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Two weeks ago.
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headache, fever, convulsions, anorexia, altered level of consciousness.
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The severe consequences of Naegleria fowleri are inflammation in the brain that causes amebic meningoencephalitis and death.
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If it is only partially treated (with antibiotics), then this is certainly possible (and has occurred in many cases before).
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Naegleria is an amoebic parasite and the disease it causes is PAM (Primary Amebic Meningoencephalitis). Naegleria fowleri is a deadly ameoba that is found in warm water. It usually enters the body through the nose before making its way to the brain, thereby causing meningoencephalitis. It lives in freshwater lakes, natural warm water springs, or streams. Although rare, the disease is often fatal.
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Naegleria is an amoebic parasite and the disease it causes is PAM (Primary Amebic Meningoencephalitis). Naegleria fowleri is a deadly ameoba that is found in warm water. It usually enters the body through the nose before making its way to the brain, thereby causing meningoencephalitis. It lives in freshwater lakes, natural warm water springs, or streams. Although rare, the disease is often fatal.
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Granulomatous meningoencephalitis (GME) is an inflammatory disease of the central nervous system (CNS) of dogs and, rarely, cats. It is a form of meningoencephalitis. GME is likely second only to encephalitis caused by canine distemper virus as the most common cause of inflammatory disease of the canine CNS.[1] The disease is more common in female toy dogs of young and middle age. It has a rapid onset. The lesions of GME exist mainly in the white matter of the cerebrum, brainstem, cerebellum, and spinal cord.[2] The cause is only known to be noninfectious and is considered at this time to be idiopathic. Because lesions resemble those seen in allergic meningoencephalitis, GME is thought to have an immune-mediated cause, but it is also thought that the disease may be based on an abnormal response to an infectious agent.[3] One study searched for viral DNA from canine herpesvirus, canine adenovirus, and canine parvovirus in brain tissue from dogs with GME, necrotizing meningoencephalitis, and necrotizing leukoencephalitis (see below for the latter two conditions), but failed to find any.[
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West Nile encephalitis (inflammation of the brain); West Nile meningitis (inflammation of the meninges of the brain and spinal cord); or West Nile meningoencephalitis
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Richard J. Duma has written:
'Study of pathogenic free-living amebas in fresh-water lakes in Virginia' -- subject(s): Meningoencephalitis, Recreational use, Amoeba, Lakes, Pathogenicity
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West Nile meningoencephalitis is a symptom where both your brain and meninges get inflammated. There are also cases with fever, stiff neck and headaches to name a few. A good description of more symptoms can be found at wikipedia
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Naegleria is a protist that belongs to the phylum Percolozoa. It is a free-living amoeba found in freshwater environments worldwide. Naegleria fowleri, in particular, is known to cause a rare but severe brain infection called primary amebic meningoencephalitis.
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Sarcodines are a group of protozoa that include amoebas. Some species of amoebas can cause human diseases such as amoebic dysentery and brain infections like primary amoebic meningoencephalitis. These diseases can be transmitted through contaminated water or poor hygiene.
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Naegleria fowleri, a brain-eating amoeba, can cause death within 1 to 18 days after infection. Symptoms can progress rapidly, leading to a potentially fatal condition known as primary amebic meningoencephalitis. Immediate medical attention is crucial if infection is suspected.
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Yes, some species of amoebas, such as the Naegleria fowleri, can be pathogenic to humans and cause infections such as amoebic meningoencephalitis, a rare but usually fatal infection that affects the brain. These amoebas are usually found in warm freshwater bodies like rivers and lakes.
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Meningococcus is another name for Neisserra meningitidis. It causes meningitis and septicaemia, hence the name "meningo" and is a gram negative coccus, hence "coccus."
Meningococcal meningitis is therefore meningitis caused by this organism; similarly with meningococcal septicaemia.
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Listeria monocytogenes can form a symbiotic relationship with certain species of amoeba, where the amoeba provides a protective environment for the bacteria to survive and replicate. In return, the bacteria can benefit by gaining nutrients from the amoeba.
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There are several types of amoeba, including the common amoeba called Amoeba proteus, which can be found in freshwater environments. Other types of amoeba include Entamoeba histolytica, which is a parasite that can cause amoebic dysentery, and Naegleria fowleri, a pathogenic amoeba that can cause a rare and fatal brain infection called primary amoebic meningoencephalitis.
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Meningitis is inflammation of the meninges, three membranes that are layered around the brain and spinal cord to cushion, nurture and protect the delicate neurons. In order, from superficial to deep, they are the dura mater, arachnoid mater and pia mater.
Inflammation of the neurons of the brain would be called encephalitis. Inflammation of the meninges and inflammation of the neurons of the brain are often concurrent; this would be called meningoencephalitis.
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Yes, dogs can potentially get infected by brain-eating amoeba, although it is rare. These amoebas are typically found in warm freshwater sources and can enter a dog's body through the nose, leading to a serious and often fatal infection called primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM). Owners should be cautious when allowing their dogs to swim in warm bodies of water to reduce the risk of infection.
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The organism responsible for the presence of amoebae in cerebrospinal fluid is likely Naegleria fowleri, a free-living amoeba that can cause a rare but severe infection of the brain called primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM). Infection typically occurs when contaminated water is inhaled through the nose, allowing the amoeba to enter the brain. Early identification and treatment are crucial as PAM can be fatal.
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Naegleria fowleri is a single-celled organism found in warm freshwater environments that can cause a rare and often fatal infection called primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM) when it enters the body through the nose. Symptoms of PAM include severe headache, fever, nausea, and confusion.
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There is no historical record or evidence of Mary Ingalls, the sister of Laura Ingalls Wilder, ever receiving a spanking as a child. Their childhood was documented in the "Little House on the Prairie" book series, and there is no mention of such an event occurring.
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Yes, viral meningitis can sometimes progress to viral encephalitis. This occurs when the viral infection spreads from the meninges (protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord) to the brain itself, causing inflammation and potentially more severe symptoms. It is important to seek medical attention promptly if symptoms suggest progression to encephalitis.
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Amoebas like Entamoeba histolytica can cause amoebic dysentery, a type of severe diarrhea with blood and mucus. Acanthamoeba and Naegleria fowleri can cause rare but serious infections of the brain and central nervous system (acanthamoeba keratitis and primary amoebic meningoencephalitis, respectively).
