Friday, April 20, 2012

Infection—Causes, Diagnosis, Prevention, and Cure

When the growth of bad microorganisms in the body or on the skin is uncontrolled, infection occurs. The body has its own antibodies, called immunoglobulins, which identify and neutralize bacteria and viruses in the body. Once the immunoglobulin fails to counterattack, these microorganisms may spread and damage the tissues of the body. Other types of microorganism, such as fungi and tubercles, are also common causes of infection. They act as parasites to a host organism, which in this article refers to the human body.

Most mammals, including humans, have an innate response to infection. The infected region may experience an adaptive response following inflammation of the tissues. If the host organism fails to respond adaptively for eventual cure, the infection becomes acute. Aside from the body's immune system, some pharmaceuticals can also help reduce or completely eliminate infectious bacteria in the body.

The first step is determining the cause, extent, and remedy of the infection in the blood or urine through sputum culture. Specialists may take a sample of the patient's stool for analysis and conduct chest x-ray to show current bodily responses. Severe infection that may reach the brain and cause instant death may not show obvious symptoms, requiring a specialist to also perform a spinal fluid test. Without laboratory examinations, abnormal physical responses such as fatigue, loss of appetite, fevers, and night sweats can be obvious indicators of infection.

Severe infection often develops into a disease. This occurs when the host's protective immune mechanisms are compromised. People using infection control products are less prone to infection than those who don't, even if their protective immune mechanisms are in similar condition. Bacteria and viruses can gradually destroy tissues in the body by releasing toxins or destructive enzymes. Using infection control products, one can prevent himself from hosting these microorganisms in his body.

Infecting organisms don't live long. Eventually, they will die and the damage along with them. However, transmission from one host to another prolongs their life. Bacteria, viruses, and fungi can be transmitted either directly or indirectly. Direct transmission occurs when a person touches the infected tissues. Indirect transmission, on the other hand, occurs when a person touches an object that the infected person touched. Either can be prevented by using infection control products when there is an apparent chance of transmission in an environment.

To prevent infection and transmission, performing good hygiene practices and maintaining a sanitary environment are necessary. The use of infection control products must also be practiced at home and in places where bacteria and other microorganisms most likely thrive. Anti-infective medications can be taken to suppress the bacteria from spreading damage.

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