Nosocomial infection Health Dictionary

The entry and development or multiplication of an infectious agent in the body of humans or animals. Infection is not synonymous with infectious disease; the result may be inapparent or manifest. The presence of living infectious agents on exterior surfaces of the body, or upon articles or apparel or soiled articles, is not infection but contamination of such surfaces and articles.... infection

See FOOD POISONING; ENTERIC FEVER; DYSENTERY.... salmonella infections

These infections, also called mycoses (see MYCOSIS), are common and particularly affect the skin or mucosal membranes in, for example, the mouth, anus or vagina. Fungi consist of threadlike hyphae which form tangled masses or mycelia – common mould. In what is called dermatophyte (multicellular fungi) fungal infection of the hair, nails and SKIN, these hyphae invade the KERATIN. This is usually described as ‘RINGWORM’, although no worm is present and the infection does not necessarily occur in rings. PITYRIASIS versicolor and candidosis (monoliasis – see CANDIDA), called thrush when it occurs in the vulva, vagina and mouth, are caused by unicellular fungi which reproduce by budding and are called yeasts. Other fungi, such as ACTINOMYCOSIS, may cause deep systemic infection but this is uncommon, occurring mainly in patients with immunosuppressive disorders or those receiving prolonged treatment with ANTIBIOTICS.

Diagnosis and treatment Any person with isolated, itching, dry and scaling lesions of the skin with no obvious cause – for example, no history of eczema (see DERMATITIS) – should be suspected of having a fungal infection. Such lesions are usually asymmetrical. Skin scrapings or nail clippings should be sent for laboratory analysis. If the lesions have been treated with topical steroids they may appear untypical. Ultraviolet light ?ltered through glass (Wood’s light) will show up microsporum infections, which produce a green-blue ?uorescence.

Fungal infections used to be treated quite e?ectively with benzoic-acid compound ointment; it has now been superseded by new IMIDAZOLES preparations, such as CLOTRIMAZOLE, MICONAZOLE and terbina?ne creams. The POLYENES, NYSTATIN and AMPHOTERICIN B, are e?ective against yeast infections. If the skin is macerated it can be treated with magenta (Castellani’s) paint or dusting powder to dry it out.

Refractory fungal infection can be treated systematically provided that the diagnosis of the infection has been con?rmed. Terbina?ne, imidazoles and GRISEOFULVIN can all be taken by mouth and are e?ective for yeast infections. (Griseofulvin should not be taken in pregnancy or by people with liver failure or porphyria.) (See also FUNGUS; MICROBIOLOGY.)... fungal and yeast infections

An infection acquired by a patient while in hospital. Because of the high level of antibiotic use in hospitals, some bacteria become resistant

– for example, METHICILLIN-RESISTANT STAPHYLOCOCCUS AUREUS (MRSA). This makes hospital-acquired infections potentially dangerous and sometimes life-threatening, and is one of the developments that is prompting calls for greater care in the prescribing of antibiotics as well as higher standards of cleanliness.... hospital-acquired infection

The presence of infection in a host without occurrence of recognisable clinical signs or symptoms. Inapparent infections are only identifiable by laboratory means. A synonym would be subclinical infection.... inapparent infection

A National Health Service body intended to combat the increasing threat from infectious diseases and biological, chemical and radiological hazards. Covering England, the agency includes the Public Health Laboratory Service, the National Radiological Protection Board, the Centre for Applied Microbiology and Research, and the National Focus Group for Chemical Incidents.... national infection control and health protection agency

A variety of diseases which occur in some individuals who do not have healthy immune systems. These are microorganisms which do not usually cause diseases in a healthy individual. They are seen in AIDS patients and include Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia, massive or overwhelming herpes infections, atypical mycobacteria, toxoplasmosis or chronic or overwhelming candidiasis.... opportunistic infections

The person, animal, object or substance from which an infectious agent passes immediately to a host. Source of infection should be clearly distinguished from source of contamination, such as overflow of septic tank contaminating a water supply, or an infected cook contaminating a salad.... source of infection

Without clinical manifestations: said of the early stages of, or slight degree of, an infection.... subclinical infection

Trench Mouth or NUGS. It is usually a symptom of extreme physical stress, nutritional deficiencies and heavy metal poisoning (but not of the type accrued from excess exposure to Metallica or Scorpion)... vincents infection

Named after a city in New York State where it was first isolated from a family of viruses that can cause a number of serious inflammatory disorders, including Bernholm disease and meningitis. While cases require hospital attention, herbal antivirals may be used in the absence of specific treatment: Echinacea, Wild Indigo, Myrrh, Goldenseal.

