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| Infection | |
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Infections are communicable diseases that can be passed from one individual to another. They are almost always caused by other living organisms, especially microorganisms . |
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Some infections are congenital while others are acquired through contaminated needles, transmission by blood transfusion is possible but rare, or sexual contact (e.g. syphilis). Lyme disease is an infection transmitted by the bite of ticks carrying the spiral-shaped bacterium (spirochete) Borrelia burgdorferi (Bb). Gas gangrene is a type of moist Gangrene that is commonly caused by bacterial infection. |
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The body has the ability to resist disease or infection by pathogen (a disease causing microorganism). When the pathogen gains entry to the body the body's immune system acts to stop it. Phagocytosis is one of the ways through which the body guards itself from the entry of pathogens. Phagocytosisis carried out by neutrophils and monocytes, which are two types of white cells. Phagocytosis involves the recognition, attack and elimination of the pathogen. |
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The ability of humans to prevent pathogens establishing themselves on or in their bodies depends largely upon the effectiveness of their immune system. Protection from any disease depends upon the nature of that disease and in particular its cause. |
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If the bodies defense system is defeated to eliminate the pathogen, it takes control of the body and inflicts the disease. While some infections can be treated by the use of antibiotics as in the case of Lyme disease and syphilis others may require surgery e.g. complicated cases of gangrene. |
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Improving our way of living e.g. changing of our sexual behavior, by the use of sterilized needles and surgery equipment, and improving the immune response can prevent infections. Many alternative therapies like Chinese medicine can help in improving the immune system . |