Sydenham’s chorea is caused primarily by an autoimmune reaction that follows an infection with a specific type of bacteria called group A streptococcus. This bacterium is the same one responsible for strep throat and certain skin infections. When a person,…
Bejel disease, also known as endemic syphilis, is a chronic infection caused by the bacterium *Treponema endemicum*, closely related to the agent of venereal syphilis. It primarily affects children in arid regions such as parts of the Middle East and…
Pinta disease is caused by infection with a specific type of bacterium called *Treponema carateum*, which belongs to the same family of bacteria that cause other related diseases like yaws and syphilis. Unlike syphilis, which is primarily transmitted through sexual…
Yaws disease is a chronic infection caused by the bacterium *Treponema pertenue*, which primarily affects the skin, bones, and cartilage. It is most common in warm, humid tropical regions and mainly affects children. The symptoms of yaws develop in stages,…
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…