Understanding Medical Terms: A to Z

Medical Terms

Medical terms are a language that describes diseases, symptoms, processes, medical procedures, human body components, and pharmacology. They are utilized in the clinical and medical fields. This article covers all medical terms alphabetically and their meanings, starting with the letters A through Z. Medical Terms with A Medical Terms with B Medical Terms with C … Read more

Human Papillomavirus Infection

Human Papillomavirus Infection

Introduction Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is a common sexually transmitted disease caused by human papilloma virus. Almost 50% of sexually active adults have been infected genital HPV types and most infections have sub-clinical manifestations. As HPV  and cervical cancer are found to be associated together, early prevention and treatment of human Papillomavirus infection should be … Read more

Clostridioides difficile Infection

Clostridioides difficile Infection

Introduction Clostridioides difficile infection (C. difficile, C. diff., or CDI), also called Clostridium difficile infection, is an infection caused by a gram-positive, spore-forming bacterium Clostridioides difficile. C. difficile is an anaerobic, toxin-producing bacterium that causes antibiotic-associated colitis. It is a type of bacteria found in the intestines of many people which is a normal part … Read more

Whooping Cough (Pertussis)

Bordetella pertussis

Introduction Whooping cough is a potentially fatal bacterial infection of the respiratory tract caused by the gram-negative bacterium, Bordetella pertussis. Whooping cough (pertussis) is a highly contagious infection of the lungs and breathing tubes. In many people, it is marked by a severe hacking cough followed by a high-pitched intake of breath that sounds like … Read more

Tetanus (Lockjaw): Symptoms, Treatment, Prevention

Clostridium tetani

Introduction Tetanus is an acute and serious infection caused by toxin-producing bacteria named Clostridium tetani. It was first described in Egypt over 3000 years ago and is still prevalent in the developed world as a major health problem. When the bacterial spores enter deep into the body, they produce a toxin that results in painful spasms … Read more

Diphtheria: Classification, Treatment, Prevention

Diphtheria

Introduction Diphtheria is a contagious infection caused by Corynebacterium diphtheriae, a non-encapsulated, non-motile, Gram-positive bacillus bacterium. The bacteria infect and multiply in the airways, releasing a dangerous toxin that can harm major organs. The formation of the pseudo membrane on the site of colonization is a defining feature of the disease. The most common sites … Read more

Epilepsy: Types of Seizures, Treatment of Epilepsy

Symptoms of Epilepsy

Introduction Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disorder in which a group of nerve cells (neurons) in the brain signal abnormally and cause seizures.  Status epilepticus Incidence According to World Health Organization (WHO), epilepsy accounts for more than 0.5% of the global burden of disease and is one of the most common neurological diseases globally. Low … Read more

Escherichia coli Infection

Escherichia coli Infection

Introduction Escherichia coli (E. coli) infection is an infection caused by a bacteria called Escherichia coli (abbreviated E. coli). It can result in severe and bloody diarrhea. Escherichia coli (E. coli) E. coli is a gram-negative, rod-shaped bacterium of the Enterobacteriaceae family. It is a facultative anaerobic, non-sporulating coliform bacterium that colonizes the gastrointestinal (GI) … Read more

Tuberculosis: Symptoms, Management, Prevention

Tuberculosis (TB)

Introduction Tuberculosis (TB) is a potentially fatal contagious disease primarily affecting lung parenchyma. In most cases, an acid-fast bacillus (AFB), Mycobacterium tuberculosis causes TB. TB, a multi-systemic disease with a wide range of manifestations and presentations, is the leading cause of infectious disease-related mortality worldwide. Approximately 30% of people worldwide are infected with this pathogen, … Read more

Myelography (Myelogram)

Myelography

Introduction Myelography is an invasive diagnostic procedure used to examine the spinal canal using x-rays. The method was first described by Sicard and Forestier in 1921.   Indications of Myelography Contraindications of Myelography Absolute contraindications Relative contraindications Procedure Before the Procedure During the Procedure After the Procedure Benefits of Myelography Risks of Myelography Summary References