An infection is a condition where the body is invaded by microorganisms that multiply and damage the surrounding tissue. Infections can spread throughout the body or stay contained in a particular area. The microorganisms that can lead to an infection include bacteria, fungi, protozoa, roundworms or viruses.CancerWeb: Infection MedicineNet: Definition of Infection Mayo Clinic: Germs: Understand and Protect Against Viruses and Infection Infectious diseases are also called communicable diseases.
This page on infection has general information about what infection is and featured videos on (1) how your body defends against infection and (2) antibiotic-resistant MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) infections. You can also find links related to infection, news and blogs for further research into this important medical phenomenon.
Causes of Infections
- Bacteria: Single-celled organisms without a defined nucleus.Fun Science Gallery: Introduction to the Protists They usually multiply quickly and some may release harmful toxins that make a person sickMedlinePlus: Bacterial Infections
- Fungi: Molds and yeasts that usually cause infections in the skin and lungs.
- Protozoa: Single-celled organisms with a defined nucleus, usually found in water.MedlinePlus: Parasitic Diseases Fun Science Gallery: Introduction to the Protists
- Virus: Protein encapsulated genetic material (DNA or RNA) that needs a host cell to reproduceMedlinePlus: Viral Infections
- Roundworms: These are very small worms that range from microscopic to being visible by the naked eye. Infections can occur by ingestion of soil particles and, in some cases, the parasites can enter through the skin. http://www3.niaid.nih.gov/topics/parasiticRoundworm/default.htm
Examples of Infectious Diseases
- Bacterial - Tuberculosis, Staph infections, Chlamydia, Syphillis, pneumonia, gonorrhea, meningitis, Salmonella, E. coli, cholera, bubonic plague, Clostridium http://biology.clc.uc.edu/Courses/bio106/bact-dis.htm http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/chlamydia/DS00173/DSECTION=causes
- Viral - [[Flu]} and colds, hepatitis, dengue, Hand foot and mouth disease, HIV
- Fungal - Athlete's foot, Candida, Aspergillosis, Blastomycosis, Histoplasmosis, Coccidiomycosis]] http://www.doctorfungus.org/mycoses/human/human_index.htm
- Protozoan - Malaria, Giardia, Toxiplasmosis, Microsporidia http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/999282-overview
- Roundworm - Hookworm, Ascariasis, Pinworm, Trichinosis http://www3.niaid.nih.gov/topics/parasiticRoundworm/default.htm
Disclaimer
The content in this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice. If you think you have an infection, please consult your doctor.
Features of That Prevention Infection in Your Body
There are many defenses that help prevent infection of your body by bacteria. The first line of defense is the physical surface of your skin, where chemicals are also produced that prevent infection. If bacteria do cause a skin infection, white blood cells such as lymphocytes, macrophages and neutrophils can destroy the invading bacteria. Lymphocytes release chemicals which activate other components of the immune system to help remove the infection.
MRSA (Methycillin Resistant ''Staphylococcal aureus'') Infections, What They Are And How To Stop Them
Staphylococcus aureus is a bacterium that is common in the environment, but it can infect the skin, joints and bloodstream. Over the years, with the heavy use of antibiotics to control infections, this bacterium has evolved to become resistant to most of these antibiotics. This bacterium has a very high ability to evolve and survive in the presence of antibiotics. It used to be found primarily in hospitals, but recently, it has been found in other areas in the community, such as in locker rooms of schools, showers, and where people live in close contact such as barracks. It can spread on wet towels. A staph infection may look like a regular boil, but if it becomes worse you should go to see the doctor immediately. Prevention of spread is perhaps the best way to control, such as sanitization of shower areas, locker rooms and other areas that can become moist. Washing of the hands is an important preventative measure as well.
Infection Discussion and Blogs
SZone: FDA Issues "Strong Warning" about Potentially Deadly Drug Side Effects (October 11, 2008)
HealthBoards: Bacterial Infection Reoccurance (September 3, 2008)
HealthTalk: Coping with Chronic Respiratory Infections (December 4, 2006)
BabyCenter: Combating Ear Infections
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References
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Cancer patients are at a higher risk of developing infections and harder to treatAmerican Cancer Society: Infections in People with Cancer
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Most common infection in hospitals
Staph infection, a type of skin infection that can get progressively worse and is difficult to control with antibiotics (See featured video)
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Most common infections of children in day care
Upper respiratory tract (46%), diarrhea (17.2%), otitis media (12.9%), eye infections (4%)
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Major infectious diseases of poverty
Malaria, HIV, and tuberculosis
