Condition Lookup

Leprosy

Symptoms:
skin lesions that are lighter than the surrounding skin or red in color; numbness or loss of sensation in the affected areas; muscle weakness; nerve damage; thickened or painful nerves; ulcers on the soles of the feet; loss of eyebrows or eyelashes

Root Cause:
Chronic infection caused by Mycobacterium leprae or Mycobacterium lepromatosis, which primarily affects the skin, peripheral nerves, mucosa of the upper respiratory tract, and eyes.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical evaluation of skin lesions, skin biopsy, slit-skin smears, and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing for bacterial DNA.

Treatment:
Multidrug therapy (MDT), which typically includes a combination of antibiotics over 6-12 months or longer. Supportive care for nerve damage and wound management.

Medications:
Antibiotics include dapsone (sulfonamide), rifampin (rifamycin ), and clofazimine (a riminophenazine dye). Prednisone or thalidomide may be prescribed for managing inflammation or leprosy reactions.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Approximately 200,000 new cases annually worldwide, with the highest prevalence in India, Brazil, and Indonesia.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Close and prolonged contact with untreated individuals, genetic predisposition, living in endemic areas, poor sanitation, and weakened immune systems.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Excellent with early diagnosis and treatment; permanent nerve damage may occur in delayed or untreated cases.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Nerve damage, deformities, chronic ulcers, loss of limbs, blindness, and secondary infections.

Miliary Tuberculosis

Specialty: Infectious Diseases

Category: Mycobacterial Infections

Symptoms:
fever; night sweats; weight loss; general malaise; cough; difficulty breathing; enlarged liver or spleen; anemia

Root Cause:
Disseminated infection caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, leading to small nodular lesions in multiple organs due to hematogenous spread.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Chest X-ray or CT scan showing millet-seed-like lesions, sputum culture, blood culture, liver biopsy, and tuberculin skin test (TST) or interferon-gamma release assay (IGRA).

Treatment:
Long-term combination therapy with first-line anti-tuberculosis medications, typically for 6-9 months. Supportive care and management of complications.

Medications:
First-line medications include isoniazid , rifampin , pyrazinamide , and ethambutol . Steroids may be added in cases of severe inflammation.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Less common than pulmonary TB; often seen in immunocompromised individuals, particularly in areas with high TB burden.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
HIV infection, immunosuppressive therapy, chronic diseases, malnutrition, and living in or traveling to endemic regions.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Variable; early treatment improves outcomes, but untreated cases can be fatal due to organ failure.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Respiratory failure, organ damage (e.g., liver, spleen), septic shock, and meningitis.

Mycobacterium Avium Complex (MAC) Infection

Specialty: Infectious Diseases

Category: Mycobacterial Infections

Symptoms:
chronic cough; weight loss; fatigue; low-grade fever; shortness of breath; night sweats; chest pain

Root Cause:
Caused by non-tuberculous mycobacteria (Mycobacterium avium and Mycobacterium intracellulare), leading to chronic pulmonary infection or disseminated disease, especially in immunocompromised individuals.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Sputum culture, bronchoscopy, high-resolution CT scan, and histological examination of lung tissue.

Treatment:
Prolonged multidrug antibiotic therapy, often for 12 months or longer after culture conversion.

Medications:
Clarithromycin or azithromycin (macrolides), rifampin (rifamycin ), and ethambutol . Injectable amikacin may be used for severe cases.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Increasing incidence worldwide, particularly in individuals with underlying lung disease or HIV/AIDS.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Chronic lung disease (e.g., COPD, bronchiectasis), immunosuppression, older age, and environmental exposure to contaminated water or soil.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Favorable with early diagnosis and adherence to treatment; relapses may occur.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Progressive lung damage, respiratory failure, and systemic dissemination in immunocompromised individuals.

Mycobacterium Chelonae Infection

Specialty: Infectious Diseases

Category: Mycobacterial Infections

Symptoms:
red or tender nodules on the skin; non-healing ulcers; draining abscesses; systemic symptoms such as fever and fatigue (in disseminated cases)

Root Cause:
Infection caused by Mycobacterium chelonae, a rapidly growing non-tuberculous mycobacterium, often associated with skin and soft tissue infections.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Culture and molecular identification of the organism from tissue, wound, or aspirate samples; histological examination; PCR testing.

Treatment:
Prolonged antibiotic therapy tailored to susceptibility testing, surgical debridement if necessary.

