Clostridium botulinum bacteria are a subject of considerable research, both for their potential hazards and their medical applications. Dr. Jane Smith, a microbiologist at the University of Cambridge, notes, “The paradox of Clostridium botulinum lies … Read more
Diphtheria (dif-THEER-e-uh) is a serious bacterial infection that usually affects the mucous membranes of the nose and throat. Diphtheria is an acute bacterial disease that can affect the body in the tonsils, nose or throat, … Read more
Bioterrorism is the use of bacteria, viruses or microorganisms to deliberately harm large numbers of people or communities. Bioterrorism is rare and is used to threaten people, governments and nations. Bioterrorism includes the deliberate or … Read more
Anthrax is a serious and sometimes fatal disease caused by infection with the bacterium Bacillus anthracis. Anthrax is caused by infection with Bacillus anthracis, a hardy spore-forming bacterium that can survive long periods of time … Read more
In Europe, Lyme disease is caused by infection with one or more of the European pathogenic spirochete genospecies B. burgdorferi sensu lato, mainly carried by the tick Ixodes ricinus. Not all deer ticks are infected … Read more
Typhus is a disease caused by bacteria (mainly Rickettsia typhi or R. prowazekii). In addition, Rickettsia Typhi, which causes endemic typhus, belongs to the typhus genus Rickettsia, but is transmitted by fleas. Typhimurium is called … Read more
Encephalitis is an acute inflammation (swelling) of the brain, usually caused by a viral infection or the wrong attack on brain tissue by the body’s immune system. Encephalitis can also be caused by problems with … Read more
Zoonosis is a term used to describe an infection or disease that can be transmitted from animal to human. Zoonotic diseases can also be transmitted from animals to humans through insects that act as “intermediaries” … Read more
Vaccinations are effective and offer good protection against many serious diseases. Those who are vaccinated are more likely to be protected against a specific disease. The germs in vaccines can be killed or weakened, but … Read more
Leprosy (Hansen’s Disease) is a chronic infectious disease that mainly affects young children and young adults in the USA and Canada. The disease is caused by a bacillus, a rod-shaped bacterium known as Mycobacterium leprae. … Read more