Infections are invasion and multiplication of micro-organisms in body tissues, especially that causing local cellular injury due to competitive metabolism, toxins, inter-cellular replications or antigen antibody response.

Our cover story this week is on Infections. If one has a disease, his body, or some important part of it, is not functioning normally. There are many kind of diseases, as might be anticipated from the great variety of causes. Infectious agents such as bacteria or viruses are often liable for many diseases. Thus micro-organisms and parasites can and are causing a multitude of diseases. There are six types of infecting organisms which can cause multitude of diseases bacteria, viruses, rickettsiae, fungi, protozoa and parasitic worms.

Many bacteria and viruses thrive in moisture, and spitting, coughing and sneezing keep them circulating. These activities cause tiny droplets in the air. This is how diseases such as common cold, pneumonia, tuberculosis, whooping cough, influenza and many others are spread. Food and water are also responsible for other infections. Typhoid and amoebie dysentery organisms may be found in food, milk and water that have been contaminated in anyway by faeces. Then there is animal to animal and animal to human transmission of diseases.

Lot of improvement have been undertaken during the last century and we are now able to combat, control and eliminate many infections with improved immunization, improved water and sanitation services, tackling pollution and use of improved therapeutic agents.