Empyema thoracis or pleural empyema is collection of pus in the space between the pleural layers. It is commonly referred to as pus around the lungs. An empyema results from pus-forming (suppurative) infection of the pleural space and is one of the most common causes for exudative type of pleural effusion (fluid around the >> Read More ...
Oral herpes or mouth herpes is caused by the Herpes simplex type 1 virus (HSV-1). Also known as cold sores or fever blisters, this infection has a tendency to recur several times in life and the infection remains latent and therefore asymptomatic in between. A recurrence is referred to as a reactivation while the first >> Read More ...
What are Lice? Lice are tiny gray-brown insects that live, grow, and feed on humans as parasites. It feeds on the host’s blood by piercing the skin of the host with its narrow anterior mouth parts. Lice may spread from one person to another through close contact or by sharing personal items and clothing. Dogs, cats, or >> Read More ...
What is the viral load in HIV? Viral load is an indication of the amount of virus in the bloodstream in HIV infection. It also known as HIV viral load or plasma viral load and is an important means to monitor the progress of the disease and the success of treatment. Regularly monitoring the viral load, at least every 3 >> Read More ...
The change in CD4 T-lymphocyte levels associated with HIV infection is an indication of the immune system defense capability. As the CD4 cell count declines the body becomes susceptible to infections. Some of these infections are common and short-lived (acute) when contracted by a person with a healthy immune system >> Read More ...
Normal CD4 Count The CD4+ T-lymphocyte is only one type of white blood cell and is named so due to the presence of CD4 receptors on its surface. It is these surface receptors that allows HIV to bind to the cell and infect it. Read more on HIV and AIDS. Therefore HIV has an affinity for CD4+ T-lymphocytes. The level of CD4+ >> Read More ...
Definitions HIV and AIDS HIV stands for human immunodeficiency virus. AIDS stands for acquired immune deficiency syndrome. These are the scientific names to describe a virus that destroys the immune system and leads to a syndrome of immune deficiency. HIV/AIDS is also known by several common names that vary not only in >> Read More ...
An abscess in the abdomen (intra-abdominal abscess) is diagnosed by correlating findings on imaging studies with the signs and symptoms present. Read more on symptoms of intra-abdominal abscesses. Other laboratory findings will further confirm the diagnosis. Laboratory Tests Blood tests may reveal : raised white blood cell >> Read More ...
An intra-abdominal abscess can develop from a wide variety of causes that lead to an infection of the peritoneal cavity (peritonitis) due to : Direct spread from abdominal organs Acute appendicitis Acute cholecystitis Pancreatitis Pancreatic cyst infection Perforation of abdominal organs Perforation of peptic ulcer >> Read More ...
Stephen Asked : I had an ear infection of the right ear about 3 weeks ago and there was also some jaw pain. At first it was just some tenderness of the TMJ joint which I only felt when I chewed or massaged the joint or bit down. After a course of antibiotics (which I completed about a week ago) and using some ear drops, my >> Read More ...
