INFECTIOUS DISEASES & PHARMACOTHERAPY
Infectious diseases are caused by microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. These diseases can spread through direct contact, contaminated food or water, or vectors like insects.
This guide covers common infectious diseases including Tuberculosis, Pneumonia, UTI, Hepatitis, STIs, Malaria, and HIV.
Tuberculosis (TB):
Overview
TB is caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis and mainly affects the lungs.
- Persistent cough
- Fever, night sweats
- Weight loss
- DOTS therapy
- Drugs: Isoniazid, Rifampicin, Pyrazinamide, Ethambutol
Pneumonia:
Infection of lung tissue caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi.
- Cough with sputum
- Fever
- Shortness of breath
- Antibiotics
- Oxygen therapy
- Supportive care
Urinary Tract Infection (UTI):
A bacterial infection affecting the urinary system.
- Burning urination
- Frequent urination
- Cloudy urine
- Hydration
- Antibiotics
Hepatitis:
Inflammation of the liver caused mainly by viral infections.
- Jaundice
- Fatigue
- Dark urine
- Vaccination (A & B)
- Antivirals
- Supportive care
Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs):
Includes infections like Gonorrhoea and Syphilis.
- Gonorrhoea – treated with antibiotics
- Syphilis – treated with penicillin
Malaria:
A mosquito-borne disease caused by Plasmodium parasites.
- Fever with chills
- Sweating
- Headache
- ACT therapy
- Prevention with mosquito control
HIV/AIDS:
A viral infection that weakens the immune system.
- Spread through blood and body fluids
- No cure
- Managed with ART
Summary:
Infectious diseases require early diagnosis and proper antimicrobial therapy to prevent complications and spread.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What causes infectious diseases?
They are caused by microorganisms like bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites.
2. What is TB?
A bacterial infection mainly affecting the lungs.
3. How is HIV managed?
Through lifelong antiretroviral therapy (ART).
Dr. Saint Paul is a pharmacy educator, Pharm.D graduate, and academic content creator from Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University Kakinada (JNTUK), where he completed his Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D) degree between 2015 and 2021.
He has more than 7 years of experience creating pharmacy educational content, writing study materials, and reviewing academic articles for pharmacy students. He has also contributed guest articles to pharmacy education platforms, including PharmD Guru.
At D.PharmGuru, his work focuses on simplifying complex Diploma in Pharmacy (D.Pharmacy) subjects into easy-to-understand notes, practical explanations, and exam-oriented educational resources for students across India.
His areas of focus include Human Anatomy and Physiology, Pharmaceutics, Pharmacology, Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Hospital and Clinical Pharmacy, and other core D.Pharmacy subjects.
