
Infectious diseases - Symptoms and causes - Mayo Clinic
Apr 9, 2025 · Infectious diseases are disorders caused by organisms — such as bacteria, viruses, fungi or parasites. Many organisms live in and on our bodies. They're normally harmless or even helpful. …
Types of infectious agents - Mayo Clinic
Infectious agents come in many shapes and sizes. Bacteria and protozoans are microscopic one-celled organisms. Viruses are even smaller. Fungi grow like plants. Helminths resemble worms.
Germs: Protect against bacteria, viruses and infections
Mar 5, 2024 · Bacteria Bacteria are one-celled life forms called organisms that can be seen only with a microscope. Not all bacteria are harmful. Some bacteria that live in the body are helpful. For …
Bacterial vs. viral infections: How do they differ? - Mayo Clinic
Nov 25, 2025 · Bacteria cause bacterial infections. Viruses cause viral infections. Antibiotic medicines kill or keep many bacteria from growing but don't treat viruses. Antiviral medicines help the body …
Infectious diseases - Diagnosis & treatment - Mayo Clinic
Apr 8, 2025 · Anti-parasitics Some diseases, including malaria, are caused by tiny parasites. These organisms live in or on host organisms, which can include people. Parasites get their nutrients from …
Anthrax - Symptoms & causes - Mayo Clinic
Sep 20, 2025 · Anthrax is a rare but serious illness caused by a spore-forming bacterium, called Bacillus anthracis. In the body, the spores form poisons that can destroy tissues. Anthrax mainly affects farm …
Vaginitis - Symptoms and causes - Mayo Clinic
Dec 22, 2021 · Repetitive douching disrupts the good organisms that live in the vagina and can increase your risk of vaginal infection. Douching won't clear up a vaginal infection.
Guide to different tick species and the diseases they carry
Nov 14, 2023 · Learn about different tick species and some of the diseases they may carry.
Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) - Symptoms and causes
Overview Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are caused by sexually transmitted infections (STIs). They are spread mainly by sexual contact. STIs are caused by bacteria, viruses or parasites. A …
Nail fungus - Symptoms and causes - Mayo Clinic
May 15, 2024 · Nail fungus is caused by various fungal organisms (fungi). The most common is a type called dermatophyte. Yeast, bacteria and molds also can cause nail infections. The discoloration …