Shingles is a reactivation of the dormant herpes zoster virus, the same virus that causes chickenpox. Shingles is often triggered by severe stress, trauma or an illness. Shingles (herpes zoster) is caused by varicella zoster virus, the same virus that causes chickenpox. Sometimes, in patients with a history of chickenpox, the virus may live in...
What is Lyme disease? The rash typically resolves in about 1 or 2 weeks with antibiotic treatment. Lyme disease is a multisystem illness caused by infection with the microorganism, Borrelia burgdorferi, and the body’s immune response to its infection. The illness is transmitted from tick bites when the tick regurgitates the microorganism. Lyme disease is...
Neutropenia definition and facts Symptoms of neutropenia are fever, skin abscesses, mouth sores, swollen gum, and skin infections. Neutropenia is a condition in which the number of neutrophils (a type of white blood cell) in the bloodstream is decreased, affecting the body's ability to fight off infections. Neutropenia is defined as an absolute neutrophil count...
Vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) facts Enterococci (genus Enterococcus) are bacteria that commonly live in the bowel and are usually resistant to many antibiotics. VRE are enterococci that have become resistant to the antibiotic vancomycin. There are only a few antibiotics that are able to treat VRE infections. However, newer antibiotics are being developed. People can be...
Trichinosis worm infection definition and facts Trichnosis worm parasite. Trichinosis is caused by eating raw or undercooked pork and wild game infected with the larvae of a parasitic worm. The contaminated meat is infected with the larvae of a worm called Trichinella spiralis. The initial symptoms of trichinosis are: Abdominal discomfort Nausea Diarrhea Vomiting Fatigue...
Meningococcemia facts This photo depicts purple necrotic lesions on the legs of a person who has meningococcemia. Meningococcemia is a bloodstream infection cause by the bacterium Neisseria meningitidis, also called meningococcus. N. meningitidis is a contagious bacterium that spreads from person to person via respiratory secretions. Initially, patients present with fever and general body aches....
Sepsis (blood poisoning) facts Preventing infections and early diagnosis and treatment are the best ways to prevent sepsis. Sepsis is a potentially life-threatening medical condition that's associated with an infection. Blood poisoning is a nonmedical term that usually refers to the medical condition known as sepsis. There are three described clinical stages of sepsis. The...
What should I know about group B strep? Group B strep bacteria can cause infections in a pregnant woman and her baby. Group B Streptococcus (GBS) are bacteria found normally in the intestine, vagina, and rectum in about 25% of all healthy pregnant women. Group B strep infections can affect newborn babies and adults. Most...
What is tetracycline, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Tetracycline is a broad spectrum antibiotic, that is, it is active against many different types of bacteria. It is effective against Hemophilus influenzae, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Chlamydia psittaci, Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, and many others. Tetracycline prevents growth of bacteria by preventing the...
What is Cipro? How does it work (mechanism of action)? Ciprofloxacin is an antibiotic that is used to treat bacterial infections. It stops the multiplication of bacteria by inhibiting the reproduction and repair of their genetic material (DNA). The FDA approved ciprofloxacin in October 1987. Ciprofloxacin belongs to the fluoroquinolone class of antibiotics. Examples of other...