Lyme Disease  Borrelia burgdorferiTransmitted by a deer tick bite – it takes between 36 and 48 hours to transfer the bacteriaThe deer tick is found in high grass or wooded areas Signs and Symptoms Early localized stage (about 1 week after the bite)Erythema Migrans – Bull’s eye rash … [Read more...]

Pinworms  Found all over the globeEggs are initially swallowed.  Worms live in the cecum and females travel through the anus at night in order to lay their eggs Clinical Presentation Few symptoms especially at firstItching around the anusRestless sleepAbdominal … [Read more...]

Candidiasis May affect the skin and/or the mucous membranes of the mouth, intestines, or the vaginaRisk FactorsPoor hygieneHot and humid environmentAntibiotic therapyImmunosuppression Clinical Presentation Oropharyngeal candidiasis – (thrush)Sore and painful mouthBurning mouth or … [Read more...]

Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever A tick borne diseaseRickettsia rickettsiiCauses small vessel vasculitisCan cause serious damage to internal organs, can be lethalMy be found throughout the Western Hemisphere Clinical Presentation Initial symptomsHigh FeverNausea / vomitingSevere headacheMuscle … [Read more...]

Gonococcal Infections Neisseria gonorrhoeae – Gram negative intracellular diplococciInfects the mucous membranes of the reproductive tract, including the cervix, uterus, and fallopian tubes in women, and the urethra in women and menCan also infect the mucous membranes of the mouth, throat, eyes, … [Read more...]