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Parasitic meningitis, also called eosinophic meningitis, is most commonly caused by cysterci. The larvae stage of tapeworm (pork tapeworm) travels via bloodstream to the brain, causing allergic reactions in this migratory phase, hence term eosinophic.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states "Primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM) is a very rare form of parasitic meningitis that causes a fatal brain infection. The parasite enters the body through the nose and is caused by the microscopic ameba (a single-celled living organism)."
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The scientific name for the brain-eating amoeba is Naegleria fowleri. It is a free-living amoeba that can cause a rare but often fatal infection called primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM) in humans.
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Mumps symptoms
Children are mainly affected. Typically:
- Painful swelling (parotitis), usually on both sides of the face
- Difficulty in opening the mouth
- Fever
- Headache
- Body discomfort
Mumps in adults is less common but once infected, it may involve other organs:
- Orchitis (Inflammation of one or both testes)
- Pancreatitis (Inflammation of the pancreas)
- Meningoencephalitis (Inflammation of the brain and spinal cord and their meninges)
- Rarely, oophoritis (Inflammation of one or both ovaries)
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Amoebiasis, or Amebiasis, refers to infection caused by the amoeba Entamoeba .... Disease occurs when amoeba comes in contact with the cells lining the intestine. ... Various flotation or sedimentation procedures have been developed to ... It is now known that at least 90% of these infections are due to E. dispar.
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Ticks, along with spiders, are classified as arachnids, and these eight-legged parasites should be feared just as much as the most poisonous black widow or tarantula. People should take particular care of both themselves and their pets in the summer months when there is an explosion of the young tick - or seed tick - population, and there is a very high chance of those bitten by ticks contracting a tick-borne disease.
The diseases transmitted from tick to mammal differ from location to location with North America being home to different tick-borne diseases than Africa, South America or Asia. The infectious Tularemia, for instance, is almost only found in the USA and is, indeed, named after California’s Tulare County. On the other hand, the virulent Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever is found mostly in Africa while Rocky Mountain spotted fever and tick-borne meningoencephalitis infest mainly South America and Eurasia respectively. The one thing that all of these conditions have in common, however, is that ticks are the primary disease-spreading vectors.
Diseases can also jump from tick to mammal in more ways than one, and, for instance, while tick-borne meningoencephalitis is caused by the TBME/FSME virus, Lyme disease - possibly the most well-known of all tick-related illnesses - is the result of an infection caused by a type of gram-negative bacteria. Ticks actually play host to several different strains of bacteria that all cause debilitating illnesses in mammals. Such illnesses include both relapsing fever and ehrlichiosis anaplasmosis, which attacks the sufferer’s blood cells.
If one spends a lot of time outdoors - particularly in leafy or sandy areas - it is imperative that one checks oneself for ticks on a regular basis. Lyme disease and several of the other tick-borne conditions can be fatal and, if one begins to experience unusual symptoms after being bitten by a tick, one should immediately visit one’s doctor. There are precautions that can be taken against being bitten by ticks, however, and, if one spends a lot of time outdoors, it would be worthwhile investing in, for instance, both bug spray and protective clothing.
Ticks are not to be toyed with and should be treated with caution.
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There are many water borne illnesses but two of some of the more common diseases would be Cholera and Malaria.
Cholera is an acute, diarrhoeal illness caused by infection of the intestine from unclean drinking water or foods contaminated with the bacteria Vibrio Cholerae. It's a rapid spreading disease in places without clean drinking water or proper sewage and is characterized by diarrhea, stomach and leg cramping and vomitting.
Malaria is a parasitic disease transmitted from one person to another through the bite of female Anopheles mosquitoes, which breed in fresh water. Symptoms of malaria start out as short, reoccuring bouts of chills or fever. Over time it can enlarge the spleen and liver causing anemia or jaundice. In severe and fatal cases it causes clogging of the vessels in the cerebral tissue. It's most commonly found in the tropics today.
Some other water-borne illnesses or problems include Typhoid, Hepatits, lead poisoning, Polio, hookworm infection, and scabies.
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Most are harmless. A few can become parasites.
amoeba's the single cell organism's are not harmful to humans. Matter of fact you most likely have Millions of amoeba and other single cell organisms living around and inside you at all times. And by the way you spelled amoeba wrong.
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If your cat is bitten by a tick it could be fatal, ticks can live up to several years attached to your cat feeding on its blood (ew, too gory!) and you may not even notice them until they have fed on your cat so much that they become engorged (meaning filled to excess with blood). Ticks can also pass on diseases to your cat that can cause serious health issues and they could also pass on diseases to you and your family. Frontline will deal with the ticks on your cat and is over 99% certain that they will be killed within 8 hours of treatment.
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Bedbugs is a species that prefers to feed off of human blood or other warmblooded animals.
Ticks will still feed off of warmblooded mammals, birds, etc. but will also feed from cold-blooded reptiles or amphibians.
That's the only difference i can think of :)
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Cryptococcosis is infection with Cryptococcus neoformans fungus.
Causes, incidence, and risk factorsCryptococcus neoformans, the fungus that causes this disease, is ordinarily found in soil. It enters and infects the body through the lungs. Once inhaled, infection with cryptococcosis may go away on its own, remain in the lungs only, or spread throughout the body (disseminate).
Most cases are in people with a weakened immune system, such as those with HIV infection, taking high doses of corticosteroid medications, cancer chemotherapy, or who have Hodgkin's disease.
In people with a normal immune system, the lung (pulmonary) form of the infection may have no symptoms. In people with impaired immune systems, the cryptococcus organism may spread to the brain.
Neurological (brain) symptoms begin gradually. Most people with this infection have meningoencephalitis (swelling and irritation of the brain and spinal cord) when they are diagnosed.
Cryptococcus is one of the most common life-threatening fungal infections in people with AIDS.
Symptoms- Blurred visionor double vision (diplopia)
- Bone pain or tenderness of the breastbone (sternum)
- Chest pain
- Confusion
- Cough -- dry
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Headache
- Nausea
- Skin rash -- pinpoint red spots (petechiae)
- Sweating -- unusual, excessive at night
- Swollen glands
- Unintentional weight loss
- Weakness
Note: People with a normal immune system may have no symptoms at all.
Signs and tests- Sputum cultureand stain
- Lung biopsy
- Bronchoscopy
- Cerebrospinal Fluid culture and stain for Cryptococcus
- Chest x-ray
- Cryptococcal antigen test (looks for a certain molecule that the Cryptococcus fungus can shed into the blood)
Some infections require no treatment. Even so, there should be regular check-ups for a full year to make sure the infection has not spread. If there are lung lesions or the disease spreads, antifungal medications are prescribed. These drugs may need to be taken for a long time.
