Causes of Schistosomiasis

In the 2001 "Amerithrax" attacks, anthrax-causing spores were sent through the mail to media outlets and members of Congress, sickening at least 22 people and killing five. Antibiotic-resistant strains of the bacteria are of growing concern, and researchers are preparing to fight back. Now, a team reporting in ACS Infectious Diseases has taken a step toward the development of a therapeutic that can treat the infection in mice without antibiotics. Bacillus anthracis is a type of bacteria that can lead to anthrax infection through exposure to its spores, either by ingestion, inhalation or a cut in the skin. The infection can lead to difficulty breathing, skin ulcers or even death. Although antibiotics against anthrax infection exist, resistance to these drugs can occur over time. One type of B. anthracis , called the Ames strain, is particularly virulent because it can wrap itself in a protective capsule of poly-D-glutamic acid that acts like a cloak of invisibility, help...

A red, itchy rash is uncomfortable anywhere on the body, but when it appears on the inner thigh, it's downright uncomfortable. Rashes on the inner thigh or near the groin are common because the area can become warm and moist. The lack of airflow means that sweat can build up. In addition, clothing may rub against the skin and cause irritation. This article will provide an overview of common causes of inner thigh rashes, including their typical symptoms and treatment options.  There are a few reasons your could develop an itchy or red rash on your inner thigh. Learn more. Jomkwan/Getty Images Possible Causes There are several possible causes of a rash on your inner thigh. Your healthcare provider will determine the cause and appropriate treatment plan. Eczema Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a chronic condition that causes red, itchy skin. It affects about 1 in 10 Americans and commonly affects ch...

A new pesticide to combat parasitic worms in carrots, kūmara, parsnips, and potatoes has been approved for use in Aotearoa New Zealand. Plant-parasitic worms, or nematodes, are considered a major risk to some of our most popular root vegetables, with producers sometimes experiencing complete crop failure from the damage they cause. The applicant, Adama New Zealand Limited, said Nimitz will be an important tool to ensure the economic viability of these important crops. "EPA staff conducted comprehensive risk assessments and found the risks to people and the environment to be negligible, with appropriate rules in place," says Dr Lauren Fleury, Hazardous Substances Applications Manager. "Nimitz is restricted to commercial use by professionals, and is a less hazardous alternative to fenamiphos-containing substances that are currently used. It will help reduce risks to workers, the soil, and the environment." The product contains the active ingredient fluensulf...

Sept. 20, 2022 -- Some sexually transmitted diseases are spiking in the United States, with more syphilis cases reported last year any time since 1948, health officials say. Rates of syphilis infections soared 26% in 2021 over the prior year, reaching the highest rate of growth since 1996. New HIV cases rose 16% last year, as well. Now, with monkeypox on the scene, the situation is "out of control," David Harvey, executive director of the National Coalition of STD Directors, told the Associated Press. Experts say the increases could be due to lack of testing and prevention efforts, delayed diagnosis during the pandemic, drug and alcohol use, and the decline in condom use – plus a sex surge after COVID-19 lockdown. "It is imperative that we ... work to rebuild, innovate, and expand (STD) prevention in the U.S.," said Leandro Mena, MD, of the CDC said in a speech Sept. 19 at the 2022 STD Prevention Conference. Prevention efforts could result in at-home tests for STDs ...

Uncomfortable symptoms that affect the penis, such as itching, pain, and burning, can be both bothersome and concerning. Occasionally, a person might experience an itchy foreskin with no rash. This symptom does not necessarily indicate a serious health issue. However, anyone with discomfort around the foreskin should see a doctor to prevent complications. There are various causes of an itchy foreskin with no rash. Common causes include: The cause of the itching will determine the treatment options. Balanitis is the medical term for swelling or inflammation that develops at the head of the penis. This condition can cause an itchy foreskin with no rash. It can also cause rashes, discharge, painful urination, and difficulty peeling back the foreskin. Balanitis can occur as a result of many different factors, including allergies, infections, and poor hygiene. Research suggests that circumcision reduces the risk of balanitis, which affects 11–13% of uncircumcised males and only 2% of circu...

"My CSU came for no reason. Nothing triggered it. It was not food allergies, it was not work-related, it just showed up," said Robin, who was diagnosed with chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) after working with an allergist. CSU is a condition in which hives pop up with no known cause, and hang around for six weeks or longer. They may itch, get bigger, change shape, spread, or disappear and reappear during that time. Getting a CSU diagnosis can be a long and challenging process. But for some people, like Robin, there's a treatment option that may help. Here's her story. Psst...if you're struggling with CSU, you can talk to your doctor to see if Xolair (omalizumab) is right for you. See below for Important Safety Information. Xolair U.S. Indication What is XOLAIR? XOLAIR® (omalizumab) for subcutaneous use is an injectable prescription medicine used to treat chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU, previously referred to as chronic idiopathic urticaria (CIU), chronic h...

In October 2014, East Dallas resident and Presbyterian Hospital nurse Nina Pham was among the first people in the United States to contract the Ebola virus. Thankfully she, and her dog Bentley, whose care during her Ebola quarantine was publicly funded (and widely discussed), survived and seem to be thriving, if the Instagram is any indication. A photo shared on Twitter following Dr. Anthony Fauci's recent retirement announcement was a reminder of Fauci's impressive response when Ebola hit our neighborhood. CNN reporter Sam Stein shared the iconic image of Fauci hugging Pham. "He made it point to try and de-stigmatize the patient," Stein writes. "His hug of Nina Pham was an indelible image of that scary moment." He became a lightning rod during Covid. But I first started covering Fauci closely during Ebola. And two things stood out. 1. He treated patients himself. 2. He made it point to try and de-stigmatize the patient. His hug of Nina Pham was an i...