Medications:
Clarithromycin or azithromycin (macrolides), amikacin (aminoglycoside), cefoxitin (beta-lactam), and sometimes tigecycline or linezolid for resistant cases.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Rare; typically associated with surgical procedures, contaminated medical devices, or environmental exposure.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Immunosuppression, recent surgery, trauma, chronic wounds, and exposure to contaminated water or medical equipment.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Good with appropriate treatment, though prolonged therapy may be required. Severe or untreated cases can lead to systemic spread.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Chronic non-healing wounds, abscess formation, systemic dissemination in immunocompromised individuals.

Mycobacterium Fortuitum Infection

Specialty: Infectious Diseases

Category: Mycobacterial Infections

Symptoms:
skin abscesses; ulcers; nodules; draining fistulas; systemic symptoms such as fever and malaise (in severe cases)

Root Cause:
Infection caused by Mycobacterium fortuitum, a rapidly growing non-tuberculous mycobacterium, affecting the skin, soft tissues, and occasionally the lungs.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Culture of the organism from lesions, aspirates, or tissue biopsies; susceptibility testing; and imaging for systemic involvement.

Treatment:
Combination antibiotic therapy based on susceptibility results, with or without surgical debridement.

Medications:
Amikacin (aminoglycoside), clarithromycin or azithromycin (macrolides), ciprofloxacin or levofloxacin (fluoroquinolones), and doxycycline (tetracycline ).

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Rare; most cases occur after trauma, surgery, or exposure to contaminated water or medical equipment.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Recent invasive procedures, immunosuppression, and exposure to unsterile environments.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Favorable with proper antibiotic treatment and surgical management when needed.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Chronic infections, scarring, and potential systemic spread in immunocompromised individuals.

Mycobacterium Gordonae Infection

Specialty: Infectious Diseases

Category: Mycobacterial Infections

Symptoms:
asymptomatic in most cases; fever; weight loss; pulmonary symptoms (e.g., cough, chest pain); localized lymphadenitis

Root Cause:
Infection caused by Mycobacterium gordonae, a slow-growing non-tuberculous mycobacterium often considered non-pathogenic but capable of causing opportunistic infections in immunocompromised individuals.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Culture from clinical specimens, molecular methods (e.g., PCR), and exclusion of other pathogens.

Treatment:
Antimicrobial therapy for symptomatic cases, guided by susceptibility testing; typically involves a multidrug regimen.

Medications:
Clarithromycin or azithromycin (macrolides), rifampin (rifamycin ), and ethambutol . Other agents like amikacin or ciprofloxacin may be used in resistant cases.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Rarely pathogenic; commonly found in the environment, especially in water sources.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Immunosuppression, chronic lung disease, and exposure to contaminated water.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Generally good with appropriate treatment; mild or asymptomatic cases often do not require intervention.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Invasive infections in severely immunocompromised individuals, including bloodstream infections and organ involvement.

Mycobacterium Haemophilum Infection

Specialty: Infectious Diseases

Category: Mycobacterial Infections

Symptoms:
skin lesions; arthritis; osteomyelitis; fever; swollen lymph nodes

Root Cause:
Caused by Mycobacterium haemophilum, which is an opportunistic pathogen, primarily affecting immunocompromised individuals.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Culture on iron-enriched media or molecular diagnostic methods such as PCR; biopsy of infected tissue.

Treatment:
Combination antibiotic therapy tailored based on susceptibility testing.

Medications:
Antibiotics such as clarithromycin (macrolide), rifampin (rifamycin ), and ethambutol (antimycobacterial agent) are commonly prescribed.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Rare; most cases occur in immunocompromised patients, particularly those undergoing chemotherapy or organ transplantation.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Immunosuppression, cancer, HIV/AIDS, organ transplantation, or use of immunosuppressive therapy.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Variable; good with appropriate treatment but may be severe or fatal in severely immunocompromised individuals.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Disseminated infection, chronic skin or bone involvement, and systemic disease.

Mycobacterium Kansasii Infection

Specialty: Infectious Diseases

Category: Mycobacterial Infections

Symptoms:
chronic cough; fever; weight loss; night sweats; fatigue; lung infiltrates

Root Cause:
Caused by Mycobacterium kansasii, primarily affecting the lungs and mimicking tuberculosis.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Sputum culture, molecular testing (PCR), and chest imaging (e.g., X-ray or CT scan).

Treatment:
Combination therapy, including multiple antibiotics over 12-18 months.

Medications:
Rifampin (rifamycin ), ethambutol (antimycobacterial agent), and isoniazid (antitubercular agent) are typically prescribed.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Rare; primarily affects individuals with underlying lung diseases or immunocompromised states.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), HIV/AIDS, prior tuberculosis, and immunosuppressive therapies.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Generally good with timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Chronic pulmonary disease, progression to disseminated infection in immunocompromised patients.