Tinctures. Formula. Echinacea 3; Goldenseal 1; Myrrh quarter. One teaspoon in water every 2 hours (acute) thrice daily (chronic). ... coxsackie infection

Treatment – same as for Athlete’s Foot. Wipe with contents of a Vitamin E capsule. Tea Tree oil, Thuja, Marigold. See: ANTI-FUNGALS. ... fungus infection

See: STOMATITIS, CANCRUM ORIS, CANKER, ULCERATION. ... mouth infections

Otalgia is more commonly known as ear pain or earache. The causes are many: colds, flu, pulmonary edema, pleurisy or a generalized body infection. Traditional medicine will send you right away to the pharmacy to buy antibiotics, but alternative medicine will advice against it. The amount of active constituents found in these teas could easily treat any kind of infection, not just ear infection, so you may want to give it a try before rushing to the drug store. How a Tea for Ear Infection Works A Tea for Ear Infection’s main purpose is to flush all infection triggers out of your system and prevent similar events from happening in the future. A tea that is rich in both minerals and acids is a great remedy! However, only use a treatment that fits you and your health, meaning is safe and very efficient. Also, a Tea for Ear Infection that is rich in manganese, magnesium, iron and tannins is a great choice. Just remember that all medical treatment must be taken under supervision! Efficient Tea for Ear Infection When choosing a Tea for Ear Infection, keep in mind that it must be one with an elevated safety level and a great efficiency. If you don’t know which teas to choose from, here’s a list to guide you on: - Garlic Tea – it’s true that it has a rather unpleasant taste and smell, but you don’t have to drink it if you don’t want to! Just pour a few garlic tea drops in your ear and wait 10 minutes for the natural benefits to be released. However, if you’ll be much more comfortable taking it as a drink, feel free to add ginger, mint, lemon or honey. Don’t take this decoction if you’re pregnant! - Ginger Tea – aside from its use as a great auto-immune adjuvant, this Tea for Ear Infection will flush out of your system all microbes and bacteria and heal the affected areas. You can also use it to treat anemia, asthenia, stress and severe migraines. Just be careful to use a small amount of herbs when preparing the decoction in order to avoid developing any acid foods and drinks intolerance. - Green Tea – will inhibit the mucus production and therefore decrease the infection triggers. Also, Green Tea is very rich in active constituents and scientists proved that it could sustain life on its own. You may give it a try in case you’re suffering from stress, anxiety, diarrhea or auto-immune problems. However, avoid it at all costs if you’re experiencing menstrual or menopausal symptoms! Tea for Ear Infection Side Effects When taken according to specifications, these teas are generally safe. However, drinking more tea than it’s recommended may lead to a series of health problems such as nausea, vomiting, upset stomach and skin rashes. Don’t start a treatment based on a Tea for Ear Infection if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding or suffering from a severe disease that would imply the ingestion of blood thinners and anti coagulants. Before starting an herbal treatment, ask your doctor’s opinion in order to be informed of the risks and make sure everything will be fine. Once you have his approval, choose a Tea for Ear Infection that fits best your problems and enjoy nature’s wonderful benefits!... tea for ear infection

