterial Infections 

Bacteria are single-celled organisms with a little bit of DNA that contains all of their instructions. There are bacteria everywhere, even on our skin and inside of our bodies. Numerous bacteria are beneficial or even benign, but some of them produce toxins that can make you ill.

Fungal Infections

Like bacteria, there are several varieties of fungi. Your body and they are home to them. You may become ill if your fungus becomes out of control or if dangerous fungi enter your body by your mouth, nose, or a skin injury.

Parasitic Infections

Parasites live and breed on the bodies of other living things. Worms (helminths) and some single-celled organisms (protozoa) are examples of parasites.

Common Infectious Disease: Worldwide, infectious diseases are very frequent, but some are more prevalent than others. For instance, 1 out of every 5 Americans contracts the flu virus each year, yet less than 300 people are found to have prion illnesses.

Common Infectious Diseases Caused by Viruses

Common Cold

An upper respiratory infection known as a cold can affect your nose, throat, sinuses, and windpipe (trachea). You may have heard that the coronavirus that causes the common cold. In actuality, a cold can be brought on by more than 200 distinct types of viruses. The rhinovirus is the most prevalent cold virus.

Flu (Influenza)

The influenza virus causes the flu, a common respiratory ailment. Fever, headaches, body aches, coughing, and runny or stuffy nose are typical symptoms. If you have an underlying medical condition or are pregnant, you run the chance of experiencing serious problems. The best approach to prevent contracting the flu is to get vaccinated each year.

Coronavirus, COVID-19

The SARS-CoV-2 virus is the cause of COVID-19. Mild to severe respiratory illnesses, including mortality, can be brought on by COVID-19. The most effective preventive strategies involve getting vaccinated, donning a mask during periods of high transmission, separating yourself from others by six feet, washing your hands frequently, and avoiding ill people.

Common Infectious Diseases Caused by Bacteria

• Strep Throat: Group A Streptococcus, sometimes known as "group A strep," is a type of bacterium that can infect your tonsils and throat, causing strep throat. A painful throat and acute inflammation are symptoms of strep throat. The illness is often diagnosed by a doctor using a throat culture or a quick strep test. Antibiotics are frequently used in treatment.
• Salmonella: Salmonella, also known as salmonellosis, is a bacterial infection that results in diarrhoea, fever, and stomach aches. In a few days, salmonella typically disappears on its own. To avoid becoming dehydrated, you should consume enough of liquids. By handling food safely and washing your hands after contacting animals, you can lower your risk of contracting salmonella.
• Tuberculosis: A bacterial infection known as tuberculosis is also referred to as TB. If not treated, it might be fatal. Although TB often affects the lungs, it can also harm other organs like the brain.

Common Infectious Diseases Caused by Fungi

Ringworm

A ring-shaped pattern develops on your skin as a result of the unpleasant, spreading fungal infection known as ringworm. The fungus can be prevented from spreading to other areas of your body or to others with over-the-counter and prescription medications.

Vaginal Yeast Infection

Yeast infections in the vagina are brought on by an overgrowth of the fungus candida. A vaginal yeast infection can alter the substance of your vaginal discharge and make the skin around your vagina itch and burn. Drugs that fight fungus are part of the treatment.

Common Infectious Diseases Caused by Parasites

Giardiasis

Giardiasis is a typical disease brought on by a parasite that can cause diarrhoea and stomach pain. Giardia is a parasite that spreads through contaminated surfaces, food, and drink, and from coming into contact with an infected person. Giardiasis is treatable with antibiotics.

Hookworms

Infected individuals have hookworms, which are parasites that dwell in their intestines. The faeces (poop) of individuals with hookworm disease are a source of hookworm eggs (larvae). Many people do not exhibit any symptoms, although skin rash, fever, stomach pain, and diarrhoea are indications of hookworm infection.

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