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Welcome to African Pathogens, a site providing information on microbial diseases relevant to tropical countries including those in Sub Saharan Africa. This site will be useful to travelers to those countries as well.
Microbial diseases are generally classified by the type of pathogen causing them. The three main classifications are viral, bacterial, and parasitic. Under each heading below (Viral, Bacterial, Parasitic) are diseases specific to those microbes, their symptoms and how to prevent or cure these diseases. When a disease (e.g., diarrhea, hepatitis) is caused by multiple microbes, we will refer to the microbe for simplicity.
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In general, viral, bacterial and parasitic diseases can be prevented with approved vaccines or by following prescribed safety measures. In addition, some viral and parasitic diseases can be cured by approved drugs. Note that only bacterial diseases require approved antibiotics; they are not effective against viral or parasitic infections.
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This site should not be used for self diagnosis. If you believe that you have a probable microbial disease, always consult your doctor for accurate diagnosis and treatment.