Eye infection is a general name for all ailments linked to your eye vision. Generally, these problems are bacterial or microbial and traditional medicine recommends a series of treatments, from creams to tinctures. However, before rushing out the door to buy all the expensive medications, you may want to give herbal remedies a try. They cost less and you don’t have to worry about putting your liver to hard work. How a Tea for Eye Infection Works A Tea for Eye Infection’s main goal is to stop all infection triggers and make your body produce enough antibodies to treat your immunity threats. In order to be efficient, a Tea for Eye Infection needs to show results quickly and be one hundred percent safe (some of the active constituents may interfere with your general health status. Before starting an herbal treatment, find out more about the risks and the side effects). Efficient Tea for Eye Infection A Tea for Eye Infection needs to contain the right amount of tannins, nutrients, volatile oils, acids and minerals (sodium, iron, magnesium and manganese). If you don’t know which teas contain the right amount of active constituents, here’s a list to choose from: - Black Tea – some say that it’s more effective than a lot of the antibiotics that can be found on the market. It’s very rich in acids and tannins and it can be useful for many other disorders, such as infertility, sore throats, colds, asthenia and anemia. However, don’t drink more than 2 cups per day for a short amount of time (one or two weeks) in order to avoid other health problems. - Green Tea – as scientists have proven, this Tea for Eye Infection contains all the ingredients necessary to sustain life. It’s useful for colds, flu, loss of appetite, but it’s best to avoid it in case you’re experiencing menstrual and menopausal symptoms (in high dosages, it might cause uterine contractions). - Chamomile Tea – of course, let’s not forget the world’s greatest panacea. This decoction has a pleasant taste and a lovely smell and it can be used for a series of affections, from flu and headaches to menstrual pains and even diabetes. Plus, Chamomile Tea it’s one hundred percent safe so you can drink as much as you want! Tea for Eye Infection Side Effects When taken properly, these teas are generally safe. However, exceeding the number of cups recommended per day could cause uterine contractions, upset stomach, nausea and skin rash. If you’ve been taking one of these teas for a while and something doesn’t feel quite right, ask for medical assistance immediately! Don’t take a Tea for Eye Infection if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, on blood thinners, anticoagulants or preparing for a surgery. Also, children should not take one of these teas unsupervised. If your doctor says it’s ok to start an herbal treatment for your eye infection, choose a tea that fits best your requirements and enjoy nature’s great benefits!  ... tea for eye infection

A group of common fungal infections affecting the skin, h air, and nails, also known as tinea and, popularly, as ringworm.... dermatophyte infections

See otitis media.... middle-ear infection

A term meaning associated with hospitals.

A nosocomial infection is one acquired by a patient in hospital.... nosocomial

In order to stay away from various types of infection, we need to make sure we strengthen our immune system. This can be done with a careful alimentation, as well as by drinking tea. Consumption of tea, a natural beverage, can help your immunity and keep away infections. Find out more about teas for infections! What do teas for infection protect us from? Infections occur when our bodies become a host for disease-causing organisms (various viruses and bacteria). Our bodies fight against these harmful organisms thanks to our immune system. Tea can be drunk in order to strengthen our immune system, which then helps us protect ourselves from various infections. However, we can also drink tea when we get an infection. The type of infection requires a specific type of tea, as well. Teas for infection In order to prevent various infections, you can drink lemon thyme tea, flax tea, yerba santa tea, linden tea, turmeric tea, rosehip tea, myrtle tea , or sencha tea. As for treating infection, the list of teas includes bayberry tea, chaparral tea, schizandra tea, psyllium tea, pipsissewa tea, and agrimony tea. Usnea tea is known for treating various types of infections. This includes infections of the digestive track (fungal infections in the mouth, stomach or intestines) and many bacterial infections. It can be applied topically too, in order to treat skin infections. Other infections can be treated with various types of tea, as well. Here is a list: - bladder infection: honeysuckle tea, boldo tea, corn silk tea, abuta tea, mullein tea; - urinary tract infections: lovage tea, cranberry tea, club moss tea, buchu tea, goldenseal tea, boldo tea, corn silk tea, vervain tea, cleavers tea, violet leaf tea, basil tea; - prostate infection: carob tea; - ear infection: calendula tea, speedwell tea, parsley tea; - respiratory infections: burdock tea, thyme tea, sarsaparilla tea, pygeum bark tea, privet tea, pleurisy root tea, osha tea, white sage tea, speedwell tea; - treat infections with fever: bupleurum tea, yarrow tea, boneset tea; - irritable bowel infection: Iceland moss tea; - nose infection: hyssop tea; - throat infection: hyssop tea; - eye infection: self-heal tea, periwinkle tea; - worm infection: boldo tea; - skin infection (applied topically): blue flag tea, Turkey rhubarb tea, black tea, ancient forest tea; - intestinal infection: yerba mate tea; - vaginal infections: witch hazel tea, echinacea tea, partridgeberry tea; - fungal infections (applied topically): bitter orange peel tea, oregon grape root tea, neem tea; - mouth infections: bistort tea, walnut bark tea, Earl Grey tea. Side effects of teas for infections Despite each tea having its own list of health benefits, teas also have a few side effects which vary from one type to another. Be careful with teas that are made from the Camellia Sinensis plant: green tea, black tea, white tea, and oolong tea. They have a pretty high caffeine content, which can lead to unwanted side effects. If you know coffee isn’t good for you, you might get headaches, nervousness, sleep problems, vomiting, diarrhea, irritability, irregular heartbeats, tremors, dizziness, or ringing in the ears. Pregnant and nursing women should be careful with the tea they drink, as it can affect the baby or, in case of pregnancy, lead to miscarriages. Make sure you talk with your doctor first, before you add a tea to your treatment. Also, as usnea tea is known for its benefits when it comes to infections, you should be careful with the amount you drink. Overconsumption can lead to internal bleedings, nausea and vomiting. It also shouldn’t be drunk by people who are taking blood thinners. While there are various infections in the world, there are also various teas which can prevent and treat these infections. Keep in mind both the benefits and side effects, and enjoy your tea for infections!... tea for infection