Medications include:
- Amphotericin B
- Flucytosine
- Fluconazole
Central nervous system involvement often causes death or leads to permanent damage.
Complications- Infection comes back
- Meningitis
- Permanent brain or nerve damage
- Side effects of medications (such as Amphotericin B) can be severe
Call your health care provider if you develop symptoms of cryptococcosis, especially if you have a weakened immune system.
PreventionTake the lowest doses of corticosteroid medications possible. Practice safe sex to reduce the risk of getting HIV and the infections associated with a weakened immune system.
ReferencesKauffman CA. Cryptococcosis. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds.Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007: chap 357.2 answers
Sleeping sickness is infection with organisms carried by certain flies. It results in swelling of the brain.
Alternative NamesAfrican trypanosomiasis
Causes, incidence, and risk factorsSleeping sickness is caused by two organisms, Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense and Trypanosomoa brucei gambiense. The more severe form of the illness is caused by rhodesiense.
Tsetse flies carry the infection. When an infected fly bites you, painful, red swelling occurs at the site of the bite. The infection then spreads through your blood, causing episodes of fever, headache, sweating, and swelling of the lymph nodes.
When the infection spreads to the central nervous system, it causes the symptoms typical of sleeping sickness (see below). When it reaches the brain, behavioral changes such as fear and mood swings occur, followed by headache, fever, and weakness. Inflammation of the heart ( myocarditis) may develop.
Risk factors include living in parts of Africa where the disease is found and being bitten by tsetse flies. The disease is extremely rare in the United States, and is only found in travelers who have visited or lived in those African areas.
SymptomsGambienseinfections lead to drowsiness during the day, but insomnia at night. Sleep becomes uncontrollable as the disease gets worse, and eventually leads to coma.
General symptoms include:
- Anxiety
- Drowsiness
- Fever
- Headache
- Increased sleepiness
- Insomnia at night
- Mood changes
- Sweating
- Swollen lymph nodes all over the body
- Swollen, red, painful nodule at site of fly bite
- Uncontrollable urge to sleep
A physical examination may show signs of meningoencephalitis (inflammation of the brain and its covering, the meninges).
Tests include the following:
- Albumin levels
- Blood smear
- Cerebrospinal fluid tests
- Complete blood count (CBC)
- Globulin levels
- Lymph node aspiration
Most antibody and antigen test are not very helpful because they can't distinguish between current and previous infection. Specific IgM levels in the cerebrospinal fluid may be helpful, however.
TreatmentMedications used to treat this disorder include:
- Eflornithine (for gambiense only)
- Melarsoprol
- Pentamidine
- Suramin (Antrypol)
Without treatment, death may occur within 6 months from cardiac failure or from rhodesiense infection itself. Gambiense infection causes the classic "sleeping sickness" disease and gets worse more quickly, often over a few weeks. Both diseases should be treated immediately.
ComplicationsComplications include injury related to falling asleep while driving or performing other activities, and progressive damage to the nervous system.
Calling your health care providerCall your health care provider if you have symptoms of this disorder. It is important to begin treatment as soon as possible.
PreventionPentamidine injections protect against gambiense, but not against rhodesiense. Insect control measures can help prevent the spread of sleeping sickness in high-risk areas.
ReferencesQuinn TC. African trypanosomiasis (sleeping sickness). In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds.Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007: chap 367.2 answers
Herpes simplex is a viral infection that mainly affects the mouth or genital area.
Causes, incidence, and risk factorsThere are two strains of herpes simplex viruses:
- Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) is usually associated with infections of the lips, mouth, and face. It is the most common herpes simplex virus and many people develop it in childhood. HSV-1 often causes sores (lesions) inside the mouth, such as cold sores (fever blisters), or infection of the eye (especially the conjunctiva and cornea). It can also lead to infection of the lining of the brain (meningoencephalitis). It is transmitted by contact with infected saliva. By adulthood, 30 - 90% of people will have antibodies to HSV-1. The likelihood of childhood infection is higher among those with lower socioeconomic status.
- Herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV-2) is usually, but not always, sexually transmitted. Symptoms include genital ulcers or sores. However, some people with HSV-2 have no symptoms. Up to 30% of adults in the U.S. have antibodies against HSV-2. Cross-infection of type 1 and 2 viruses may occur from oral-genital contact. That is, you can get genital herpes on your mouth, and oral herpes on your genital area.
A finger infection, called herpetic whitlow, is another form of HSV infection. It usually affects health care providers who are exposed to saliva during procedures. Sometimes, young children also can get the disease.
HSV can infect a fetus and cause abnormalities. A mother who is infected with HSV may transmit the virus to her newborn during vaginal delivery, especially if the mother has an active infection at the time of delivery. However, 60 - 80% of HSV infections acquired by newborns occur in women who do NOT have symptoms of HSV infection or a history of genital HSV infection.
It's possible for the virus to be transmitted even when there are no symptoms or visible sores. Two-thirds of people with genital HSV infection have recurrences of their symptoms, and one-third have three or more recurrences (outbreaks) per year.
HSV is never eliminated from the body, but stays dormant and can reactivate, causing symptoms.
Symptoms- Blisters or ulcers -- most often on the mouth, lips and gums, or genitals
- Enlarged lymph nodes in the neck or groin (usually only at the time of the initial infection)
- Fever blisters
- Fever -- especially during the first episode
- Genital lesions-- there may first be a burning or tingling sensation
- Mouth sores
Many times, doctors can tell whether you have an HSV infection simply by looking at the sores. However, certain tests may be ordered to be sure of the diagnosis. These tests include:
- Blood test for antibodies of HSV (serology)
- Direct fluorescent antibody (DFA) test of cells taken from a lesion
- Viral culture of the lesion
Some cases are mild and may not need treatment.
People who have severe or prolonged outbreaks (especially if it is the first episode), people with immune system problems, or those with frequent recurrences will benefit from antiviral medications such as acyclovir (Zovirax), famciclovir (Famvir), and valacyclovir (Valtrex).
People who have frequent or severe recurrences of oral or genital herpes may choose to continue taking antiviral medications to reduce the frequency and severity of recurrences.
Support GroupsSupport groups and dating services are available for people with genital herpes.
Expectations (prognosis)The oral or genital lesions usually heal on their own in 7 to 10 days. The infection may be more severe and last longer in people who have a condition that weakens the immune system.
Once an infection occurs, the virus spreads to nerve cells and stays in the body for the rest of a person's life. It may come back from time to time and cause symptoms, or flares. Recurrences may be triggered by excess sunlight, fever, stress, acute illness, and medications or conditions that weaken the immune system (such as cancer, HIV/AIDS, or the use of corticosteroids).
