Abstract Seven mycoplasmal strains have been isolated from the genital tract, of which Mycoplasma hominis and Mycoplasma genitalium are the commonest. M. genitalium has an unknown incubation period, but symptoms…
Abstract Antibiotics are a group of medicines used for treating infections caused by bacteria and certain parasites but are not effective against viral or fungal infection. They are also called…
Abstract Chikungunya is a vector-borne infection which is caused by the chikungunya virus. It is transmitted to humans by infected female mosquitoes (Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus also called tiger…
Abstract Ebola virus disease (EVD) was first recognised in 1976, when there was an outbreak of viral haemorrhagic fever near the Ebola River in Zaire (now the Democratic Republic of…
Abstract Molluscum contagiosum (MC) is a benign, skin infection. It presents as pearly dome‐shaped papules, with a central dell or depression. It is caused by the molluscum contagiosum virus (MCV)…
Abstract Rubella is an acute viral illness with characteristic maculopapular rash and low-grade fever. Up to 50 per cent of cases may pass unnoticed without any symptoms. The disease occurs…
Abstract Dengue fever is a mosquito-transmitted viral infection. It is common in most tropical and subtropical countries. Approximately 390 million dengue virus infections occur each year, of which 500 000…
Abstract Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a double-stranded DNA virus and is a member of the Herpesviridae family. For women of reproductive age, the greatest risk for exposure is through contact with…
Abstract Influenza is a contagious viral respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that infects the nose, throat and sometimes the lungs. It can cause mild to severe illness, and at…
Abstract Zika virus was discovered for the first time in April 1947 in Uganda at Zika forest near Victoria Lake, when a veterinarian and his monkey had the same symptoms…