One of the many sexually transmitted diseases. Caused by the micro- organism Chlamydial trachomatis. Common among birds and animals and responsible for psittacosis, trachoma and urethritis. May be acquired by children at childbirth when it causes an eye disorder that may not be serious. Sexually acquired reactive arthritis in men may follow infection. Around 70 per cent PID cases in young women are due to the infection.

Symptoms. Irregular bleeding and moderate pain. Women can still have the infection but no symptoms. Damage to the fallopian tubes possible. Sterility may follow neglect.

Treatment. Formula. Echinacea 2; Goldenseal 1; Myrrh half. Mix. Dose: Powders: 250mg (one 00 capsule or one-sixth teaspoon). Liquid extracts: 15-30 drops. Tinctures: 30-60 drops. Thrice daily in water, honey or fruit juice.

Topical. Douche: 10 drops Liquid extract or Tincture Goldenseal in an ounce (30ml) Rosewater or Distilled extract Witch Hazel. If the condition persists for more than a month, add 10 drops Kava Kava. Diet. Dandelion coffee.

On retiring at night. 2-3 Garlic tablets/capsules.

Treatment by a general medical practitioner or hospital specialist. ... chlamydial infection

Infection by organisms that rarely have serious or widespread effects in people of normal health, but which can cause serious illness or widespread infection in a person

whose immune system is impaired.

In most patients with AIDS, death is due to opportunistic infections, especially pneumocystis pneumonia.

Many fungal infections, such as candidiasis, and some viral infections, such as herpes simplex, are opportunistic infections.

Treatment is with appropriate antimicrobial drugs.... opportunistic infection

An infection in the female reproductive system. Severe or recurrent pelvic infection is referred to as pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). ... pelvic infection

Infection of the breathing passages, which extend from the nose to the alveoli. This type of infection is divided into upper and lower respiratory tract infections. Upper respiratory tract infections affect the nose, throat, sinuses, and larynx. They include the common cold, pharyngitis, tonsillitis, sinusitis, laryngitis, and croup. Lower respiratory tract infections, which affect the trachea, bronchi, and lungs, include acute bronchitis, acute bronchiolitis, and pneumonia.... respiratory tract infection

