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What is Pediculus captis (Head Lice? Lice is an infection of the hair and skin of humans with arthropods (insects) called Pediculus capitis (head lice), Pediculus humanus (body), and Phthiris pubis (pubic lice). Head and body lice have slightly different appearances when viewed under a microscope, and display different behaviour patterns, but are genetically identical. Head lice lay nits on the […]

What is Pseudomonas aeruginosa?  Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a Gram-negative, rod-shaped bacterium. P. aeruginosa is a ubiquitous microorganism, which means it has the ability to survive under a variety of environmental conditions. It is commonly found in the environment e.g. water and soil. It causes disease in plants, animals and humans where it is an opportunistic pathogen, affecting patients when

What is Poliomyelitis (polio)? Poliomyelitis (polio) is a highly infectious viral disease, which mainly affects young children. The virus is transmitted to person-to-person through the faecal-oral route or, less frequently, by a common vehicle (for example, contaminated water or food). Polio upon transmission multiplies in the intestine, it then invades the nervous system that can

What is a pneumococcal infection? A pneumococcal infection is an infection caused by the bacterium Streptococcus pneumoniae, which is also called the pneumococcus. S. pneumoniae is a common member of the bacterial flora colonizing the nose and throat of 5–10% of healthy adults and 20–40% of healthy children.However, it is also a cause of significant

What is Pneumococcus? Pneumococcal disease is a name for any infection caused by bacteria called Streptococcus pneumoniae, or pneumococcus. Pneumococcal infections can range from ear and sinus infections to pneumonia and bloodstream infections. There are vaccines to help prevent pneumococcal disease. All specimens that are sent to the Centre for Respiratory Diseases and Meningitis for

What is Plague?  Plague is a zoonotic disease caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis. Plague is found mainly in rodents, and is spread by fleas from rodent to rodent, as well as from rodents to other animals (including dogs) and humans, or accidentally from fleas to humans.   Plague is still present in parts of Africa,

What is Pertussis?  Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, is a highly infectious disease that affects the respiratory tract. It is caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis. Pertussis in Publications Bulletin April 2019 Bulletin November 2015 Bulletin November 2014 Bulletin November 2011 Bulletin May 2005