Complications- Eczema herpetiform (widespread herpes across the skin)
- Encephalitis
- Infection of the eye -- keratoconjunctivitis
- Infection of the trachea
- Meningitis
- Pneumonia
- Prolonged, severe infection in immunosuppressedindividuals
Call your health care provider if you develop symptoms that resemble a herpes infection. There are many different conditions that can cause similar lesions (especially in the genital area).
If you have a history of herpes infection and develop similar lesions, tell your health care provider if they do not get better after 7 to 10 days, or if you have a condition that weakens your immune system.
PreventionPreventing HSV infection is difficult because people can spread the virus even when they don't have any symptoms of an active outbreak.
Avoiding direct contact with an open lesion will lower the risk of infection.
People with genital herpes should avoid sexual contact when they have active lesions. Safer sex behaviors, including the use of condoms, may also lower the risk of infection.
People with active HSV lesions should also avoid contact with newborns, children with eczema, or people with suppressed immune systems, because these groups are at higher risk for more severe disease.
To decrease the risk of infecting newborns, a cesarean delivery (C-section) is recommended for pregnant women who have an active HSV infection at the time of delivery.
ReferencesWhitley RJ. Herpes simplex virus infections. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier. 2007: chap 397.
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There are more than 9,500 English words that begin with the letter M. Here are some of the longer ones:
14-letter words
machicolations, machineability, macroaggregate, macroeconomics, macroevolution, macroglobulins, macromolecular, macromolecules, macronucleuses, macronutrients, macrostructure, magnetizations, magnetometries, magnetospheres, magnetospheric, magnifications, magniloquences, magniloquently, maidenlinesses, malabsorptions, malacostracans, maladaptations, maladjustments, maladministers, malapertnesses, malapportioned, malariologists, malcontentedly, malfunctioning, malleabilities, malodorousness, manageableness, manifestations, manifoldnesses, manipulability, manipulatively, mannerlinesses, manometrically, manufacturings, mariculturists, martyrizations, martyrologists, masterlinesses, mastigophorans, materialnesses, mathematically, mathematicians, matriculations, meaningfulness, mechanizations, meddlesomeness, meditativeness, megakaryocytes, megakaryocytic, megalomaniacal, megalopolitans, megascopically, megasporangium, megasporophyll, melodramatised, melodramatises, melodramatists, melodramatized, melodramatizes, memorabilities, mendaciousness, mercantilistic, mercaptopurine, mercerizations, merchandisings, merchandizings, mercifulnesses, meretriciously, mesdemoiselles, mesotheliomata, metafictionist, metalinguistic, metallizations, metallographer, metallographic, metamorphosing, metaphorically, metaphosphates, metaphysically, metaphysicians, metapsychology, metastatically, metathetically, metempsychoses, metempsychosis, meteoriticists, meteorological, meteorologists, methemoglobins, methodicalness, methodological, methodologists, methoxyflurane, methylxanthine, meticulosities, meticulousness, metronidazoles, metronomically, microanatomies, microbarograph, microbiologies, microbiologist, microbreweries, microcassettes, microcephalics, microcephalies, microcircuitry, microcomputers, microeconomics, microelectrode, microevolution, microfibrillar, microfilaments, microgravities, microinjecting, microinjection, micrometeorite, micrometeoroid, microminiature, micronucleuses, micronutrients, microorganisms, microparticles, microplanktons, microprocessor, microprojector, micropublisher, micropulsation, micropunctures, microspherical, microsporangia, microsporocyte, microstructure, microsurgeries, microtechnique, militantnesses, militarization, millenarianism, millennialisms, millennialists, milliroentgens, mindlessnesses, mineralization, miraculousness, mirthfulnesses, misallocations, misapplication, misapprehended, misappropriate, misarticulated, misarticulates, misassumptions, misattributing, misattribution, miscalculating, miscalculation, miscegenations, mischannelling, misclassifying, miscomputation, misconceptions, misconnections, miscorrelation, misdescription, misemphasizing, misemployments, misestimations, misevaluations, misfunctioning, misgovernments, misidentifying, misimpressions, misinformation, misinterpreted, mismanagements, misorientation, misperceptions, mispositioning, misprogramming, mispronouncing, misregistering, misremembering, misrepresented, missionization, mistranscribed, mistranscribes, mistranslating, mistranslation, misunderstands, misutilization, mitogenicities, moderatenesses, moderatorships, modernisations, modernizations, modulabilities, mollifications, moneygrubbings, mongrelization, monocarboxylic, monochromatism, monochromators, monocotyledons, monoglycerides, monolithically, monomaniacally, monometallisms, monometallists, mononucleotide, monophonically, monopolization, monopropellant, monosaccharide, monotheistical, monotonicities, monotonousness, monounsaturate, monumentalized, monumentalizes, moralistically, morganatically, mortifications, motherlessness, motherlinesses, motionlessness, motivationally, mountaineering, mournfulnesses, movelessnesses, mucilaginously, muddleheadedly, mulligatawnies, multichambered, multicharacter, multicomponent, multiconductor, multidialectal, multielectrode, multifactorial, multifilaments, multiformities, multifrequency, multilaterally, multilingually, multimegawatts, multimolecular, multinationals, multinucleated, multiparameter, multiplication, multiplicative, multiplicities, multipotential, multiprocessor, multiracialism, multireligious, multitrillions, multiversities, mummifications, municipalities, municipalizing, musicalization, mutagenicities, mutinousnesses, mutualizations, myelencephalic, myelencephalon, myrmecological, myrmecologists, myrmecophilous, mysteriousness, mystifications, mythologically
15-letter words
machinabilities, macroaggregated, macroaggregates, macrocosmically, macroevolutions, macrophotograph, macroscopically, macrostructural, macrostructures, magistratically, magnanimousness, magnetoelectric, maintainability, majoritarianism, maladministered, maladroitnesses, maldistribution, maliciousnesses, malpractitioner, manageabilities, maneuverability, marginalization, marketabilities, marriageability, martensitically, marvelousnesses, masculinization, masochistically, masterfulnesses, mastoidectomies, materfamiliases, materialization, mathematization, meaninglessness, measurabilities, mechanistically, mechanochemical, mechanoreceptor, medulloblastoma, megacorporation, megagametophyte, megasporophylls, mellifluousness, melodiousnesses, melodramatising, melodramatizing, memorablenesses, mensurabilities, mercaptopurines, mercenarinesses, merchantability, mercilessnesses, mercurialnesses, meritoriousness, meroblastically, metafictionists, metalinguistics, metallographers, metallographies, metallurgically, metamathematics, metamorphically, metastabilities, methamphetamine, methoxyfluranes, methylcellulose, methylmercuries, methylphenidate, methylxanthines, microanalytical, microanatomical, microbarographs, microbiological, microbiologists, microcosmically, microdissection, microearthquake, microelectrodes, microelectronic, microevolutions, microgametocyte, microinjections, micromanagement, micrometeorites, micrometeoritic, micrometeoroids, micromorphology, microphotograph, microphotometer, microphotometry, microphysically, microporosities, microprocessors, microprojection, microprojectors, micropublishers, micropublishing, micropulsations, microradiograph, microscopically, microseismicity, microsporangium, microsporocytes, microsporophyll, microstructural, microstructures, microtechniques, microtonalities, militarizations, millenarianisms, millionairesses, mineralizations, mineralogically, miniaturization, misapplications, misapprehending, misapprehension, misappropriated, misappropriates, misarticulating, misattributions, miscalculations, miscegenational, miscellaneously, mischaracterize, mischievousness, miscomputations, misconstruction, miscorrelations, misdescriptions, misdistribution, miserablenesses, misguidednesses, misinformations, misinterpreting, misorientations, misrecollection, misregistration, misrepresenting, missionizations, mistranscribing, mistranslations, mistrustfulness, misutilizations, misvocalization, modifiabilities, momentarinesses, momentousnesses, mongrelizations, monochromatisms, monocrystalline, monomolecularly, mononucleosises, mononucleotides, monopolizations, monopropellants, monosaccharides, monospecificity, monosyllabicity, monounsaturated, monounsaturates, monstrousnesses, montmorillonite, monumentalities, monumentalizing, morphologically, morphophonemics, mountaineerings, mountainousness, mountebankeries, mouthwateringly, multidiscipline, multidivisional, multifunctional, multilateralism, multilateralist, multilingualism, multimillennial, multiplications, multipolarities, multiprocessing, multiprocessors, multiracialisms, multitudinously, multiwavelength, murderousnesses, musculoskeletal, musicalizations, myelofibrosises
16-letter words
machineabilities, macroinstruction, macrolepidoptera, macrophotographs, macrophotography, magnetostriction, magnetostrictive, majoritarianisms, maladministering, malapportionment, malcontentedness, maldistributions, malodorousnesses, malpractitioners, manageablenesses, manipulabilities, manipulativeness, marginalizations, masculinizations, materializations, mathematizations, meaningfulnesses, mechanochemistry, mechanoreception, mechanoreceptive, mechanoreceptors, meddlesomenesses, meditativenesses, medulloblastomas, megacorporations, megagametophytes, megalomaniacally, megasporogeneses, megasporogenesis, melodramatically, mendaciousnesses, meretriciousness, meristematically, mesembryanthemum, metamathematical, metapsychologies, meteorologically, methamphetamines, methodicalnesses, methodologically, methylcelluloses, methylphenidates, meticulousnesses, microcalorimeter, microcalorimetry, microcircuitries, microcirculation, microcirculatory, microcrystalline, microdissections, microearthquakes, microelectronics, microencapsulate, microenvironment, microgametocytes, micrographically, microinstruction, microlepidoptera, micromanagements, micromanipulator, micrometeorology, microphotographs, microphotography, microphotometers, microphotometric, microprogramming, microprojections, micropublishings, microradiographs, microradiography, microsporangiate, microsporophylls, microvasculature, militaristically, miniaturizations, miraculousnesses, misanthropically, misapprehensions, misappropriating, misappropriation, mischaracterized, mischaracterizes, miscommunication, miscomprehension, misconstructions, misdistributions, mispronunciation, misrecollections, misregistrations, mistranscription, misunderstanding, misvocalizations, monochromaticity, monocotyledonous, monopolistically, monosyllabically, monosynaptically, monotheistically, monotonousnesses, montmorillonites, montmorillonitic, morphometrically, motherlessnesses, motionlessnesses, muddleheadedness, multibillionaire, multicellularity, multiculturalism, multidimensional, multidirectional, multidisciplines, multifactorially, multifariousness, multihandicapped, multilateralisms, multilateralists, multilingualisms, multimillionaire, multiplicatively, multiprocessings, multiprogramming, municipalization, mysteriousnesses
17-letter words
macroevolutionary, macroglobulinemia, macroglobulinemic, macroinstructions, magnanimousnesses, magnetoresistance, magnetostrictions, maintainabilities, maladministration, malapportionments, maneuverabilities, marriageabilities, materialistically, meaninglessnesses, mechanoreceptions, medulloblastomata, mellifluousnesses, melodramatization, merchantabilities, meritoriousnesses, mesembryanthemums, metapsychological, methemoglobinemia, methylnaphthalene, microbiologically, microcalorimeters, microcalorimetric, microcirculations, microdensitometer, microdensitometry, microencapsulated, microencapsulates, microenvironments, microevolutionary, microinstructions, micromanipulation, micromanipulators, microminiaturized, micromorphologies, micropaleontology, microphotographed, microphotographer, microphotographic, microphotometries, microprogrammings, microradiographic, microreproduction, microseismicities, microsporogeneses, microsporogenesis, microvasculatures, mineralocorticoid, misadministration, misappropriations, miscellaneousness, mischaracterizing, mischievousnesses, misclassification, miscommunications, miscomprehensions, misidentification, misinterpretation, mispronunciations, misrepresentation, misrepresentative, mistranscriptions, mistrustfulnesses, misunderstandings, monochromatically, monospecificities, monosyllabicities, morphogenetically, mountainousnesses, multibillionaires, multiculturalisms, multidisciplinary, multigenerational, multimillionaires, multiprogrammings, multitudinousness, municipalizations
18-letter words
macroglobulinemias, macrophotographies, magnetoresistances, magnetostrictively, maladministrations, malcontentednesses, manipulativenesses, mechanochemistries, melodramatizations, meretriciousnesses, metallographically, methemoglobinemias, methylcholanthrene, methylnaphthalenes, methylprednisolone, microcalorimetries, microcrystallinity, microdensitometers, microdensitometric, microencapsulating, microencapsulation, microenvironmental, microlepidopterous, micromanipulations, micrometeorologies, micrometeorologist, micromorphological, micropaleontologic, microphotographers, microphotographies, microphotographing, microradiographies, microreproductions, mineralocorticoids, misadministrations, misclassifications, misidentifications, misinterpretations, misrepresentations, monochromaticities, mucopolysaccharide, muddleheadednesses, multicellularities, multifariousnesses, myeloproliferative
19-letter words
magnetohydrodynamic, meningoencephalitic, meningoencephalitis, methylcholanthrenes, methylprednisolones, microdensitometries, microelectronically, microencapsulations, micrometeorological, micrometeorologists, micropaleontologies, micropaleontologist, miscellaneousnesses, mischaracterization, mucopolysaccharides, multidimensionality, multitudinousnesses
20-letter words
magnetofluiddynamics, magnetohydrodynamics, microcrystallinities, microelectrophoreses, microelectrophoresis, microelectrophoretic, microminiaturization, micropaleontological, micropaleontologists, microphotometrically, mischaracterizations
21-letter words
meningoencephalitides, microminiaturizations, multidimensionalities
22-letter words
microspectrophotometer, microspectrophotometry
23-letter words
microspectrophotometers, microspectrophotometric
24-letter words
microelectrophoretically, microspectrophotometries
2 answers
There are many conditions that can be passed from animals to people.