Yeast Infection is a vaginal infection usually caused by a fungus called Candida. This infection is characterized by itching, sores, pain during intercourse and/or urination and the production of a white substance. You can get this infection by using an unsanitary toilet or by catching a cold. Also, you may want to avoid restaurant bathrooms that look suspicious. Even if many women go to their doctor as soon as they have a feeling that they might have Yeast Infection, you can also use a Tea for Yeast Infection and treat your problems at home. Alternative medicine advices against traditional medicine in this case since Yeast Infection is not a serious health problem. Ingesting pills when you could have taken a tea only damages your liver. If you’re going with alternative or traditional medicine, is your choice. However, make sure you have all the facts right before choosing a treatment that could cost you your health. How Tea for Yeast Infection Works These teas eliminate your infection thanks to their nutritive action, which implies feeding the organism in order to produce more antibodies and direct them to the affected areas. A tea for Yeast Infection’s main goal is to make your body produce the nutrients and the enzymes necessary for a rapid healing. They are also used as great remedy for a number of other diseases, so you can restore your general health with just a cup of tea! Efficient Tea for Yeast Infection When trying a Tea for Yeast Infection, you need to make sure that you’re picking the right one: that tea has to be safe, to have a pleasant taste and very few side effects. Also, keep in mind that a Tea for Yeast Infection needs to have a large variety of nutrients and active constituents in order to fight all bacteria and microbes. If you don’t know which those teas are, here’s a list to help you out: - Cranberry Tea – rich in vitamin C, this Tea for Yeast Infection is a great remedy in cases of anemia, asthenia, low blood pressure and loss of appetite. It’s also safe and you can drink as much as you want (not more than 6 cups per day, however, in order to avoid stomach complications such as diarrhea) - Gentian Tea – known as one of the oldest antifungal and antibiotics. Gentian Tea is a very efficient Tea for Yeast Infection. Not only that, but it’s also used as a great sleep helper, thanks to its antiseptic and sedative properties. However, make sure you don’t drink more than 2 cups per day in order to avoid other deviations such as hallucinations, anxiety or excessive blood rush. - Green Tea – not only that this Tea for Yeast Infection can treat your Candida problems, but it’s also being used as a great remedy for other affections, such as stress, anxiety or ovarian cysts. However, Green Tea may have all the necessary ingredients in order to sustain life, but don’t take it if you’re suffering from menstrual or menopausal pains. Tea for Yeast Infection Side Effects It’s true that there are many teas that could help you with your female reproductive system problems. However, teas like Tansy Tea are not recommended due to their elevated level of risk. It’s best to talk to an herbalist or to your doctor before starting any kind of herbal treatment in order to gather more information and find out which Tea for Yeast Infection fits you best. Don’t take any of these teas if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, on blood thinners, anti-coagulants or preparing for a major surgery. These teas could interfere with your anesthetic and lead to death. When taken properly, these teas are safe. However, high dosage may cause miscarriage, vomiting, nausea and even death. Ask your doctor’s advice before making any move. If you have his approval and there’s nothing that could interfere with your treatment, choose a Tea for Yeast Infection and enjoy its wonderful benefits!... tea for yeast infection

Whatever the infection, dendritic ulcer, corneal ulcer, herpes simplex or stye, treatment should be internal as well as external.

A study carried out at Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, has shown that those who use extended-wear soft contact lenses are more likely to develop microbial keratitis than users of other lenses.

Treatment. Internal: Powders, Tinctures or Liquid Extracts. Combine Echinacea 2; Blue Flag 1; Goldenseal 1. Doses: Powders: 500mg (one-third teaspoon or two 00 capsules). Liquid Extracts 30-60 drops.

Tinctures: 1-2 teaspoons. In water, or honey.

Comfrey. To promote epithelial regeneration. Potential benefit far outweighs possible risk.

Evening Primrose capsules.

Topical. Alternatives. (1) Goldenseal Eye Lotion: 1 part Goldenseal root macerated in 40 parts distilled extract of Witch Hazel 2-3 days. Strain. 5-10 drops in eyebath half filled with warm water; douche. Wipe eyelids. (2) Aloe Vera juice or gel. (3) Moisten Chamomile teabag with warm water and fix over eye for styes, etc. (4) Bathe with Periwinkle minor tea: 2 teaspoons to cup boiling water allowed to cool and strain. (5) Elderflower water. The above to relieve pain, redness and gritty sensation. (6) Evening Primrose lotion. (7) Raw carrot compress to ripen stye. Nasturtium seed compress.

Supplements. Daily. Vitamin A 7500iu, Vitamin B2 10mg, Vitamin C 3g, Vitamin E 400iu, Zinc 15mg. Referral to consultant ophthalmologist. ... eyes – infection

(STIs) Infections transmitted primarily, but not exclusively, by sexual intercourse. Common STIs include chlamydial infections, genital herpes, pubic lice, genital warts, trichomoniasis, syphilis, gonorrhoea, and HIV infection. Antibiotics can be used to treat most bacterial STIs. Confidential tracing and treatment of an affected person’s partners is an essential part of the management of STIs (see contact tracing).

Practising safer sex can help prevent STIs.... sexually transmitted infections

Infections caused by bacteria of the genus STAPHYLOCOCCUS.

Different types of staphylococci are responsible for a variety of disorders, including skin infections such as pustules, boils, and abscesses, and a rash in newborn babies (see necrolysis, toxic epidermal); pneumonia; toxic shock syndrome in menstruating women; urinary tract infection; food poisoning; and, if the bacteria enter the circulation, septic shock, infectious arthritis, osteomyelitis, or bacterial endocarditis.... staphylococcal infections

Infections caused by bacteria of the STREPTOCOCCUS group.

A particular type, haemolytic streptococci, can cause tonsillitis, strep throat, scarlet fever, otitis media, pneumonia, erysipelas, and wound infections.

