Anthrax
Anthrax is a bacterial disease caused by an organism called Bacillus anthracis. This organism is capable of producing spores - essentially a protective casing - which allows it to survive for decades in soil and other similar ... [... more]
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Viruses and bacteria
Viruses are too small to be seen by the naked eye. They can't multiply on their own, so they have to invade a 'host' cell and take over its machinery in order to be able to make more virus particles. Viruses consist of genetic materials (DNA or ... [... more]
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Mycoplasma pneumonia
The micro-organism Mycoplasma pneumoniae can cause pneumonia, though it is possible to be infected with Mycoplasma pneumoniae without necessarily developing pneumonia. Anyone in contact with a secretion (such as phlegm) from the respiratory ... [... more]
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Encephalitis
Encephalitis is a medical emergency and refers to inflammation of the brain tissue; this can also involve the membranes of the brain. Encephalitis is usually due to an infection caused by a virus or bacteria. Several viruses are known to cause ... [... more]
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Influenza (flu)
Influenza is a viral disease that usually strikes between October and May. It lasts from three to five days and can be followed by fatigue for two or three weeks. It usually causes aching muscles and joints, headaches , cough and fever with a ... [... more]
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German measles (rubella)
German measles (rubella) is an illness caused by a virus. Epidemics tend to break out every three to four years, although the illness is less contagious than measles and chickenpox. If a pregnant woman is infected with German measles there is a ... [... more]
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Hepatitis (liver inflammation)
Hepatitis is the Latin word for liver inflammation. It is characterised by the destruction of a number of liver cells and the presence of inflammatory cells in the liver tissue. Hepatitis can be caused by diseases that primarily attack the liver ... [... more]
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Hepatitis C (infectious liver inflammation type C)
Hepatitis is the Latin word for liver inflammation. Type C hepatitis is caused by a virus called hepatitis C virus. It was previously referred to as non-A-non-B hepatitis. Other types of viral hepatitis include hepatitis A, and hepatitis B. The ... [... more]
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Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection
MRSA stands for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. It is a type of bacterium commonly found on the skin and/or in the noses of healthy people. Although it is usually harmless at these sites, it may occasionally get into the body (eg ... [... more]
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Pneumonia
Pneumonia means that there is an infection or inflammation in the lung tissue. It can be caused by a lot of different micro-organisms - viruses, bacteria, fungi and parasites that are too small to see - but it can also be caused by corrosive ... [... more]
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Respiratory syncytial virus (RS-virus)
RS-virus is short for respiratory syncytial virus which, in the winter months, is a common cause of acute bronchitis in small children. RS-virus can give severe symptoms in children less than six months old, while older children and adults merely ... [... more]
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Toxoplasmosis
Toxoplasmosis is caused by a protozoan infection with the parasite Toxoplasma gondii, and is found in humans and many species of mammals and birds. In uncomplicated cases few or no symptoms may occur and no treatment may be ... [... more]
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