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…
Melioidosis is caused by a bacterium named *Burkholderia pseudomallei*, which lives naturally in soil and water, especially in tropical and subtropical regions. This bacterium thrives in wet environments such as muddy soils, stagnant water, and flooded areas. People or animals…
Glanders is a serious infectious disease primarily affecting horses, donkeys, and mules, caused by the bacterium *Burkholderia mallei*. It is highly contagious and can be fatal. The disease can also infect humans, making it a zoonotic threat. Treating glanders is…
Brucellosis is a disease that people can catch from animals, and it’s caused by bacteria called Brucella. These bacteria are tiny, rod-shaped germs that live inside the cells of animals and sometimes humans. The disease is found all over the…
Tularemia is an infectious disease caused by the bacterium *Francisella tularensis*. The signs of tularemia vary depending on how the infection enters the body, but there are several common symptoms and distinct forms of the illness that help identify it.…
Psittacosis is caused by an infection with the bacterium *Chlamydia psittaci*, which primarily lives in birds. This bacterium can remain dormant in birds but becomes active when the birds experience stress, such as during capture, confinement, or transportation. When active,…
Q fever is an infectious disease caused by the bacterium *Coxiella burnetii*. While many people infected with Q fever may experience mild or no symptoms, the disease can lead to a variety of complications that affect multiple organs and systems…