WORMSHookworms and roundwormsHookworms and roundworms (Ancylostoma and Ascaris ) are common nematodes of dogs and cats. When a human accidentally eats something contaminated with worm eggs from a pet's stool, the eggs hatch in the intestines and begin migrating throughout that person's body. Worm larva can also burrow through intact skin. Because these parasites were designed to live in dogs and cats, they become lost in the human body - often in the liver or eyes. When this occurs, the disease is called visceral larval migrans. This disease occurs most often in children due to their poor hygienic practices. In the eye the larval nematodes cause inflammation and blindness. In the liver they can cause chills, fever, malaise and an elevated white blood cell count. To prevent this disease, have your pet's stool checked yearly for parasites and feed a monthly heartworm preventative that also kills nematodes. Both popular brands of heartworm preventative for dogs contain ingredients that keep your pet free of intestinal worms. Pyrantel pamoate is a very effective medicine to remove hook and roundworms. It is sold on the pet isle at WalMart.The eggs of the roundworm of raccoons, Balisascaris, are particularly dangerous when ingested by people. If you keep pet raccoons or raise orphans, worm them frequently with pyrantel pamoate and milbemycin oxime. If you have neighborhood raccoons, do not leave dog or cat food outside where it will attract them. Keep your trash cans well covered and seal up attic crawl spaces where these animals can nest.
TapewormsCertain tapeworms that encyst in the muscles of livestock and fish can also infect humans. Taenia solium is carried through pork, T. saginata by beef and Diphyllobothrium latum by fish. The common pigmy tapeworm of dogs and cats (dipylidium) that I see frequently in dogs and cats is never infectious to people. Besides the three tapeworms previously mentioned, Echinococcus granulosa, can infect people. The first three develop in the human intestine while the last can cause major damage to the human brain and body organs. Praziquantel and fenbendazole destroy these parasites. Dog HeartwormsOn rare occasions, dog heartworms will infect human beings. This parasite, Dirofilaria immitus, is spread dog to dog by mosquitoes. When a mosquito obtains a blood meal from an infected dog and then goes on to bite the owner it is common for some of the heartworm larva to be transferred to the human. In a normal person, the body's immune system quickly recognizes the parasite and destroys it. In rare instances, however, the larval heartworm manages to migrate to the person's lungs where the dying parasite stimulates an inflammatory lesion called a "coin lesion". These lesions are not serious in themselves but they become very significant when they are misinterpreted as being lung tumors. This is not a very common occurrence for example, within the last twenty years in the United States about eighty cases were reported in the State of Florida. PROTOZOAN DISEASESProtozoa are microscopic single-celled organisms. The vast majority of protozoa live free in the environment or as harmless inhabitants of the body but some are capable of causing disease. GiardiaGiardia lamblia is a small motile protozoan that inhabits the intestines of mammals and birds. There are many strains of giardia and it is unclear how many are infectious to people. Giardia is the most common form of non-bacterial diarrhea in people in the United States. Children are most commonly affected. Many cases are silent with no overt symptoms. When diarrhea does occur, the illness normally lasts one or two weeks but chronic cases in frail people have lasted for years. Outbreaks due to contaminated water supply occur from time to time in humans. Metronidazole (Flagyl) is an effective treatment in animals and man. CryptosporidiumCryptosporidium parvum causes diarrhea in dogs, cats, rodents, young calves and people. It is found throughout the World. It is passed from individual to individual through fecal contamination. The disease in animals and man is usually mild and self-limiting. Signs of the disease include diarrhea, abdominal pain and flu-like symptoms that can last up to six weeks. The disease is more severe in very old and very young animals and people. In immunocompromized individuals it may cause chronic inflammation of the digestive tract. The disease is passed through fecal contamination from animals or man. The organism is quite resistant to drying and disinfectants so, it can survive a long time in contaminated waste. Signs in people and animals besides loose watery diarrhea include stomach cramps and mild fever. In healthy people, symptoms last about two weeks. ToxoplasmosisToxoplasmosis is caused by Toxoplasma gondii, a small single-celled protozoan. About forty percent of the people in the United States have been exposed to the disease at some point in their lives. The complete life cycle of toxoplasmosis occurs only in cats. These felines become infected by preying on infected birds and rodents. Most cats show no symptoms of disease. In these cats, the organism lives within the cells that line the small intestine. Cats are the only animals that shed this ineffective stage of this protozoan called an oocyst. Most exposures of humans to oocysts cause no overt disease. In a small percentage, however, the oocysts proliferates in many organs of the body causing fever, malaise, enlarged lymph nodes, headache, sore throat and muscle pain. In severe cases the central nervous system, eyes and liver become inflamed. Eating raw or poorly cooked meat of an infected animal is another way this disease is passed on to man. If a woman becomes infected during the later two thirds of pregnancy toxoplasmosis may cause severe fetal abnormalities. This is why obstetricians suggest pregnant women not change cat litter boxes. VIRUSViral EncephalitisEastern, Western and St. Louis encephalitis are passed to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. Encephalitis is an inflammation of the brain. Horses also suffer from these diseases but they are dead end hosts that do not pass the infection on. The reservoir animals for these viruses are migratory water birds. West Nile VirusWest Nile virus generally affects humans birds and horses. The disease causes an inflammation of the brain or encephalitis. It is transmitted from animal to animal and animal to person by the bite of an infected mosquito. In 2002 the disease sickened about 2000 people and resulted in 94 deaths. In horses, the mortality rate is about 30 percent. Dogs are resistant to the disease but cases have occurred in cats, goats, chipmunks rabbits, skunks, bats, llamas and domestic birds. ORFThe parapoxvirus that causes this disease is found in goats and sheep throughout the United States. In livestock, the virus causes inflammation and scabs on the lips, nostrils, mouth and around the penis or vulva. Transmission to humans occurs thorough infected wool or contaminated sharp objects used on the animals. In people, single lesions develop on the hands, arm or face. These lesions are easily mistaken for abscessed. They heal in six to eight weeks without treatment. RabiesThe flagship virus that we all associate with wildlife is rabies. Any species of warmblooded animal is susceptible to this disease but the most common carriers in the United States are bats, foxes, raccoons and skunks. The disease is passed by a saliva-contaminated