Infectious Diseases

Actinomycetes are a group of Gram-positive bacteria that occupy an intermediate position between bacteria and fungi. They form branched filamentous structures resembling mold mycelium and are capable of producing spores. While many species of actinomycetes are found in nature and play a role in the decomposition of organic matter, some strains can be pathogenic and pose a health risk when they begin to proliferate in the indoor environment.

Traveling is a wonderful opportunity to gain new life experiences, but it can also pose health risks. When in enclosed spaces such as airplanes, or in crowded places like airports, travelers are more likely to encounter infections that spread from person to person.

The events of recent years, associated with the coronavirus pandemic, have shown how quickly diseases can spread around the world. But viruses are only part of the problem. During travel, one may also encounter bacterial infections, which can be just as dangerous. That’s why it is important not only to understand how infections are transmitted, but also to know how to protect yourself.

For effective treatment of dysbiosis, it is crucial to begin with accurate diagnostics. In the first article, we discussed the basic concepts of dysbiosis, its impact on health, and potential causes. Many health conditions may present with similar symptoms but require different treatment approaches. As mentioned earlier, dysbiosis-related issues can be identified using a variety of diagnostic methods. The primary ones are stool analysis and breath tests. Stool analysis can detect the presence of pathogenic bacteria, viruses, and fungi, while breath tests effectively reveal carbohydrate fermentation disorders, which may indicate SIBO (small intestinal bacterial overgrowth).

Gut Microbiota is a complex ecosystem of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites, that inhabit the human intestinal tract. The number of microbes in the human body is estimated to be around 39 trillion, slightly exceeding the number of human cells. However, their genetic material is much richer and has a profound impact on bodily functions.

The microbiota performs many key functions, such as aiding digestion, synthesizing vitamins, protecting against pathogens, and supporting the immune system. A healthy microbiota is key to maintaining long-term health, whereas imbalances may trigger a wide range of diseases.

Mycoplasmas are unique bacteria characterized by the absence of a cell wall. Instead, they have a cytoplasmic membrane, which makes them distinct from microorganisms. This feature complicates their detection by the immune system and renders antibiotics targeting the cell wall ineffective.

However, drugs such as tetracyclines and macrolides, which act on other mechanisms like protein synthesis, remain effective against these microorganisms. Mycoplasmas can cause many diseases, including respiratory tract infections, urogenital infections, and chronic inflammatory conditions.

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is a member of the herpesvirus group, most commonly associated with infectious mononucleosis. In the acute phase of the disease, EBV can cause severe symptoms such as high fever, sore throat, swollen lymph nodes, and fatigue, which significantly reduce the quality of life.

Effective treatment at this stage is important not only for alleviating symptoms but also for preventing complications and the progression of the infection into a chronic form. This article discusses approaches to symptomatic treatment of the acute phase of EBV infection, as well as other herpesvirus infections, taking into account their characteristics and factors influencing the success of therapy.

Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) is a type 4 herpesvirus and one of eight known viruses in the Herpesviridae family. It is primarily transmitted through saliva and other bodily fluids, earning it the nickname &“kissing virus”.

EBV can affect various organs and systems in the body. For instance, it may influence the central nervous system (linked to multiple sclerosis) and the thyroid gland (as seen in Hashimoto’s thyroiditis). Additionally, EBV is associated with certain types of cancer, such as nasopharyngeal carcinoma, Burkitt lymphoma, and Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

At conferences dedicated to the treatment of neurological diseases, I have often heard presentations about what can affect brain function—both positively and negatively. Almost every one of these meetings raised the issue of dental problems, which initially seemed unusual to me. However, over time, I became seriously interested in this topic. There is no consensus among specialists yet, but in this article, I will share the information I know about the connection between chronic diseases and filled root canals, as well as my personal experience.

Shingles, also known as herpes zoster, is a viral infection caused by the reactivation of the Varicella Zoster virus, which also causes chickenpox. After a person has chickenpox, the virus remains dormant in the body, hiding in nerve tissues near the spine and brain. Shingles occur when this virus is reactivated, most often in older adults or individuals with weakened immune systems.

In the first part, we discussed therapies that can assist in treating pathogenic biofilms, most of which should be conducted in a specially equipped office and administered by a competent specialist. In the second part, we will consider therapies that can be performed at home, although they often involve prescription medications.