Although medical progress has been made to eradicate or control many infectious diseases, humankind remains vulnerable to a wide array of new organisms. The problem is complicated by rapid biological & evolutionary processes in microorganisms that result in the emergence of new, potentially dangerous bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites.

Infection is defined as the process by which germs enter a susceptible site in the body and multiply, resulting in disease. Infectious diseases are caused by microscopic organisms - including bacteria, viruses, fungi and animal parasites - that penetrate the body’s natural barriers and multiply to create symptoms that can range from mild to deadly.

Common ways in which infectious agents enter the body are through skin contact, inhalation of airborne microbes, ingestion of contaminated food or water, bites from vectors (such as ticks or mosquitoes) that carry and transmit organisms, sexual contact and transmission from mothers to their unborn children via the birth canal and placenta.

More Information on Infection can be found in the dedication section on our website.