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An infection is the invasion of tissues by pathogens, their multiplication, and the reaction of host tissues to the infectious agent and the toxins they produce. [1] An infectious disease , also known as a transmissible disease or communicable disease , is an illness resulting from an infection.
A pathogen may also be referred to as an infectious agent, or simply a germ. [1] The term pathogen came into use in the 1880s. [2] [3] Typically, the term pathogen is used to describe an infectious microorganism or agent, such as a virus, bacterium, protozoan, prion, viroid, or fungus.
In the modern-day, the term has sometimes been broadened to encompass any communicable or infectious disease. Often the word can only be understood in context, where it is used to emphasize very infectious, easily transmitted, or especially severe communicable diseases. In 1849, John Snow first proposed that cholera was a contagious disease.
Infectious diseases are diseases caused by biological agents, which can be transmitted to others, rather than by genetic, physical or chemical agents. This definition includes disease caused by viruses , bacteria , parasites , fungi and prions .
Diagnostic modalities for infectious mononucleosis include: Person's age, with highest risk at 10 to 30 years. Medical history, such as close contact with other people with infectious mononucleosis; Physical examination, including palpation of any enlarged lymph nodes in the neck, or enlarged spleen.
An infectious disease agent can be transmitted in two ways: as horizontal disease agent transmission from one individual to another in the same generation (peers in the same age group) [3] by either direct contact (licking, touching, biting), or indirect contact through air – cough or sneeze (vectors or fomites that allow the transmission of the agent causing the disease without physical ...
The job of an infectious disease doctor is to fight against these types of plagues. Here is a guide on what it means to be an infectious disease doctor, and how and why someone might pursue this ...
Often simply called an antiviral. A class of antimicrobial medication used specifically for treating diseases caused by viral infections rather than ones caused by bacteria or other infectious agents. Unlike most antibiotics, antivirals typically do not destroy their target viruses but instead inhibit their development. They are distinct from virucides. assembly The construction of the virus ...