Infections and Infestations's Articles Archives

Dracunculiasis (Guinea Worm Disease)

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Definition

Dracunculiasis is a nematode (parasitic worm) infection caused by the guinea worm, Dracunculus medinensis. It is also known as guinea worm disease (GWD). It has become a very rare infection due to various eradication campaigns globally over the past quarter of a century. Dracunculiasis may be eradicated completely in years to come. The worm enters the gut through contaminated water and then migrates to the skin once it matures. A guinea worm infection is rarely serious to the point where it causes major debility  or death. However, bacterial infections may arise at the site where the worm erupts from the skin. In rare cases, the bacterial infection can complicate to the point of sepsis which may be life-threatening.


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Coccidioidomycosis (Valley Fever) Fungal Lung Infection

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Definition

Coccidioidomycosis is a fungal infection mainly isolated to the lung that arises with inhaling the airborne spores of the Coccidioides fungi. It is also known as valley fever and is a common infection among people who live in endemic areas. Coccidioidomycosis is often asymptomatic and when people living in endemic areas develop the infection, it is usually acute. However, some patients do develop a very severe infection that can be chronic. Coccidioidomycosis is a relatively common cause of death in AIDS patients living in endemic regions, especially if the appropriate treatment is not forthcoming.

 
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Histoplasmosis (Histoplasma Capsulatum Fungal Infection)

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Definition

Histoplasmosis is a fungal infection of the lung, which may spread throughout the body via the bloodstream, after inhaling the spores of the fungus Histoplasma capsulatum. Most people who come in contact with the spores do not contract the infection unless they have a weakened immune system or if they are exposed to large quantities of the fungal spores. People who live in endemic areas for histoplasmosis are more likely to be infected. Due to its predilection to mainly affect immunocompromised patients, it is considered as an AIDS-defining illness. Severe cases that are left untreated can be fatal.


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Isosporiasis (Isospora belli Infection)

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Isosporiasis Definition

Isosporiasis is an infectious disease caused by a single-celled organism (protozoan), Isospora belli, that is marked by diarrhea and other intestinal symptoms. These days the infection is known as cystoisosporiasis and the protozoan is Cystoisospora belli, however, the former name isosporiasis is still widely used. Isosporiasis is a self-limiting infection and while treatment can hasten recovery, it is not always necessary and the infection does not usually lead to complications in most people. However, immunocompromised patients are at risk of the infection spreading beyond the intestines. AIDS patients are at the greatest risk in this regard. Isosporiasis is an uncommon infection that is spread through contaminated food or water.


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Nocardiosis (Nocardia Asteroides Infection – Skin, Lungs, Brain)

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What is nocardiosis?

Nocardiosis is an infectious disease caused by the Nocardio group of bacteria that are found in soil. It can also infect animals, especially horses and cows. Human nocardiosis is a rare condition but can be extremely dangerous in a person with a weakened immune system. The infection may be localized to the skin, lungs, or disseminated where it affects any organ in the body and the brain in particular. Nocardiosis can be acute, subacute or chronic. It requires prolonged treatment with antibiotics an is potentially fatal in severe cases. In the United States, Nocardia asteroides are the main species of Nocardia bacteria responsible for human nocardiosis.


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