Fungal Diseases PDF

Flashcards Fungal Diseases Aspergillosis ​ Definition: A lung infection caused by inhaling the Aspergillus fungus. ​ Affected Individuals: Primarily those with weakened immune systems. ​ Mode of Transmission: Inhalation of airborne spores (conidia) from th...

Flashcards Fungal Diseases Aspergillosis ​ Definition: A lung infection caused by inhaling the Aspergillus fungus. ​ Affected Individuals: Primarily those with weakened immune systems. ​ Mode of Transmission: Inhalation of airborne spores (conidia) from the environment, particularly from decaying organic matter or soil. ​ Common Name: Aspergillosis ​ Scientific Name of Pathogen: Aspergillus fumigatus ​ Signs and Symptoms: ○​ Fever ○​ Cough (may produce blood or mucus) ○​ Worsening asthma symptoms Prevention and Treatment ​ Home Remedies: ○​ Avoid moldy places ○​ Maintain a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables ​ Medical Treatments: ○​ Antifungal medications (e.g., voriconazole) ○​ Surgery (for severe cases) Histoplasmosis ​ Definition: A lung infection caused by inhaling the Histoplasma fungus. ​ Mode of Transmission: Inhalation of spores from contaminated soil, especially in areas with bird or bat droppings. ​ Common Name: Histoplasmosis ​ Scientific Name of Pathogen: Histoplasma capsulatum ​ Signs and Symptoms: ○​ Fever ○​ Cough  ○​ Sweating ○​ Shortness of breath (dyspnea) ○​ Chest pain ○​ Headache ○​ Muscle aches ○​ Erythema nodosum (skin rash) Prevention and Treatment ​ Home Remedies: ○​ Rest and drink plenty of fluids ○​ Avoid dusty areas ​ Medical Treatments: ○​ Mild cases may not require treatment ○​ Severe cases may require antifungal medication (e.g., itraconazole) Sporotrichosis Definition: A fungal skin infection caused by the Sporothrix fungus. Mode of Transmission: Typically through skin punctures or abrasions from contact with contaminated plant material or soil. Common Name: Sporotrichosis (Rose Gardener's Disease) Scientific Name of Pathogen: Sporothrix schenckii Types and Symptoms ​ Cutaneous Sporotrichosis. ○​ Open sores ○​ Small bumps ​ Ocular Sporotrichosis: ○​ Redness or swelling of the eyelids ○​ Redness of the eye ○​ Eye pain ○​ Vision changes ​ Pulmonary Sporotrichosis: ○​ Shortness of breath ○​ Cough  ○​ Chest pain ○​ Fever Prevention and Treatment Home Remedies: ​ Keep cuts clean and covered ​ Some use garlic topically for its antifungal properties (though scientific evidence is limited) Medical Treatments: ​ Itraconazole is the primary medication used for treatment Tinea (Ringworm) Classification & Characteristics - Caused by Dermatophytes (biological fungal infection) - Can be both acute and chronic, depending on treatment and immune system - Classified as a communicable disease Transmission & Causes - Spreads through direct skin contact - Can be contracted from animals and pets - Transmission through damp surfaces - Sharing contaminated items Treatment Options - Medical treatments include topical and oral antifungal medications - Specific medications: Clotrimazole, Miconazole, Terbinafine, Ketoconazole - Treatment duration: 2-4 weeks Candidiasis (Thrush) Classification & Characteristics - Caused by Candida albicans - Can be both acute and chronic - Moderately communicable disease Risk Factors & Transmission - Being overweight - High sugar/refined carbohydrate diet - Weakened immune system - Diabetes - Bacterial infections - Transmitted through sexual contact, person-to-person contact, contaminated objects, and during birth/breastfeeding Common Home Remedies (for fungal infections) - Tea tree oil - Coconut oil - Turmeric - Aloe vera - Oregano oil - Lemongrass oil - Regular cleaning with soap and water Cryptococcosis ​ Causative Agent: Fungal infection caused by Cryptococcus neoformans or Cryptococcus gattii. ​ Chronic or Acute: Can be both, often chronic and progressive, especially in immunocompromised individuals. ​ Communicable: Not directly person-to-person. Inhaled