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What is Soil Transmitted Helminths? Soil transmitted helminth infections (STH) are caused by species, including Ascaris lumbricoides, hookworm (Ancylostoma duodenale and Necator americanus) and Trichuris trichiura.  STH infections may be asymptomatic, heavy infections are associated with considerable morbidity, including abdominal pain, diarrhea and anemia, as well as impaired cognitive and physical development in children. STH infections focus on morbidity control […]

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What is Streptococcal pharyngitis? Streptococcal pharyngitis, also known as strep throat, is an infection of the back of the throat including the tonsils caused by group A streptococcus (GAS).[1] Common symptoms include fever, sore throat, red tonsils, and enlarged lymph nodes in the neck. A headache and nausea or vomiting may also occur. All specimens

What is Staphylococcus aureus?  Staphylococcus aureus is a Gram-positive pathogen that is part of the normal flora on the skin and upper respiratory tract. It is capable of causing a wide range of infections such as endocarditis, food poisoning, cellulitis, toxic shock syndrome, skin and soft tissue infections, bone and joint infections, pneumonia and bloodstream infections. 

What is a Staphylococcus infection? A staphylococcus infection or staph infection is an infection caused by members of the Staphylococcus genus of bacteria. These bacteria commonly inhabit the skin and nose where they are innocuous, but may enter the body through cuts or abrasions which may be nearly invisible. All specimens that are sent to

What is Smallpox? Smallpox is an acute contagious disease caused by the variola virus, a member of the orthopoxvirus family. It was declared eradicated in 1980 following a global immunization campaign led by the World Health Organization.  

What is Sindbis fever? Summary of diseaseSindbis fever is a febrile arthritis caused by infection with the Sindbis virus. Sindbis virus is an arbovirus that is transmitted to humans and other vertebrates via the Culex mosquitoes from birds, their normal reservoir. Sindbis fever occurs in Africa, Oceania and Eurasia. SymptomsSindbis fever is usually self-limiting with

What are Sexually transmitted infections (or STIs)? Sexually transmitted infections (or STIs) are infections that can be caught or passed on when you have unprotected sex, or close sexual contact, with another person who already has an STI. Using a condom for all types of sex is the best way to avoid STIs and HIV.

What is Schistosomiasis? Schistosomiasis, also known as bilharzia, is a disease caused by parasitic worms. There are two forms of the disease, namely intestinal schistosomiasis caused by Schistosoma mansoni and S. japonicum, and urinary schistosomiasis caused by S. haematobium. Less commonly, S. mekongi and S. intercalatum also cause disease in humans. Infection with Schistosomes may

What is Scarlet fever? Scarlet fever is a bacterial illness that mainly affects children. It causes a distinctive pink-red rash. The illness is caused by Streptococcus pyogenes bacteria, also known as group A streptococcus, which are found on the skin and in the throat. All specimens that are sent to the Centre for Respiratory Diseases