Infectious Diseases
An Introduction to Infectious diseases
Infectious diseases of the skin are caused by pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites and usually carry a higher risk in patients with a compromised immune system. These agents infiltrate the body, disrupting its normal function and causing a spectrum of symptoms. Although many skin infections are easy to treat and can go away over time, some are contagious (i.e. MRSA and impetigo) and therefore require early intervention to prevent spread, especially in a hospital setting. The treatment for skin infections varies by type of pathogen but can often be addressed using topical antimicrobials, antimicrobial resistance however is becoming one of the biggest public health crises worldwide, highlighting the need for new therapy options and novel strategies for prescribing. On-going public health, surveillance and research efforts are essential to mitigate the impact of infectious diseases on global health.
