Schistosomiasis, also known as bilharzia, is a neglected tropical disease caused by parasitic flatworms of the genus Schistosoma. This chronic condition is endemic in regions with poor water sanitation, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, parts of Asia, the Middle East, and South America. The disease results from an immune response to the eggs of the parasite
Scarlet fever is a bacterial illness primarily affecting children aged 5–15. Caused by Group A Streptococcus (GAS), the same bacteria responsible for strep throat, it presents with a distinctive red rash, sore throat, and high fever. Although once considered a serious childhood illness, early diagnosis and antibiotics have significantly reduced its severity and complications. Etiology
Scabies is a highly contagious skin infestation caused by the Sarcoptes scabiei var. hominis mite. It leads to intense pruritus, particularly at night, and is transmitted through prolonged skin-to-skin contact. Globally, scabies affects over 200 million people at any time and remains a significant public health burden, especially in crowded living environments and among vulnerable
Salpingitis refers to the inflammation of one or both fallopian tubes and represents a significant component of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). Often caused by ascending bacterial infections, it has the potential to result in chronic pelvic pain, ectopic pregnancy, and infertility if not promptly diagnosed and treated. This gynecologic condition is especially prevalent among sexually
Salmonella septicemia is a serious bloodstream infection caused by the dissemination of Salmonella bacteria beyond the gastrointestinal tract. Unlike localized salmonellosis, which primarily presents as self-limiting gastroenteritis, septicemia involves systemic spread, leading to life-threatening complications if not promptly treated. This condition typically occurs in immunocompromised individuals, patients with chronic illnesses, or in association with invasive
Rubella, also known as German measles, is a contagious viral infection caused by the rubella virus. While mild or asymptomatic in most individuals, rubella poses a severe threat to pregnant women, as infection during early pregnancy can lead to congenital rubella syndrome (CRS). CRS results in miscarriage, stillbirth, or serious birth defects such as deafness,
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a major cause of lower respiratory tract infections in infants, particularly during the first months of life. It leads to thousands of hospitalizations and significant morbidity annually. Neonates are especially vulnerable due to their immature immune systems, and RSV seasonality means many are born during peak transmission periods. Recent advances
Rotavirus is a leading cause of severe gastroenteritis in infants and young children worldwide. Characterized by profuse diarrhea, vomiting, fever, and dehydration, rotavirus infection results in significant morbidity and mortality, particularly in low-income countries. Prior to the introduction of the rotavirus vaccine, the virus accounted for more than 450,000 child deaths annually. Rotavirus vaccination represents
ROS1-positive non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is a distinct molecular subtype of lung cancer characterized by gene rearrangements involving the ROS1 proto-oncogene. These rearrangements lead to constitutive activation of the ROS1 tyrosine kinase domain, driving oncogenic signaling that promotes cellular proliferation and survival. Although ROS1 rearrangements occur in only approximately 1–2% of NSCLC cases, their
Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF) is a severe and potentially life-threatening tick-borne illness caused by the bacterium Rickettsia rickettsii. First identified in the Rocky Mountains, the disease now occurs throughout the Americas, with the highest incidence reported in the southeastern and south-central United States. Prompt recognition and treatment are critical due to the rapid progression