Another type is often responsible for urinary tract infection, and another can cause bacterial endocarditis if it enters the bloodstream.... streptococcal infections

Usnea Tea has been known for centuries as a great remedy in case of infection, bacteria and microbes. Usnea is a plant also known as old man’s beard that grows in many varieties in regions from America and Europe. You can recognize it by its fuzzy strings that actually resemble to a grey beard. These strings are the leaves and they tend to extend to the entire territory that’s to their disposal, being able to invade forests thanks to its parasitic nature. However, Usnea tree is very useful in alternative medicine and not only to treat infection and bacteria. Usnea Tea has also a couple of aces up his sleeves. Usnea Tea Properties The main property of Usnea Tea is that thanks to its active ingredients it allows your health system to recover very fast and fight all kinds of invaders, such as parasites and bacteria. Its action involves bringing strength to your immune system and fighting diseases. The most important substances of this tea are: acid, essential fatty acids, mucilage and sterol. These ingredients turn Usnea Tea into an organic anti-bacterial treatment. Usnea Tea Benefits Aside from its ability to fight bacteria and microbes, Usnea Tea’s benefits also involve bringing relief in case you’re suffering from one of the following problems: - Infections of your digestive track (fungal infections in the mouth, stomach or intestines). - Disorders of your lungs, such as pneumonia, pleurisy, colds or flu. - Bacterial infections, irritated stomach or skin rash. - You can use Usnea smashed leaves to make a antibacterial dressing for the affected areas (in case you want to treat external infections. How to make Usnea Tea Infusion Preparing Usnea Tea infusion is very easy. All you need to do is infuse the usnea lichen in hot water and wait for 8 or 10 minutes. After that, take out the herb and drink the decoction hot or cold. You can take ¼ cups of Usnea Tea every hour, just remember to take some time off from the treatment every now and then. Usnea Tea Side Effects Don’t forget that Usnea Tea is a treatment and should only be taken as long as you are sick and by paying attention to the amount of liquid ingested. Although it has many benefits, this tea cannot replace coffee, so don’t turn it into a daily habit. If you’re unsure concerning this tea, it’s best to ask a specialist in order to find out more about the ups and downs that could interfere with your general well-being. If taken properly, Usnea Tea has no side effects at all. However, high dosages may lead to internal bleedings, nausea and vomiting. If you notice anything unusual when taking this treatment, talk to a doctor as soon as possible! Usnea Tea Contraindications If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, it’s best to avoid taking Usnea Tea. The same advice if you suffer from a serious condition and you’re on blood thinners. This way, you’ll prevent your coronary walls from erupting. If you’ve got the green light from the specialist, ask more about Usnea Tea next time you’re in a teashop and give it a try!... usnea tea infection treatment

Infectious diseases caused by chlamydiae, a group of microorganisms. Two main species of chlamydiae cause disease in humans.

The first, CHLAMYDIA TRACHOMATIS, has a number of strains. In men, it is a major cause of nongonococcal urethritis, which may cause a discharge from the penis. In women, the infection is usually symptomless, but it can lead to salpingitis. A baby born to a woman with chlamydial infection may acquire an acute eye condition called neonatal ophthalmia. In parts of Africa and Asia, certain strains of CHLAMYDIA TRACHOMATIS cause trachoma, a serious eye disease.

A second species of chlamydiae, CHLAMYDIA PSITTACI, mainly affects birds but can occasionally spread to people who have contact with pigeons, parrots, parakeets, or poultry, causing a type of pneumonia called psittacosis.

Treatment for chlamydial infections is with antibiotic drugs.... chlamydial infections

Any infectious illness caused by eating food contaminated with viruses, bacteria, worms, or other organisms. There are 2 mechanisms by which food can become infected. First, many animals that are kept or caught for food may harbour disease organisms in their tissues or organs; and, if meat or milk from such an animal is eaten without being thoroughly cooked or pasteurized, the organisms may cause illness in their human host. In the , the only common infection of this type is food poisoning. Second, food may be contaminated with organisms spread from an infected person or animal, usually by flies moving from faeces to food.

Immunization is available against certain food- and water-borne infections such as typhoid fever.... food-borne infection

see nosocomial infection.... hospital infection

infection of the female genital tract arising as a complication of childbirth. See also sepsis.... puerperal infection

Diseases that are caused by the multiplication and spread of fungi. Some fungi are harmlessly present all the time in areas of the body such as the mouth, skin, intestines, and vagina. However, they are prevented from multiplying by competition from bacteria. Other fungi are dealt with by the body’s immune system.

