Archive for the ‘Infectious Diseases / Bacteria / Viruses’ Category
Rheumatic fever is an inflammatory disease that may develop as a complication of a streptococcus infection, such as strep throat or scarlet fever (caused by Streptococcus pyogenes or group A beta-hemolytic streptococcus). If it does develop, it will usually do so two to three weeks after the Group A streptococcal infection...
What Is Cytomegalovirus? What Are The Causes Of Cytomegalovirus Infection?
Cytomegalovirus, also known as HCMV, CMV or Human Herpes virus 5 (HHV-5) is part of the herpes family of viruses. It is a common virus and spreads through bodily fluids, including saliva, blood, breast milk, semen and urine. Cytomegalovirus is human-to-human transmissible through close bodily contact (coughs and sneezes are also possible routes)...
What Is Cytomegalovirus? What Are The Causes Of Cytomegalovirus Infection?
Cytomegalovirus, also known as HCMV, CMV or Human Herpes virus 5 (HHV-5) is part of the herpes family of viruses. It is a common virus and spreads through bodily fluids, including saliva, blood, breast milk, semen and urine. Cytomegalovirus is human-to-human transmissible through close bodily contact (coughs and sneezes are also possible routes)...
What Is Cytomegalovirus? What Are The Causes Of Cytomegalovirus Infection?
Cytomegalovirus, also known as HCMV, CMV or Human Herpes virus 5 (HHV-5) is part of the herpes family of viruses. It is a common virus and spreads through bodily fluids, including saliva, blood, breast milk, semen and urine. Cytomegalovirus is human-to-human transmissible through close bodily contact (coughs and sneezes are also possible routes)...
Research Suggests That Everyday Germs In Childhood May Prevent Diseases In Adulthood
A new Northwestern University study suggests that American parents should ease up on antibacterial soap and perhaps allow their little ones a romp or two in the mud - or at least a much better acquaintance with everyday germs. The study is the first to look at how microbial exposures early in life affect inflammatory processes related to diseases associated with aging in adulthood...
Depressed Pregnant Women Could Be At Higher Risk For Severe Response To Flu Infection
Pregnant women with significant symptoms of depression tend to have a stronger biological reaction to the seasonal flu vaccine than do women with lower depression levels, according to a new study. The finding provides an argument in favor of flu vaccination during pregnancy, researchers say, because it suggests that the immune systems in depressed pregnant women are not functioning typically.
Discovery Lays Groundwork For Better Understanding Of Protective Human Microbes In The Gut
Medical researchers have long suspected that obscure bacteria living within the intestinal tract may help keep the human immune system in balance. An international collaboration co-led by scientists at NYU Langone Medical Center has now identified a bizarre-looking microbial species that can single-handedly spur the production of specialized immune cells in mice.
What Is Rubella? What Are German Measles? What Causes Rubella Or German Measles?
Rubella, also known as German measles, is an infectious disease caused by the rubella virus. The virus passes from person-to-person via droplets in the air expelled when infected people cough or sneeze - the virus may also be present in the urine, feces and on the skin. The hallmark symptoms of rubella are an elevated body temperature and a pink rash. Although rubella can infect people of all ages, it most commonly affects young children.
State News Round-Up: Insurance Coverage, Infection Reporting, Immigrant Health
News outlets report on a range of state health stories including infections in New Hampshire, children's insurance in Michigan, increased insurance coverage in North Carolina, immigrant health in Texas and long-term financial planning on Florida.
What Is Gangrene? What Causes Gangrene?
Gangrene occurs when tissue dies (necrosis) because its blood supply is interrupted. Gangrene may be caused by an infection, injury, or a complication of a long-term condition that restricts blood circulation. It most commonly occurs in the extremities - the toes, fingers, arms and legs - but internal organs and muscles may also become gangrenous. There are five main types of gangrene: 1. Dry gangrene. 2. Wet gangrene. 3. Gas gangrene. 4. Internal gangrene. 5. Fournier's gangrene.
Immune Cell Function Can Be Suppressed By Leading Pathogen In Newborns
Group B Streptococcus (GBS), a bacterial pathogen that causes sepsis and meningitis in newborn infants, is able to shut down immune cell function in order to promote its own survival, according to researchers at the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine and the Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences.
Study Provides Greater Understanding Of Lyme Disease-Causing Bacteria
Lyme disease in the U.S. is caused by the tick-borne bacteria Borrelia burgdorferi and usually begins with a skin lesion, after which the bacteria spread throughout the body to the nervous system, heart or joints. About 60 percent of untreated individuals develop arthritis, which affects the knees in particular.
Early Infection And Protection Against Allergies?
When infected, the body has two types of immune defence to deploy innate immunity and acquired immunity. In her dissertation, Shanie Saghafian Hedengren studies monocytes, a type of white blood corpuscles that are part of the innate immune system. "Innate immunity plays a crucial role at the beginning of life as protection against bacteria and other microbes, since the acquired immune system is not fully developed at that stage.