Infectious Diseases

Infectious diseases are disorders caused by pathogenic microorganisms—including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites—that can spread directly or indirectly between individuals or through environmental exposure.

Common Infectious Diseases

  1. Viral Infections:

    • Influenza (Flu)

    • HIV/AIDS

    • COVID-19

    • Hepatitis B/C

  2. Bacterial Infections:

    • Tuberculosis (TB)

    • Pneumonia

    • Lyme Disease

    • MRSA

  3. Fungal Infections:

    • Candidiasis

    • Aspergillosis

  4. Parasitic Infections:

    • Malaria

    • Giardiasis

    • Toxoplasmosis

Diagnostic Approaches

  • Laboratory Testing:
    ✓ PCR tests (viral/bacterial detection)
    ✓ Blood cultures
    ✓ Serology (antibody testing)
    ✓ Microscopy (e.g., for malaria)

  • Imaging:
    ✓ Chest X-rays (pneumonia/TB)
    ✓ CT/MRI for abscesses

  • Clinical Evaluation:
    ✓ Symptom assessment
    ✓ Travel/exposure history

Treatment Modalities

Pathogen TypeTreatment Options
BacterialAntibiotics (e.g., penicillin, cephalosporins)
ViralAntivirals (e.g., oseltamivir, remdesivir)
FungalAntifungals (e.g., fluconazole)
ParasiticAntiparasitics (e.g., artemisinin)

Emerging Therapies: Monoclonal antibodies, phage therapy

Prevention Strategies

  1. Vaccination:

    • Annual flu shots

    • HPV vaccine

    • COVID-19 boosters

  2. Infection Control:
    ✓ Hand hygiene
    ✓ PPE (masks, gloves)
    ✓ Sterilization protocols

  3. Public Health Measures:

    • Contact tracing

    • Quarantine protocols

    • Vector control (mosquito nets, insecticides)

Global Health Impact

  • Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR): A growing threat requiring stewardship programs

  • Pandemic Preparedness: Lessons from COVID-19

  • Neglected Tropical Diseases: Affecting 1+ billion people worldwide

Did You Know? 30% of antibiotics prescribed are unnecessary (CDC).

When to See an Infectious Disease Specialist

  • Persistent fever of unknown origin

  • Recurrent infections

  • Complex cases (immunocompromised patients)

  • Pre-/post-travel consultations

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Minoo Haghshenas

Minoo Haghshenas

Internist

Dr. Minoo Haghshenas is a distinguished internal medicine specialist with board certification from Tehran’s prestigious Shahid Beheshti University. With comprehensive expertise […]

Iran, Tehran
Yaghoob Sehri

Yaghoob Sehri

Uro-Oncology Fellowship

Dr. Yaghoob Sehri is a distinguished urologist practicing in Tehran, offering comprehensive care for: ✔ Kidney and urinary tract disorders ✔ Male infertility diagnosis […]

Iran, Tehran