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Infection
Medical Questions » Infection
| Name: Infection |
| Also known as: |
| A microscopic invasion of tissue or body fluids by bacteria, viruses or fungi resulting in cell damage and/or destruction. |
Causes of Infection
About 80 different bacteria, hundreds of different viruses and a score of different fungi. |
Symptoms of Infection
Vary depending on tissue involved, type and severity of infection, but most cause a fever, pain, swelling and redness of the infected tissue. |
Tests for Infection
Swabs, biopsies and blood tests may be performed to determine the infecting organism and the appropriate treatment. |
Treatment for Infection
Most bacteria and fungi are susceptible to antibiotics and anti fungal agents. Most viral infections cannot be treated, but many can be prevented by vaccination (eg. measles, hepatitis B, influenza), some may have their reproduction slowed by medication (eg. AIDS), and a very small number may have their reproduction completely blocked by antiviral agents (eg. genital herpes, influenza).
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Complications of Infection of its treatment
Untreated infections may spread to other organs, through the bloodstream to the whole body, or form abscesses. |
Likely Outcome of Infection
Depends on the infecting organism, its severity, the susceptibility of the patient and the organ(s) involved. |
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