HIV and AIDS in the Human Body HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) infection gradually destroys the parts of the immune system and it eventually reaches a point where the immune system can no longer adequately protect the body. Eventually a state is reached known as AIDS. which stands for acquired immune deficiency >> Read More ...
Fungal infections of the skin are common conditions that mainly affect the feet (athlete’s foot) and groin (jock itch). This occurs in both adults and children. Most of these fungal infections are caused by a type of skin fungus known as dermatophytes. These infection are referred to as tinea. Sometimes these >> Read More ...
The lymphatic system is composed of a network of nodes and vessels throughout the body. Its main function is to drain any tissue fluid that did not pass into the bloodstream, filter out debris or invading microorganisms in this fluid and return the fluid, now known as lymph, to the bloodstream. Sometimes large substances >> Read More ...
HIV Lab Test vs Rapid Test HIV testing can be broadly divided between rapid tests and laboratory tests. The rapid test can be done at home or at a screening facility and a result is available within minutes. It should be followed through with laboratory testing should there be a positive result. Although rapid tests are >> Read More ...
Traveling abroad, particularly to regions with mainly developing nations, may hold certain health risks that are not common in the United States. Therefore travelers need to be aware of these conditions, despite having taken the appropriate travel vaccinations. A vaccine may not always be available for certain diseases >> Read More ...
What is bone TB? Tuberculosis (TB) is a well known infectious disease that mainly affects the lungs (pulmonary tuberculosis ~ lung TB). However, it can affect various other sites of the body and is then referred to as extrapulmonary TB. When it affects the bone, it is known as tuberculous osteomyelitis or simply bone >> Read More ...
What is asymptomatic bacteriuria? Asymptomatic bacteriuria (ABU) is the abnormally high number of bacteria in the urine without any symptoms associated with an urinary tract infection. Normally urine is sterile, meaning that there are no microbes in it, until it reaches the distal urethra. Here bacteria attached to the >> Read More ...
Chikungunya and dengue fever are both mosquito-transmitted viral diseases that are endemic in Asia and Africa. Dengue may also occur in other parts of the world such as South America, Central America and the Caribbean. Both chikungunya and dengue should always be considered in case of fever in travelers returning from >> Read More ...
What is viral gastroenteritis? Viral gastroenteritis is an infection of stomach and intestinal lining caused by a virus leading to watery diarrhea and vomiting. It is commonly referred to as the stomach flu or gastric flu. Viral gastroenteritis is a very common and highly contagious infection which tends to cause small >> Read More ...
There are five main types of hepatitis viruses that can infect the liver and cause inflammation. Some of these will cause acute inflammation and resolves spontaneously or with minimal treatment and there is no risk of chronic infection. Others may present with an acute phase but chronic infection persists for life and may >> Read More ...
