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Microbes, or microorganisms, such as bacteria and fungi, play a vital role in biological processes, with millions residing in the human body to support health. However, some harmful microbes, known as pathogens, can cause infections by rapidly multiplying or producing toxins, leading to diseases. The Global Burden of Disease Study 2019 revealed that 85 pathogens contributed to 704 million years of healthy life lost globally (measured in DALY-disability-adjusted life year, which measures disease burden on a population).
In India, infectious diseases are a major health and financial concern, accounting for 27.5% of the total disease burden, even as non-communicable diseases (NCDs) have risen from 37.9% to 61.8% over three decades. Diseases such as tuberculosis, dengue, malaria, typhoid, and HIV/AIDS remain widespread, with some particularly affecting infant morbidity and mortality.
This blog explores the types of infectious diseases, symptoms to look for, diagnosis, and treatments.
Synopsis
Symptoms of Infectious Disease
Symptoms can be non-specific or specific depending on the type and severity of the illness. Some can be mild, while others can be life-threatening. General symptoms can include fever and chills, headache, fatigue, muscle aches, swollen lymph nodes, joint aches, night sweats, loss of appetite, weight loss, and pain.
Local redness, swelling, fever, and pain at the site of infection are classic symptoms of bacterial infections. Viral infections can be systemic, i.e., they can affect different body parts, developing symptoms like body aches, cough, and runny nose.
Symptoms of fungal infection can be seen superficially, such as swollen or inflamed skin, rashes, or discoloured or cracked nails, accompanied by general symptoms. Lastly, symptoms caused by parasitic infections can depend on the region infected, such as skin issues like itching, rashes, and sores, or neurological signs like severe headaches or seizures.
Which Agents Can Cause Infections And Diseases?
Many pathogens can cause several diseases and infections, and they enter through different ways and routes, such as inhalation, ingestion, insect or animal bites, direct or indirect contact, or contaminated food, soil, plants, or water. Pathogens are mainly of four types: bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites.
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Bacteria are microscopic agents that cause illness by releasing toxins that damage tissues. Examples include tuberculosis, Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs), gonorrhoea, and strep throat.
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Viruses rely on host cells for replication, causing common infections like COVID-19, influenza, hepatitis, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
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Fungal infections result from overgrowth or contact with harmful fungi, such as athlete's foot, thrush, and vaginal yeast infections.
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Parasitic infections involve protozoa, worms, or ectoparasites affecting areas like blood, skin, and the gut, with malaria and giardiasis being common examples.
How Does Infectious Disease Spread?
The germs causing infectious disease can spread through the following ways:
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As airborne particles or small air droplets (airborne spread)
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Through contact with the faeces contaminated with infectious disease (faeco-oral route)
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On coming in contact with infected skin and mucous membranes, such as nose, mouth, throat, and genitals (contact spread)
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Through contaminated blood or body fluids (urine, saliva, breastmilk, semen, and vaginal secretions)
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The infection can also spread through contaminated food or water
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The mother can transfer her infection to the unborn child
Most infections are spread directly from person to person or by coming in contact with an infected person or environment.
Diagnosis for Infectious Diseases
Diagnosis for infections can be comprehensive, depending on the type of illness. Initial tests, such as imaging tests, are carried out to confirm an infection. Once confirmed, identifying the specific pathogen is crucial, as various pathogens (bacteria, viruses, fungi) can cause the same illness, like pneumonia. This involves multiple tests using samples from blood, urine, stool, tissue, sputum, or mucus from the throat, nose, or genital area.
After identifying the pathogen, susceptibility or sensitivity tests are conducted to determine effective drugs. Additional diagnostic methods include antibody and antigen tests and nucleic acid-based, and non-nucleic acid-based identification tests, helping doctors choose the right treatment.
Treatments for Infectious Diseases
Infectious diseases can be cured by treatments that target the specific cause of the infection. Medications for bacterial infections typically involve antibiotics, administered orally via injections, intravenous (IV) lines, drops, or creams. Viral infections mainly focus on symptom relief, but treatments are available for some, like influenza and herpes zoster. Fungal infections are treated with antifungal medications such as fluconazole (oral) or clotrimazole (cream). On the other hand, parasitic infections are managed with antiparasitic drugs.
Prevention of infectious diseases is an even more efficient option than treating them. You can prevent getting infections by practising good hygiene measures, following proper food safety and preparation techniques, staying up-to-date on your vaccinations, and taking necessary precautionary measures while travelling.
Conclusion
Infectious diseases are a public health concern globally, and research on new ways to diagnose and treat infectious diseases has become the need of the hour. Currently, scientists are utilising promising tools like artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) techniques. Some of these include computer-aided detection (CAD) using convolutional neural networks (CNN), as well as advanced biosensors to identify infections like tuberculosis, especially in drug-resistant cases, HIV, COVID-19, viral pneumonia, and many more. Moreover, ML algorithms can help doctors analyse vast medical data to detect patterns, predict disease progression, and suggest personalised treatment plans.
At Manipal Hospitals, Ghaziabad, our infectious disease specialists are committed to providing a range of services to patients related to the diagnosis and management of infections. If you or your loved ones exhibit any symptoms that may indicate an infection, seek immediate care at our facility for prompt attention and treatment.
FAQ's
A communicable disease spreads from person to person, from an animal or from a contaminated surface. Although all communicable diseases are infectious, not all infections are communicable. For example, tetanus is an infection; however, it is not a communicable disease.
Antibiotics are only effective against bacterial infections and should be taken after discussing with our doctors. Misuse of antibiotics can lead to resistance, which can later make infections harder to treat, reduce the effectiveness of medications, and increase severe complications.
Hospital-acquired, or nosocomial, infections occur when an infection develops typically 48 hours or more after admission. If you exhibit any symptoms that might suggest a hospital-acquired infection, it is important to inform our providers immediately. At Manipal Hospitals, Ghaziabad, we carry stringent measures and protocols to prevent nosocomial infections.
Prevention of infectious diseases includes keeping immunisations up-to-date, washing hands often, using antibiotics as advised, and reporting unresponsive infections. Be cautious around animals, avoid insect bites, practice safe sex, and stay informed about health alerts issued by organisations like the WHO. Lastly, maintain a healthy lifestyle with a balanced diet and exercise, and avoid smoking or substance abuse.
How can I make an appointment with an infectious disease specialist at Manipal Hospitals, Ghaziabad?
To schedule an appointment at Manipal Hospitals, Ghaziabad, contact our Infectious Disease Department or visit our website.
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