bite. Occasionally the disease will leave its wildlife reservoirs and infect dogs and cattle. Excellent vaccines exist to protect your pets from this disease. People like me who work with wildlife can, themselves, be immunized against rabies. B-Virus in MonkeysHerpesvirus simiae or B-virus is a normal inhabitant of the mouth of macaque monkeys. Approximately 80-90% of adult macaques are infected. Many species of macaques are offered as pets in the United States. This dangerous disease is mild to asymptomatic in monkeys. It causes a lifelong infection with intermittent shedding of the virus in saliva and genital secretions - particularly during periods of stress. Among monkeys it is transmitted sexually and by bites. This virus can cause fatal meningoencephalitis (the veil-like covering of the brain) in people. It is usually transmitted by a bite. In these patients treatment with acyclovir can be life saving. These species of Old World monkeys should never be kept as pets because of the threat of B-virus and tuberculosis. Hantavirus of RodentsHantavirus pulmonary syndrome is a rare viral disease associated with wild deer mice. It occurs primarily in the fall when rodents move indoors to escape the cold. In the process of the human body attacking the virus in the linings of blood vessels throughout the body, the capillaries are damaged and leak (increased permeability). In humans this causes life-threatening pneumonia, edema, bleeding, fever and kidney failure. Infected mice pass the virus in urine, saliva and feces. Although not a serious disease in rodent the disease in humans is often fatal. People contract the disease by breathing in aerosolized or pulverized virus in rodent urine and feces. Rodent control around the home is the best way to protect against this disease. BACTERIAL DISEASESalmonellosisSalmonella are a group of intestinal bacteria that can cause disease in animals and man. In birds and small mammals salmonella causes diarrhea, septicemia (blood infections) and asymptomatic carrier states. People too, like "Typhoid Mary" can carry and spread the disease without signs of disease. Common animal carriers of these bacteria are reptiles, rats and mice. People with a robust immune system rarely experience more than severe cramps and diarrhea. However in infants and people with weak immune systems the disease can be life-threatening. ShigellaShigella flexneri is an intestinal bacterium responsible for severe diarrhea in people and non-human primates (monkeys). About 25,000 cases are reported in people in the United States every year. Many monkeys carry this bacteria without symptoms. People are also common carriers. Small children at child care facilities and people who handle monkeys are most at risk. The diarrhea produced in people exposed to human or monkey waste is never life threatening but during the two to three weeks the diarrhea lasts, the victim is quite ill. The chief danger from this disease is dehydration. PasteurellosisMany rabbit farms harbor Pasteurella multocida in their stock. Most rabbits that carry this disease show no symptoms. Some have eye infections and enlarged lymph nodes of the head and neck. A respiratory disease in rabbits, caused by these bacteria is called snuffles. Poultry also develop Pasteurellosis. In birds the disease is called hemorrhagic septicemia. The bacteria is also carried in the mouth of many cats leading to contaminated cat bites. The most common form of Pasteurellosis in people is a skin and soft tissue infection at the site of a bite or scratch. When people's eyes are exposed to Pasteurella they may develop a severe eye infections. On rare occasions it will cause pneumonia. CampylobacterCampylobacteriosis is a bacterial disease caused by Campylobacter jejuni, an organism that lives in the intestinal tract of many animals. The signs of this disease are diarrhea, cramping, abdominal pain and fever. The illness typically lasts one week. It is worse in the very young and the very old. Many infections are silent with no symptoms at all. Most people become infected by handling or eating raw poultry. Occasionally it is spread through contact with the wastes of pet dogs and cats. Streptococcus and StaphylococciThese bacteria are found on all animals that typically associate with humans. In the great majority of cases they cause no disease in the animal. However, in pets, eye infections are occasionally associated with Streptococci and skin infections with Staphylococci. Both bacteria can spread from pets to humans on contaminated hands and objects. Infections are generally limited to the skin and eyes. TuberculosisTuberculosis is a chronic infection of the lungs and lymph nodes of many species of animals. Dogs and cats are quite resistant to this disease but cattle, deer and monkeys are quite susceptible. The organism responsible for tuberculosis is Mycobacterium tuberculosis. There are specific strains that affect each type of animal but all of them on occasion infect humans. The human strain is passed from victim to victim by a cough. Before the advent of pasteurization, raw milk was the major source of the bovine strain. Pet African and Asian monkeys are now a common source of exposure. Unfortunately, new strains of tuberculosis are now often immune to the most common anti-tuberculosis drugs, isoniazide and rifampin. PlagueThis infection, caused by a bacteria, Yersinia pestis, occurs naturally in a number of wild rodents including prairie dogs in well defined areas of the southwestern United States. It is transmitted from rodent to rodent and rodent to man through the bite of a flea. Occasionally a domestic cat will obtain the disease from prey rodents and pass it on to their owners. Yersinia was responsible for the scourge of the Middle Ages, bubonic plague. Parrot Fever, Psittacosis or OrnithosisParrot fever or chlamydiosis is caused by a small intracellular bacteria, Chlamydia psittaci, that lives within the respiratory system of birds. A similar organism, which doesn't seem to affect humans, is found in cats. Transmission is through inhalation of dust, dander and nasal secretions of infected birds - especially parrots and turkeys. The flu-like illness that develops ranges from very mild to life-threatening. In rare instances the heart and liver become involved. The disease is often misdiagnosed as influenza. When a correct diagnosis is made psittacosis responds well to antibiotics of the tetracycline class. AnthraxAnthrax, caused by Bacillus anthracis, is primarily a disease of cloven-footed animals. The disease is often fatal to animals and man. This bacteria produces spores or "seeds" that remain infectious for years in the soil under the right conditions. It kills cattle very rapidly - the first sign of the disease being death. It is sometimes confused with lightening strike or snake bite. Prior to death the cows are weak and have difficulty breathing. Their blood may refuse to clot. In humans the lung or pulmonic form of the disease is the most fatal. It is spread through contact with the carcasses of infected animals. It can also occur on the hands and arms as small pus-filled lesions called carbuncles. If caught early the disease is curable with penicillin or tetracycline. LeptospirosisThere are several species of Leptospira that can transfer from animals to man. The organisms are often associated with rats and swine. In mammals they cause a generalized infection that often localizes in the kidneys. Urine from these animals