Search results
Results from the WOW.Com Content Network
Viruses. Viruses are bits of genetic information, either RNA or DNA, surrounded by protein. A virus needs a living host, such as a person, plant or animal. To spread, a virus gets into a host's body and then into the host's cells. Then it takes over the host cell's machinery, using it to make more of the virus.
Infectious diseases can be caused by: Bacteria. These one-cell organisms are responsible for illnesses such as strep throat, urinary tract infections and tuberculosis. Viruses. Even smaller than bacteria, viruses cause a multitude of diseases ranging from the common cold to AIDS. Fungi.
Other bacteria can get into and damage tissues. Some infections caused by bacteria include: Strep throat. Tuberculosis. Urinary tract infections. Viruses. Viruses are much smaller than cells. In fact, viruses are just capsules that hold genetic material. To reproduce, viruses invade cells in the body. They take over the process that makes cells ...
Exposure to viruses, bacteria or parasites. This is a major risk factor for sudden onset of diarrhea. Diet. Certain foods or drinks, including coffee, tea, dairy products, or foods containing artificial sweeteners can cause diarrhea in some people. Medicines.
Bacteria and viruses differ in their structure and their response to medications. Bacteria are single-celled, living organisms. They have a cell wall and all the components necessary to survive and reproduce, although some may derive energy from other sources. Viruses are not considered to be “living” because they require a host cell to ...
Antibiotics cannot kill viruses because bacteria and viruses have different mechanisms and machinery to survive and replicate. The antibiotic has no “target” to attack in a virus. However, antiviral medications and vaccines are specific for viruses. Vaccines stimulate your own immune system to produce antibodies, which then can “recognize ...
Laboratory tests. Many infectious diseases have similar signs and symptoms. Samples of body fluids can sometimes reveal evidence of the particular microbe that's causing the illness. This helps the doctor tailor treatment. Blood tests. A technician obtains a sample of blood by inserting a needle into a vein, usually in the arm. Urine tests.
Bacteria. Gonorrhea, syphilis and chlamydia are examples of STDs that are caused by bacteria. Parasites. Trichomoniasis is an STD caused by a parasite. Viruses. STDs caused by viruses include human papillomavirus (HPV), the herpes simplex virus, and the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), which causes AIDS. Risk factors
Pneumonia is an infection that inflames the air sacs in one or both lungs. The air sacs may fill with fluid or pus (purulent material), causing cough with phlegm or pus, fever, chills, and difficulty breathing. A variety of organisms, including bacteria, viruses and fungi, can cause pneumonia.
Bacteria. Viruses. Parasites that can live in the intestines. Poisons, also called toxins. Bacteria that carry or make toxins. Molds that make toxins. Understanding terms. The term "food poisoning" is commonly used to describe all foodborne illnesses. A health care provider might use these terms to be more specific: