An illness caused by a microorganism, such as a virus or bacterium, that upon entering the body attacks a specific organ or organ system.
A disease caused by microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses or fungi.
Any disease caused by the invasion and multiplication of an invading pathogen.
Disease caused by a pathogenic agent, such as a bacterium or virus. The disease may or may not be contagious.
An illness caused by an organism, such as bacteria, that enters the body, then grows and multiplies in the cells, tissues, or cavities of the body. Infectious disease may be spread by direct or indirect contact with an infected person or by a common vehicle such as food or water. It may also be airborne or vector-borne, which usually means transmitted by insects.
A branch of internal medicine. One of the medical specialties for which residency programs have been approved by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME).
Any disease caused by growth of pathogenic microorganisms in the body.
Any disease that is caused by an agent that has invaded the body.
Disease caused by pathogenic (harmful) microorganisms that enter the body. An infectious disease may or may not be spread from one person to another person.
A disease caused by organisms that enter, live in, and multiply within the human body.
Any illness resulting from the infiltration of a pathogenic organism that subsequently thrives and reproduces within the body is referred to as an infectious disease.
An illness caused by a particular microorganism is referred to as an infectious disease. The major disease-causing microorganisms include viruses, bacteria (including rickettsiae, chlamydiae, mycoplasmas, and fungi), as well as protozoa and worms.
In developed nations, infectious diseases are typically less threatening than they were in the past due to the implementation of improved disease control measures (such as better sanitation and water purification), the availability of effective drugs, widespread immunization, and overall improvements in health and nutrition. However, in less affluent countries, these diseases continue to present a significant threat to both the local populations and travelers visiting those regions.
In the case of most infectious diseases, there exists a time lag between the initial entry of microorganisms into the body and the onset of noticeable symptoms. This period of incubation, during which an infected individual can potentially transmit the microorganism to others, can range from a few hours or days to several months in certain instances.
Antibiotic drugs and other antimicrobial medications are crucial in treating bacterial infections. However, when it comes to viral infections, drug treatments are limited to severe cases and often rely primarily on supportive measures.
Significant advancements have been achieved in combating infectious diseases, yet numerous challenges persist. Controlling the spread of illnesses like sexually transmitted infections remains challenging, and for many infections, there is still no available effective vaccine.
Certain bacteria have evolved resistance to available drugs, which could potentially result in an increase in life-threatening bacterial infections reminiscent of the pre-antibiotic era. Moreover, most viral infections cannot be effectively treated with drugs.
The prevalence of HIV, especially in developing countries, presents a significant global health threat. Additionally, HIV infection raises the vulnerability of individuals with weakened immune systems to various less common infections.