late in the disease is highly infectious. It is pass through contaminated water. In people, signs of leptospirosis include headache, vomiting, muscle pain and ,occasionally, hepatitis, meningitis and kidney failure. BrucellosisWhen brucellosis occurs in people it is called undulant fever or Malta fever. In cattle it is caused by a bacterium, Brucella abortus. In cattle, deer, elk, swine and goats and dogs different species of the bacteria attack the reproductive organs or cause generalized malaise and fever. In people brucellosis causes long-term malaise, joint pain, intermittent fevers and flu-like signs and fatigue. Brucellosis has almost been eradicated from cattle in the United States. Helicobacter pyloriThis spiral bacteria is capable of forming ulcers in the stomachs of animals and people. It resides in the stomach and the upper area of the small intestine called the duodenum. We suspect that on occasion, it is spread to humans from cats dogs and ferrets through poor sanitation. In dogs, cats and people the most frequent sign of Helicobacter is intermittent vomiting. Affected individuals may also become nauseous, loose their appetite, and lose weight. Amoxicillin, metronidazole and H2 antacids such as famotidine or cimetidine cure the disease in animals and man. Cat Scratch Fever (Bartonellosis)This infection, caused by Bartonella henselae, is commonly acquired from asymptomatic (clinically normal) carrier cats. About half of the outdoor cats in the southern United States have been exposed at one time or another to the disease (please read my article on Cat Scratch Fever). We think it is spread by the cat flea. People infected with this disease by a contaminated cat scratch or bite experience fever, malaise and enlarged painful lymph nodes as well as a local inflammation at the site of the wound. Q FeverQ fever is a zoonotic disease caused by Coxiella burnetti, a bacteria found world wide. Cattle, sheep and goats are the principle reservoirs of the disease. Most human cases occur in veterinarians, meat plant workers and farmers that raise sheep and cattle. The organisms are excreted in milk, urine and feces. These bacteria are tough, they resist heat, drying and common disinfectants and they live for long periods of time in the environment. They can also be transferred to humans by ticks. Only one half of the people exposed to Coxiella burnetti develop disease. When they do, fevers up to 105F are common along with severe headaches, malaise, muscle aches, sore throat, chills, sweats, cough, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal and chest pain and confusion. These symptoms last for 1-2 weeks. During this time some patients develop hepatitis. One or two percent of infected people die of the disease due to secondary heart inflammation (endocarditis) and liver failure.Doxycycline is the treatment of choice for acute Q fever. Quinolone antibiotics such as ciprofloxacin also work well.
Tularemia Or Rabbit FeverThis disease, caused by Francisella tularensis is associated with rabbits and rodents. It was first formally recognized in 1911 in Tulare County, California in ground squirrels. It occurs in two forms, a glandular form affecting the lymph nodes and a more acute and severe typhoidal form affecting the entire body. In the first instance the organism enters through a scratch. In the second it is inhaled. The disease in man is characterized by high fever, painful, enlarged lymph nodes, chills, myalgia and malaise. On rare occasions it attacks the brain, heart and bones. Ticks are the most common method of spread of the disease from animals to man. When it is passed from direct handling of wild rabbit carcasses inflamed lesions are primarily on the hands. It can also be transmitted in undercooked meat consumed from infected animals. TICK BORNE DISEASESTicks that feed on wildlife reservoirs of diseases will sometimes transfer them to your pets. If the ticks later leave the pet and bite the owner for their next blood meal they may transfer a number of diseases caused by bacteria, rickettsia and spirochetes. Lyme DiseaseFirst seen in Lyme, Connecticut, lyme disease is an illness caused by a bacteria, Borrelia burgdorferi. This group of bacteria are called spirochetes due to their spring-like shape. The most common source of infected ticks are household dogs. In humans, this disease causes a wide variety of signs including rash, painful, swollen joints, fever, enlarged tender lymph nodes and a variety of neurological signs (please read the article in this series on Lyme disease in pets and man). Over the last few years a number of products have come onto the market that are quite good at keeping ticks off your pets. Three of these products are Frontline spray, Revolution and Preventic tick collars. Dogs can also be vaccinated to prevent this disease. Rocky Mountain Spotted FeverRocky Mountain spotted fever is the most severe and most common rickettsial illness in the United States. It is caused by Rickettsia rickettsii, a bacteria that is spread to humans by ticks that have fed on infected wildlife. The signs of this disease are fever, headache, muscle pain and spotted rash. The rash is very dark - hence its nickname, Black Measles. FUNGIRingwormRingworm is not a worm and is not always ring-shaped. It is a slow growing fungus that feeds on dead skin cells and hair of all species of mammal. The most common one, Microsporum canis, is common on juvenile cats and dogs where it appears as a dry, oval, scurfy patch of broken off hair. Many of these lesions glow brightly under ultraviolet light. The spores of these fungi often contaminate brushes and cloth that have been in touch with the pet. If these spores come in contact with abraded skin, the fungal infection may transfer to the pet owner. PRION DISEASESpongiform encephalopathyThese organisms which are more primitive than virus occur naturally in a number of animals. The current large reservoir of prions are cattle that were feed meat and bone meal derived from infected ruminants. When the disease appears in cows it is called Mad Cow Disease or Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE). When it occurs in sheep it is called scrapie. In cats it is called feline spongiform encephalitis. Prions are unique pathogens in that they are very slow to cause disease and can not be destroyed by ordinary methods of sanitation. Humans become infected by eating contaminated meat products. When the disease occurs in humans it is called Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease. The signs of this disease in humans mimic Alzheimer's Disease. SKIN PARASITESFleas and ticks are parasites that transfer readily from pets to people. Because they do not actually "infect" people or pets I do not discuss them in this article. You can read about them in other articles in this series. Sarcoptic Mange Or ScabiesMange mites are common on large and small, wild and domestic animals. Mange mites are not particular as to the species of animal they attack. Dog and cat mange mites are Sarcoptes scabei. Initially they are most common on the ears, face and extremities but with time the entire body becomes affected. These mites are passed from animal to animal by direct contact. They do not survive long off the host. The mites burrow through the deeper layers of the skin causing intense itching and a red rash. From this the term "seven year itch" was derived. They are easily killed with ivermectin, dips or Selamectin3 answers
