Parasitic Diseases

Vitamin C has many important jobs in your body, but it's probably best known for supporting your immune system. Some people wonder if vitamin C is helpful for allergies, which are immune reactions to substances in your environment ( 1 ). This article takes an evidence-based look at vitamin C's effectiveness, uses, and any precautions for treating or preventing allergies. There's some evidence that vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, may help with some allergies. Vitamin C acts as a natural antihistamine and antioxidant. Studies have shown it may decrease inflammation, swelling, and related symptoms that happen at the site of an allergic reaction ( 1 , 2 ). Allergy symptoms happen when your immune system reacts to a foreign invader, called an allergen. Common allergens include pollen, pet dander, and proteins in certain foods. Cells in your immune system called mast cells are activated and release histamine to help block the invader. Histamine may trigger the following a...

Bacteria are an important part of our environment and our bodies. While most of them are harmless or even helpful, bacteria in the blood (bacteremia) can cause infection. There are several types of infections that can be caused. If you have sepsis symptoms like fever, rash, rapid heartbeat, or confusion you should seek medical care immediately, because a blood infection can be deadly. Continue reading to learn more about bacterial infections in the blood, including how to recognize septicemia and sepsis symptoms, and how to get the help you need.  Sukanya Sitthikongsak / Getty Images Types of Bacterial Infections in the Blood Bacteria are a natural, healthy part of our bodies, especially in certain areas like the skin or gut. These areas are known as microbiomes. Science still hasn't determined whether healthy humans have a blood microbiome (naturally occurring bacteria in the blood). However, when certain bacteria get into the ...

Lifestyle Ask a Vet: How Common and Contagious Is Coccidia? By Dr. Eric Barchas , June 24, 2014 Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Email I recently received a question from a reader who was in the process of purchasing a Bengal kitten. She was notified by the breeder that the kitten had tested positive for coccidia. The breeder was working to purchase medication to treat the kitten, but there had been a bit of a delay. The reader had several concerns about the kitten's future, the nature of the parasite, and its potential to spread to the cat she already owned. Would the delay lead to permanent intestinal damage from the parasites? Could the parasites spread to her other cat (a 14-month-old Bengal) by way of the owner's clothing? If the kitten were treated and then tested negative for the parasite, would that mean that the kitten truly no longer...

Staphylococcus aureus  (staph) is a bacteria that normally resides on people's skin without causing problems. However, it can cause an infection when it gets under the skin or into the bloodstream. It is highly contagious and can easily spread through certain types of contact. This article discusses the symptoms of a staph infection, how it spreads, treatment, and prevention. Verywell / Gary Ferster What Is Staph? There are many different types of the bacteria  Staphylococcus . The strain that most commonly causes infection in humans is  Staphylococcus aureus . The skin is the most common disease site, but the bacteria can also cause problems in the digestive tract, bones, lungs, and heart. A severe infection occurs when the bacteria enter the bloodstream and release toxins that cause a condition called sepsis, a powerful response by the body in fighting bacterial blood poisoning. Symptoms St...