Infection Formula

Infection usually refers to the pathological state resulting from the invasion of the body by microorganisms. Common infectious agents include bacteria, viruses, parasites, yeasts and fungi. The body responds to infections by inflammation. Infections may be treated naturally or with drugs. Three main classes of anti-infective drugs are antibacterial (antibiotic), antiviral, and antifungal.

Many individuals develop a variety of infections but quickly overcome them. However, some individuals may develop chronic or persistent infections. Viruses that can cause chronic infection include measles, hepatitis, herpes, Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and cytomegalovirus (CMV). Bacteria can also cause chronic infections in individuals with diabetes, compromised immunity or smoking habit. Symptoms of infection may include fatigue, weight loss, fever, chills, body aches and pain.

It is important to distinguish between bacterial and viral infections because although they can cause similar symptoms, viral infections cannot be treated by antibiotics. In general, bacterial infections tend to produce localized symptoms such as redness, swelling and pain around the infection site, while viral infections tend to produce systemic symptoms that involve multiple body systems such as runny nose, sinus congestion, cough and body aches.

Common Infections
Ear Infections
Chronic ear infections are a common problem in children. These infections may be due to a bacteria or the common cold virus. The disorder often presents with persistent blockage of the ear, hearing loss, chronic ear drainage, balance problems, deep ear pain, headache, fever, excess sleepiness or confusion. Chronic ear infections usually develop slowly over many years in patients who have had ear problems. The treatment of persistent ear infections is complex and requires a combination of natural or synthetic antibiotics, corticosteroids, and placement of tubes.

Urinary Tract Infections
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are the second most common type of infection (next to upper respiratory tract infection). UTIs account for about 8.3 million doctor visits each year. Women are more prone to UTIs than men.

The urinary system consists of the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. Urinary tract infection occurs when bacteria (usually Escherichia coli) from the digestive tract cling to the opening of the urethra and begin to propagate. Bacteria may successively infect urethra (urethritis), bladder (cystitis), and the kidneys (pyelonephritis). Microorganisms called Chlamydia and Mycoplasma may also cause UTIs in both men and women. Unlike E. coli, Chlamydia and Mycoplasma may be sexually transmitted.

UTIs are treated with natural or synthetic antibiotics. Commonly used drugs include trimethoprim, trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, amoxicillin, nitrofurantoin, and ampicillin.

Staph Infections (Staphylococcus aureus)
Staphylococcus bacteria can cause a wide range of diseases from skin infections (boils, impetigo, and cellulitis) to fatal blood poisoning (sepsis). When the bacteria enter the bloodstream, known as bacteremia, a number of serious conditions can occur: Staphylococcal pneumonia predominantly affects people with underlying lung disease and can lead to abscess in the lungs. Infection of the heart valves (endocarditis) can lead to heart failure. Spread of Staphylococci to the bones can result in severe inflammation of the bones (osteomyelitis). Staphylococcal sepsis is a leading cause of shock and death in people with large severe burns.

Staphylococcus bacteria are also among the most common causes of food poisoning. Symptoms of food poisoning include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal cramps, which are caused by eating foods contaminated with toxins produced by staphylococcus aureus. These symptoms usually develop within 6 hours after eating contaminated food and last for 1-3 days and resolves on its own.

Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is an acute infection that is sometimes associated with tampon use during menstruation. The symptoms of toxic shock syndrome include a high fever, an abrupt episode of shivering and chills, intense muscle pain, profuse watery diarrhea, headache, and vomiting. Shock may develop within 48 hours.

Staph infections are treated with topical, oral, or intravenous antibiotics such as oxacillin, methicillin, and nafcillin, depending upon the type and severity of the infection.

Strep Infections
Two classes of streptococcus bacteria - Groups A and B - are responsible for most streptococcal infections. Strep infections are commonly treated with penicillin.

Group A strep causes strep throat (streptococcal pharyngitis), which accounts for the majority of sore throats caused by bacteria. The symptoms of strep throat may include a fever, severe pain and difficulty swallowing, inflamed tonsils, a red sore throat, a "strawberry" appearance of the tongue, enlarged lymph nodes, loss of appetite, weakness, malaise, and abdominal discomfort. Other infections caused by group A streptococcus include scarlet fever (red rash on the body), impetigo (skin lesions with itching and encrustment), toxic shock syndrome, cellulitis and necrotizing fasciitis (flesh-eating disease).

Group B strep can cause blood infections, pneumonia and meningitis in newborns, and urinary tract infections, blood infections, skin infections and pneumonia in adults.

Intestinal Infections
Salmonella is a very common infection, with more than two million new cases reported in the United States each year. Salmonella causes typhoid fever and stomach flu (gastroenteritis). Typhoid fever is usually contracted by drinking contaminated water and is marked by persistent fever and flu-like symptoms. Stomach flu caused by salmonella is usually contracted by eating contaminated or inadequately processed foods and contact with infected animals or people. Symptoms typically include diarrhea, nausea, abdominal pain, and fever. Treatment for uncomplicated cases includes bed rest and fluid and electrolyte replacement.

Infections by E. coli and other bacteria living in human intestines also cause a great deal of diarrheal illness in children. These infections are also prevalent among travelers to underdeveloped countries. People with mild infections recover easily. Those with severe infections require prompt fluid and electrolyte replacement to prevent fatal dehydration.

Prevention
Direct human-to-human transmission can be diminished by adequate hygiene and sanitary environment. Frequent hand washing remains the most important factors in preventing spread of disease-causing organisms. Nutritional improvement and exercise are also important in enhancing immune functions. Vaccination is another way to prevent diseases caused by infections.