Mycobacterium Marinum Infection

Specialty: Infectious Diseases

Category: Mycobacterial Infections

Symptoms:
localized skin nodules; ulcers; swelling near the site of trauma; redness; pain

Root Cause:
Caused by Mycobacterium marinum, often acquired through exposure to contaminated water or aquatic animals.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Skin biopsy, culture on special media, and PCR for rapid identification.

Treatment:
Prolonged antibiotic therapy, typically lasting several months.

Medications:
Clarithromycin (macrolide), doxycycline (tetracycline ), and rifampin (rifamycin ) are commonly used.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Uncommon; occurs in individuals exposed to contaminated water or fish.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Aquatic hobbies or occupations, trauma to the skin, and immunosuppression.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Good with appropriate antibiotic therapy.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Persistent infection, tenosynovitis, or deeper tissue involvement in untreated cases.

Mycobacterium Xenopi Infection

Specialty: Infectious Diseases

Category: Mycobacterial Infections

Symptoms:
chronic cough; fever; night sweats; weight loss; dyspnea

Root Cause:
An opportunistic infection caused by Mycobacterium xenopi, often affecting the lungs.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Sputum culture, chest imaging, and molecular testing such as PCR.

Treatment:
Long-term antibiotic therapy based on drug susceptibility.

Medications:
Rifampin (rifamycin ), ethambutol (antimycobacterial agent), and clarithromycin (macrolide) are frequently prescribed.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Rare; more common in individuals with structural lung diseases or weakened immune systems.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Chronic lung diseases, HIV/AIDS, and immunosuppressive therapy.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Favorable with treatment; may lead to chronic pulmonary disease if untreated.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Cavitary lung disease, chronic infection, and dissemination in immunocompromised patients.

Tuberculosis (TB)

Specialty: Infectious Diseases

Category: Mycobacterial Infections

Symptoms:
persistent cough (lasting > 3 weeks); fever; night sweats; weight loss; hemoptysis; fatigue

Root Cause:
Caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, leading to pulmonary or extrapulmonary disease.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Sputum microscopy and culture, chest X-ray, tuberculin skin test (TST), or interferon-gamma release assay (IGRA).

Treatment:
Standard 6-month course of combination antibiotic therapy.

Medications:
Rifampin (rifamycin ), isoniazid (antitubercular agent), pyrazinamide , and ethambutol (antimycobacterial agent).

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Affects millions globally; highest prevalence in low-income countries.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
HIV/AIDS, malnutrition, overcrowding, and weakened immunity.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Good with timely diagnosis and adherence to treatment; untreated TB can be fatal.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Drug-resistant TB, miliary TB, and organ damage.

Tuberculosis Organism-Specific Therapy

Specialty: Infectious Diseases

Category: Mycobacterial Infections

Symptoms:
persistent cough; fever; weight loss; night sweats; hemoptysis

Root Cause:
Treatment of TB tailored to specific drug susceptibility profiles of Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Drug susceptibility testing, molecular diagnostics (e.g., GeneXpert), and culture.

Treatment:
Customized antibiotic regimens based on drug-resistance patterns.

Medications:
Fluoroquinolones (e.g., levofloxacin ), linezolid (oxazolidinone), and bedaquiline (diarylquinoline) for resistant cases.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Common in drug-resistant TB cases.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Poor adherence to standard TB therapy, prior TB treatment, and immunosuppression.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Variable; drug-resistant TB is harder to treat and associated with higher mortality.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Treatment failure, extensive drug resistance, and systemic spread of TB.

Atypical Mycobacterial Diseases

Specialty: Infectious Diseases

Category: Mycobacterial Infections

Symptoms:
localized or systemic infection depending on the species; chronic skin ulcers; lymphadenitis; pulmonary symptoms in immunocompromised individuals

Root Cause:
Infection caused by non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM), such as Mycobacterium avium or Mycobacterium marinum. Often opportunistic infections.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Culture and sensitivity testing of affected tissue, molecular methods like PCR, and imaging for systemic involvement.

Treatment:
Prolonged antibiotic regimens tailored to the specific mycobacterial species; surgical debridement in some cases.

Medications:
Clarithromycin (macrolide), rifampin (rifamycin class), ethambutol (antimycobacterial); combinations often used to prevent resistance.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Rare but increasing in frequency due to immunosuppressed populations. Most common in individuals with underlying chronic lung diseases.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Immunosuppression (e.g., HIV/AIDS, chemotherapy), chronic lung conditions, exposure to contaminated water or soil.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Variable; depends on the species and patient immune status. Often requires long-term treatment.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Chronic infection, resistance to treatment, organ damage, dissemination in immunocompromised patients.