Fungal infections are therefore more common and serious in people taking long-term antibiotic drugs (which destroy the bacterial competition) and in those whose immune systems are suppressed by immunosuppressant drugs, corticosteroid drugs, or by a disorder such as AIDS. Such serious fungal infections are described as opportunistic infections. Some fungal infections are more common in people with diabetes mellitus.

Fungal infections can be classified into superficial (affecting skin, hair, nails, inside of the mouth, and genital organs); subcutaneous (beneath the skin); and deep (affecting internal organs).

The main superficial infections are tinea (including ringworm and athlete’s foot) and candidiasis (thrush), both of which are common. Subcutaneous infections, which are rare, include sporotrichosis and mycetoma. Deep infections are uncommon but can be serious and include aspergillosis, histoplasmosis, cryptococcosis, and blastomycosis. The fungal spores enter the body by inhalation.

Treatment of fungal infections is with antifungal drugs, either used topically on the infected area or given by mouth for generalized infections.... fungal infections

Infection acquired in the uterus or during birth. Many microorganisms can pass from the mother, by way of the placenta, into the circulation of the growing fetus. Particularly serious infections acquired in the uterus are rubella, syphilis, toxoplasmosis, and cytomegalovirus; all these infections may cause intrauterine growth retardation. Rubella that occurs in early pregnancy may cause deafness, congenital heart disease, and eye disorders. Some infections in later pregnancy, particularly with a herpes virus, may also damage the fetus severely. A woman infected with HIV risks passing on the virus to her baby during pregnancy, but the risk can be reduced by use of antiretroviral drugs during the pregnancy.

Infections acquired during birth are almost always the result of microorganisms in the mother’s vaginal secretions or uterine fluid. Premature rupture of the membranes is associated with increased risk of infection, particularly streptococcal. Conditions that can be acquired during delivery include herpes, chlamydial infections, and gonorrhoea.

Treatment of the baby depends on the type of infection. Some birth defects caused by infection (such as certain types of heart defect) can be treated; others (such as congenital deafness) are usually not treatable.... infection, congenital

An infection anywhere in the urinary tract. It has differing symptoms, depending on the area affected. Urethritis causes a burning sensation when urine is being passed. Cystitis causes a frequent urge to pass urine, lower abdominal pain, haematuria, and, often, general malaise with a mild fever. Pyelonephritis causes fever and pain in the back under the ribs. Cystitis and pyelonephritis are almost always the result of a bacterial infection. Urethritis is often due to a sexually transmitted infection, such as gonorrhoea, but may have other causes. Urethral infections are more common in men. Infections further up the urinary tract are more common in women. In men, there is often a predisposing factor, such as an enlarged prostate gland (see prostate, enlarged). In women, pregnancy is a risk factor.

In both sexes, causes of urinary tract infections include stones (see calculus, urinary tract), bladder tumours, congenital abnormalities of the urinary tract, or defective bladder emptying as a result of spina bifida or a spinal injury. The risks of developing a urinary tract infection can be reduced by strict personal hygiene, drinking lots of fluids, and regularly emptying the bladder.

Urethritis can lead to the formation of a urethral stricture. Cystitis usually only causes complications if the infection spreads to the kidneys. Pyelonephritis, if it is left untreated, can lead to permanent kidney damage, septicaemia, and septic shock.

The infection is diagnosed by the examination of a urine culture. Further investigations using urography or ultrasound scanning may be necessary. Most infections of the urinary tract are treated with antibiotic drugs.... urinary tract infection

A disease caused by infective or parasitic organisms transmitted via water. Infections can be contracted if infected water is drunk, if it contaminates food, or if individuals swim or wade in it. Worldwide, contamination of drinking water is an important mode of transmission for various diseases including hepatitis A, many viral and bacterial causes of diarrhoea, typhoid fever, cholera, amoebiasis, and some types of worm infestation.

Swimming in polluted water should be avoided because, if swallowed, there is a risk of contracting disease. In addition, a form of leptospirosis is caused by contact with water contaminated by rat’s urine. In tropical countries, there is also a risk of contracting schistosomiasis (bilharzia), which is a serious disease caused by a fluke that can burrow through the swimmer’s skin.... water-borne infection