Bacteremia
What Is Bacteremia? Human blood is supposed to be a sterile environment. Bacteremia is defined as the presence and detection of bacteria in blood. The body has several defense mechanisms…
Vector-Borne Infections
Introduction Vector-borne infections include diseases caused by diverse pathogens (bacteria, viruses, parasites) that are transmitted to humans by a variety of vectors such as ticks, mosquitoes, lice, tsetse flies, sandflies,…
Bone and Joint Infections
Infectious Arthritis Infectious arthritis is defined as infection of one or more joints. It can be caused by bacteria, fungi, viruses, and parasites. Acute Bacterial Arthritis Introduction Native joint septic…
Diagnostic Approach to a Patient with Suspected Central Nervous System Infection
A diagnostic hypothesis for a suspected central nervous system (CNS) infection has two components: an anatomic and a microbiologic or etiologic diagnosis. The anatomic diagnosis localizes the inflammation to a…
Skin and Soft Tissue Infections
Introduction Skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs) are among the most commonly occurring bacterial infections, and their frequency approaches 10% of hospital admissions for infections in the United States. Many…
Fever and Rash
Overview Generalized rashes with fever are among the most frequent conditions seen by primary care physicians, and are a common reason for patient visits to the emergency department and dermatologists….
Select Gastrointestinal and Hepatobiliary Infections
Esophagitis Esophagitis is an inflammatory mucosal injury disorder that may be caused by infectious agents and local irritants. The inflammation may present with substernal pain, odynophagia, and occasionally dysphagia. The…
Urinary Tract Infections
Introduction Urinary tract infection (UTI) is one of the most common infectious diseases, both in ambulatory and hospital settings, and is a major cause of antimicrobial use. This is especially…
Lower Respiratory Tract Infections
Lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs) are among the most frequently encountered and difficult to diagnose infectious syndromes. Symptoms of most LRTIs overlap with other clinical conditions, such as congestive heart…
