Tuberculosis

Tuberculosis also known as Koch’s infection, phthisis, galloping consumption, and pulmonary tuberculosis. Is a respiratory infection that usually affects the lungs but can also affect other parts of the body like the bones. Causative agents for tuberculosis can be Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Mycobacterium bovis, and Mycobacterium avis. Mycobacterium bovis (bovine) is a bacilli from cattles that transfers to humans through unpasteurized milk. Mycobacterium avis (avian) is a bacilli from birds. A derivation from the Mycobacterium avis, Mycobacterium Avium Complex (MAC), is an opportunistic infection for patients with AIDS.

Herpes Zoster

Herpes Zoster, commonly known as shingles, is a viral infection with a causative agent of Varicella zoster virus and is characterized by skin rashes observed on one side of the body. It is the dormant or inactive type of chicken pox and one cannot develop herpes zoster if the client has no history of chicken pox. Herpes zoster usually affects adults and the mode of transmission is direct by droplet. Once infected Herpes zoster does not give permanent immunity.

Pneumonia

Pneumonia is an inflammatory response of the alveoli to the uncontrolled multiplication of microorganisms invading the lower respiratory tract. Common causative agents Cytomegalovirus (CMV), Pneumocystis (PCP), Carinii Pneumonia, Streptococcus Gram Positive(Community-acquired pneumonia), and Staphylococcus Gram Negative (Hospital-acquired pneumonia) which may viruses, protozoans, and bacteria. Noxious substances can also cause pneumonia. The causative agent is usually introduced to the lungs by direct droplet through inhalation.

Chicken Pox

Chicken pox is a highly contagious disease caused by the Varicella zoster virus which can be found at the nasopharyngeal secretions and secretions from the rashes. This causes infection once it enters the nasopharynx of another person. Mode of transmission is airborne.

Pertussis

Pertussis, commonly known as whooping cough or chin cough is a highly contagious disease caused by the bacterium Bordetela pertussis. It can affect non-immunized individuals, but is predominantly a childhood disease that mostly occurs to children below 6 years. The mode of transmission is by direct contact with discharges from respiratory mucous membrane or by droplet. Incubation period of the disease is between 7-10 days. The disease is said to be highly communicable in the early catarrhal stage and before the paroxysmal cough stage.

Hepatitis

Hepatitis is the inflammation of the liver. This conditions can be self-limiting or could progress to the development of scar in the liver. The causes of hepatitis can be alcoholism, drug intoxication, chemical intoxication, or the invasion of a microorganism.