Erysipelas is an acute bacterial skin infection that primarily affects the upper layers of the skin, specifically the superficial dermis and the lymphatic vessels. It is characterized by a well-defined, raised, bright red area of inflammation that is often warm,…
Leptospirosis is an infection caused by bacteria called Leptospira, which people can catch through contact with water or soil contaminated by the urine of infected animals. The signs of leptospirosis can vary widely, ranging from very mild symptoms to severe…
Rat-bite fever is an infectious disease caused primarily by bacteria transmitted through contact with rats. The two main bacteria responsible for rat-bite fever are *Streptobacillus moniliformis* and *Spirillum minus*. These bacteria live in the mouths, urine, and feces of rats…
Cat scratch disease (CSD) is an infection caused primarily by the bacterium *Bartonella henselae*, typically transmitted through scratches or bites from cats. The treatment approach depends on the severity of the disease, ranging from simple wound care to antibiotic therapy.…
Trench fever is caused by a specific type of bacteria called *Bartonella quintana*. This bacterium is transmitted to humans primarily through the human body louse, an insect that lives on clothing and feeds on human blood. The body louse acts…
Relapsing fever is an infectious disease marked by repeated episodes of fever that come and go, separated by periods when the person feels relatively well. These cycles of fever are caused by bacteria called *Borrelia*, which are spiral-shaped and transmitted…
Tetralogy-related diphtheria complications arise primarily from the interaction between the underlying congenital heart defect known as tetralogy of Fallot and the systemic effects of diphtheria infection. Tetralogy of Fallot is a complex heart condition characterized by four anatomical abnormalities that…
Botulism is a rare but serious illness caused by a toxin produced by the bacterium *Clostridium botulinum*. The signs of botulism usually begin within 6 to 36 hours after exposure to the toxin, though this can vary depending on the…
Nocardiosis is an infection caused by bacteria from the Nocardia family. These bacteria are found in soil, dust, and decaying plants all around us. Most people breathe in tiny amounts of Nocardia every day without ever getting sick. But sometimes,…
Actinomycosis is a rare, chronic bacterial infection caused primarily by Actinomyces species, which are filamentous, gram-positive bacteria normally found in the mouth, digestive tract, and female genital tract. The symptoms of actinomycosis can vary widely depending on the location of…