from environmental sources like soil contaminated with bird droppings. ​ Symptoms: ○​ Pulmonary: Cough, shortness of breath, chest pain ○​ Neurological (cryptococcal meningitis): Headache, fever, stiff neck, confusion, blurred vision, nausea, vomiting, seizures ○​ Disseminated: Skin lesions, bone pain, joint pain ​ Treatments: ○​ Medical: ​ Antifungal medications (e.g., fluconazole, amphotericin B) ​ Corticosteroids (to reduce inflammation in the brain) ○​ Home Remedies: ​ Not a substitute for medical treatment. Focus on supportive care: ​ Rest ​ Adequate hydration  ​ Healthy diet ​ Manage fever with over-the-counter medications as directed by a healthcare provider Viral Measles ​ Historical Context: ○​ First documented in the 9th century by a Persian physician. ○​ Widespread vaccination in the 20th century significantly reduced cases. Common Name: Measles Scientific Name: Measles virus (also known as Rubeola virus) / Morbivillivirus Classification: Viral infection Causes of Infection: Caused by the measles virus, which lives in the mucus of an infected person’s nose and throat Mode of Transmission: ​ Primarily through respiratory droplets, spread by coughing and sneezing. Symptoms: ​ High fever ​ Cough ​ Runny nose ​ Rash all over the body Treatment: ​ Supportive Care:​ ○​ Hydration: Drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration.  ○​ Rest: Allow the body to focus on healing. ○​ Fever Management: Use over-the-counter medications (antipyretics) like acetaminophen or ibuprofen to reduce fever. ○​ Symptom Relief: ​ Cool Compresses: Soothe fever and skin discomfort. ​ Humidifiers: Alleviate cough and congestion. ​ Soothing Baths: Oatmeal or baking soda baths can relieve itchy skin. ​ Nutrition: Consume a balanced diet, including foods rich in vitamins C and A to support the immune system. ​ Medical Intervention:​ ○​ Hospitalization: For severe cases, hospitalization may be necessary. ○​ Vitamin A Supplementation: To reduce mortality and severity. ○​ Antibiotics: If secondary bacterial infections occur. Prevention: ​ Vaccination: The MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) vaccine is highly effective in preventing measles. Smallpox Causative Agent: Variola virus Chronic or Acute: Acute Communicable: Highly contagious, spread through respiratory droplets and contact with infected bodily fluids or contaminated objects. Symptoms: ​ High fever ​ Severe backache ​ Rash that progresses from flat red spots to raised bumps filled with pus Treatments: ​ No specific treatment for the disease itself. ○​ Supportive care to manage symptoms:  ​ Pain relievers ​ Fever reducers ​ Adequate hydration ​ Skin care to prevent secondary infections Ebola ​ Causative Agent: Ebola virus ​ Chronic or Acute: Acute ​ Communicable: Highly contagious, spread through direct contact with bodily fluids of infected people or animals. Symptoms: ○​ Fever ○​ Severe headache ○​ Muscle pain ○​ Weakness ○​ Diarrhea ○​ Vomiting ○​ Abdominal pain ○​ Rash ○​ Bleeding (internal and external) ​ Treatments: ○​ Supportive care: ​ Rehydration with oral or intravenous fluids ​ Maintaining oxygen levels ​ Managing pain and fever ​ Preventing infections ○​ Experimental treatments: ​ Some experimental drugs and vaccines have shown promise in clinical trials, but their effectiveness varies. Rabies ​ Causative Agent: Rabies virus ​ Chronic or Acute: Acute ​ Communicable: Zoonotic, transmitted through the saliva of infected animals, typically through a bite. Communicable.  ​ Symptoms: ○​ Early symptoms: fever, headache, fatigue, muscle aches ○​ Later symptoms: anxiety, confusion, agitation, hallucinations, difficulty swallowing, hydrophobia (fear of water), aerophobia (fear of drafts), paralysis ​ Treatments: ○​ Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP): A series of rabies vaccine doses and rabies immunoglobulin, administered immediately after exposure to the virus. ○​ Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP): A series of rabies vaccine doses for individuals at high risk of exposure (e.g., veterinarians, laboratory workers). Chickenpox (Varicella) ​ Causative Agent: Varicella-zoster virus (VZV) ​ Chronic or Acute: Acute ​ Communicable: Highly contagious, spread through respiratory droplets and direct contact with the rash. ​ Symptoms: ○​ Fever ○​ Headache ○​ Fatigue ○​ Itchy, blister-like rash that starts on the trunk and spreads to the face, scalp, and limbs. ​ Treatments: ○​ Supportive care: ​ Over-the-counter medications to relieve fever and pain ​ Calamine lotion to soothe the rash ​ Oatmeal baths to relieve itching ​ Keeping the rash clean and dry ○​ Antiviral medications: May be prescribed for severe cases, especially in adults and immunocompromised individuals. Dengue ​ Causative Agent: Dengue virus ​ Chronic or Acute: Acute  ​ Communicable: Transmitted through the bite of an infected Aedes mosquito. ​ Symptoms: ○​ High fever ○​ Severe headache ○​ Muscle and joint pain ○​ Fatigue ○​ Nausea and vomiting ○​ Skin rash ○​ In severe cases, bleeding, low blood pressure, and organ damage ​ Treatments: ○​ Supportive care: ​ Rest ​ Adequate hydration ​ Pain relievers (paracetamol/acetaminophen) to reduce fever and pain ○​ Medical attention: For severe cases, hospitalization may be necessary for monitoring and treatment, such as fluid replacement. Prevention: ​ Mosquito control: ○​ Use mosquito repellents ○​ Wear long-sleeved clothing and long pants ○​ Use mosquito nets ○​ Eliminate breeding sites for mosquitoes (e.g., stagnant water in containers) ​ Vaccination: A dengue vaccine is available in some countries but its effectiveness varies depending on the specific strain of the virus. Bacterial Tuberculosis (TB) ​ Causative Agent: Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria ​ Chronic or Acute: Can be both, often chronic and progressive ​ Communicable: Spread through the air when people with active TB cough, sneeze, or spit ​ Symptoms:  ○​ Persistent cough (lasting 3 weeks or longer) ○​ Chest pain ○​ Coughing up blood or mucus ○​ Weakness or fatigue ○​ Weight loss ○​ Loss of appetite ○​ Chills ○​ Fever ○​ Night sweats ​ Treatments: ○​ Antibiotic medications (usually a combination of drugs) taken for a long period (6-12 months) Meningitis ​ Causative Agents: Bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites; Neisseria meningitidis for bacterial meningitis ​ Chronic or Acute: Acute ​ Communicable: Can be, depending on the type of meningitis (bacterial meningitis is highly contagious) ​ Symptoms: ○​ Severe headache ○​ Stiff neck ○​ Fever ○​ Nausea and vomiting ○​ Confusion ○​ Sensitivity to light ○​ Seizures ○​ In infants: poor feeding, irritability, high-pitched cry, and bulging fontanelle ​ Treatments: ○​ Antibiotics (for bacterial meningitis) ○​ Antifungal medications (for fungal meningitis) ○​ Antiviral medications (for viral meningitis) ○​ Supportive care (e.g., fluids, pain relief) Salmonella  ​ Causative Agent: Salmonella enterica (most common species) ​ Chronic or Acute: Acute ​ Communicable: Spread through contaminated food or water ​ Symptoms: ○​ Diarrhea ○​ Fever ○​ Abdominal cramps ○​ Nausea and vomiting ​ Treatments: ○​ Supportive care (e.g., fluids, rest) ○​ In severe cases, antibiotics may be needed Sepsis ​ Causative Agent: Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae ​ Chronic or Acute: Acute ​ Communicable: Not directly person-to-person, but can be caused by infections that are communicable (e.g., pneumonia, urinary tract infections) ​ Symptoms: ○​ Fever or chills ○​ Rapid breathing ○​ Increased heart rate ○​ Confusion ○​ Extreme pain or discomfort ○​ Clammy or sweaty skin ​ Treatments: ○​ Prompt medical attention ○​ Antibiotics to treat the underlying infection ○​ Intravenous fluids to maintain blood pressure ○​ Medications to support organ function Pneumonia ​ Causative Agent: Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, Mycoplasma