Infectious diseases
Infectious Diseases
Infectious diseases (pronunciation: /ɪnˈfɛkʃəs dɪˈziːzɪz/), also known as communicable diseases or transmissible diseases, are illnesses caused by organisms — such as bacteria, viruses, parasites or fungi — that enter the body, multiply, and cause an infection. The term "infectious" comes from the Latin word "infectus" which means "to taint or corrupt".
Infectious diseases can be spread directly or indirectly from person to person. They can also be spread through insects or animals, and through contaminated food or water. Some infectious diseases can be prevented by vaccines.
Types of Infectious Diseases
There are several types of infectious diseases, including:
- Bacterial infections: These are caused by bacteria, which are single-celled organisms that can live in many different environments. Some bacteria are beneficial to humans, while others can cause diseases such as tuberculosis, strep throat, and urinary tract infection.
- Viral infections: These are caused by viruses, which are smaller than bacteria and cannot survive without a host. Viral infections include diseases like influenza, HIV/AIDS, and COVID-19.
- Parasitic infections: These are caused by parasites, which are organisms that live on or in a host organism and get their food from or at the expense of their host. Parasitic diseases include malaria, giardiasis, and toxoplasmosis.
- Fungal infections: These are caused by fungi, which are a group of organisms that includes yeasts, molds, and mushrooms. Fungal diseases include athlete's foot, ringworm, and candidiasis.
Prevention and Treatment
Prevention of infectious diseases primarily involves practicing good hygiene, getting vaccinated, and taking precautions to avoid infected individuals or contaminated substances. Treatment varies depending on the type of infectious disease and can include antibiotics, antivirals, antifungals, and antiparasitics.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Infectious diseases
- Wikipedia's article - Infectious diseases
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