Muscarine toxicity is a form of poisoning caused by ingestion of mushrooms containing muscarine, a naturally occurring alkaloid that overstimulates the parasympathetic nervous system. It leads to excessive activation of muscarinic receptors, causing symptoms such as sweating, salivation, bronchoconstriction, and bradycardia. Prompt medical intervention is crucial to prevent severe complications. Causes of Muscarine Toxicity Muscarine
Murine typhus, also known as endemic typhus or flea-borne typhus, is an infectious disease caused by the bacterium Rickettsia typhi. This bacterial infection primarily spreads through flea bites, particularly those from the Xenopsylla cheopis (oriental rat flea) that infest rodents, including rats and opossums. Causes and Transmission of Murine Typhus Murine typhus is transmitted when
Mumps is a contagious viral infection that primarily affects the salivary glands. The introduction of the mumps vaccine has significantly reduced its prevalence worldwide. This article provides a detailed overview of the mumps vaccination, including its effectiveness, recommended schedule, side effects, and global immunization strategies. Understanding Mumps Mumps is caused by the mumps virus, a
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system (CNS), including the brain and spinal cord. It occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks the protective myelin sheath covering nerve fibers, leading to inflammation and nerve damage. This damage disrupts communication between the brain and the rest of the body,
Multiple myeloma is a type of blood cancer that affects plasma cells, a key component of the immune system found in the bone marrow. These malignant plasma cells multiply uncontrollably, producing abnormal antibodies and crowding out healthy blood cells, leading to various complications. Causes and Risk Factors While the exact cause of multiple myeloma remains
Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia (MEN) is a rare genetic disorder characterized by the development of tumors in multiple endocrine glands. These tumors can be benign or malignant and often lead to excessive hormone production, causing various physiological complications. MEN is primarily divided into two major types: MEN1 and MEN2, each with distinct clinical manifestations. Causes and
Multifocal Motor Neuropathy (MMN) is a rare, chronic neurological disorder that affects the peripheral nerves, leading to progressive muscle weakness without sensory loss. MMN is often mistaken for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) due to its asymmetric motor deficits. However, MMN is treatable with intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG), making early diagnosis critical. Causes and Risk Factors The
Multifocal Atrial Tachycardia (MAT) is a rare yet clinically significant cardiac arrhythmia characterized by multiple ectopic foci within the atria generating electrical impulses. It is commonly seen in patients with underlying pulmonary disease and is associated with significant morbidity if left untreated. Unlike atrial fibrillation, MAT features distinct P waves with varying morphologies, reflecting multiple
Multicentric Castleman’s Disease (MCD) is a rare and complex lymphoproliferative disorder characterized by an overgrowth of lymphoid tissue in multiple lymph node regions. Unlike the unicentric form, which affects a single lymph node, MCD impacts multiple sites and is often associated with systemic inflammatory symptoms. It is classified into two main subtypes: Symptoms of Multicentric
Multibacillary (MB) leprosy is a severe form of Hansen’s disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae, a slow-growing bacterium that primarily affects the skin, peripheral nerves, and mucous membranes. MB leprosy is characterized by a high bacterial load, extensive skin lesions, and significant nerve damage, leading to sensory loss and disability if left untreated. According to the