Infectious diseases can spread rapidly through populations, causing widespread illness and sometimes even global pandemics. Understanding how infections spread—also known as modes of transmission—is critical for preventing and controlling disease outbreaks. This knowledge forms the basis for public health strategies, hospital infection control policies, and everyday hygiene practices.…
The immune system is the body’s highly specialized defense network, protecting us against harmful pathogens like bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. Without it, even a minor infection could prove fatal. This intricate system identifies and eliminates invading organisms while distinguishing them from the body’s own healthy tissues. In…
In the 21st century, the world has witnessed the rise and return of infectious diseases that pose significant threats to global health, economies, and social stability. While medical advancements have drastically improved diagnostics, treatments, and prevention, new pathogens continue to surface, and old foes re-emerge—sometimes with increased resistance…
Infectious diseases can be caused by various microorganisms—each with its own mode of transmission, symptoms, and treatment strategies. The four major types of pathogens responsible for human infections are bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. Understanding the key differences among these pathogens is crucial for proper diagnosis, treatment, and…
Infectious diseases have shaped human history and continue to pose significant public health challenges worldwide. From ancient plagues to modern-day pandemics like COVID-19, understanding how infectious diseases work—what causes them, how they are classified, and how they spread—is crucial for prevention, treatment, and global health strategies. What Are…
Hepatitis B is a potentially life-threatening liver infection caused by the Hepatitis B virus (HBV). It remains a major global health problem, especially in low- and middle-income countries. While many people recover from it, others develop chronic forms that can lead to liver cirrhosis, liver failure, or liver…
Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) has become a cornerstone technology in modern medical microbiology, particularly for diagnosing viral infections. Since its invention by Kary Mullis in 1983, PCR has transformed the way laboratories detect and identify pathogens, offering speed, sensitivity, and specificity that far surpass traditional methods. In this…