pneumoniae ​ Chronic or Acute: Can be both, but acute is more common ​ Communicable: Some types, especially those caused by bacteria or viruses, are contagious  ​ Symptoms: ○​ Cough (may produce mucus) ○​ Fever ○​ Chills ○​ Shortness of breath ○​ Chest pain ○​ Fatigue ○​ Confusion (in severe cases, especially in older adults) ​ Treatments: ○​ Antibiotics (for bacterial pneumonia) ○​ Rest ○​ Adequate hydration ○​ Over-the-counter medications to relieve fever and pain Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) ​ Causative Agent: Escherichia coli ​ Chronic or Acute: Acute, but can become chronic if left untreated ​ Communicable: Not directly person-to-person ​ Symptoms: ○​ Frequent or urgent urination ○​ Pain or burning during urination ○​ Pelvic pain, especially in women ○​ Cloudy or bloody urine ○​ Strong-smelling urine ○​ Fever and chills (in severe cases) ​ Treatments: ○​ Antibiotics ○​ Adequate hydration ○​ Over-the-counter pain relievers Chlamydia ​ Common Name: Chlamydia ​ Scientific Name: Chlamydia trachomatis ​ Classification: Bacterial infection ​ Causes of Infection: Unprotected vaginal, oral, or anal sex with an infected person  ​ Mode of Transfer: Sexual contact ​ Signs and Symptoms: Often asymptomatic; can include unusual discharge, burning sensation during urination, pain during intercourse, and lower abdominal pain ​ Home Remedy: None; requires medical treatment ​ Medical Treatment: Antibiotics such as azithromycin or doxycycline HIV ​ Common Name: HIV/AIDS ​ Scientific Name: Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) ​ Classification: Viral infection ​ Causes of Infection: Contact with infected blood, semen, vaginal fluids, or breast milk ​ Mode of Transfer: Sexual contact, sharing needles, mother-to-child during childbirth or breastfeeding ​ Signs and Symptoms: Flu-like symptoms initially; later stages include weight loss, fever, diarrhea, and opportunistic infections ​ Home Remedy: None; requires medical treatment ​ Medical Treatment: Antiretroviral therapy (ART) Syphilis ​ Common Name: Syphilis ​ Scientific Name: Treponema pallidum ​ Classification: Bacterial infection ​ Causes of Infection: Direct contact with syphilis sores during vaginal, anal, or oral sex ​ Mode of Transfer: Sexual contact, mother-to-child during pregnancy or childbirth ​ Signs and Symptoms: Painless sores, skin rashes, swollen lymph nodes, fever, muscle aches ​ Home Remedy: None; requires medical treatment ​ Medical Treatment: Antibiotics, typically penicillin Herpes ​ Common Name: Herpes ​ Scientific Name: Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV-1 and HSV-2)  ​ Classification: Viral infection ​ Causes of Infection: HSV-1 through oral contact; HSV-2 through sexual contact ​ Mode of Transfer: Skin-to-skin contact, sexual contact ​ Signs and Symptoms: Painful blisters or ulcers, itching, fever, body aches ​ Home Remedy: None; requires medical treatment ​ Medical Treatment: Antiviral medications such as acyclovir, famciclovir, and valacyclovir Gonorrhea ​ Common Name: Gonorrhea ​ Scientific Name: Neisseria gonorrhoeae ​ Classification: Bacterial infection ​ Causes of Infection: Unprotected vaginal, oral, or anal sex with an infected person ​ Mode of Transfer: Sexual contact ​ Signs and Symptoms: Painful urination, pus-like discharge, pain during intercourse, abdominal pain ​ Home Remedy: None; requires medical treatment ​ Medical Treatment: Antibiotics such as ceftriaxone and azithromycin HPV ​ Common Name: Human Papillomavirus (HPV) ​ Scientific Name: Human Papillomavirus (HPV) ​ Classification: Viral infection ​ Causes of Infection: Skin-to-skin contact, sexual contact ​ Mode of Transfer: Sexual contact ​ Signs and Symptoms: Warts on genitals, mouth, or throat; some strains can lead to cancer ​ Home Remedy: None; requires medical treatment ​ Medical Treatment: Vaccination, topical treatments for warts, surgical removal of warts