INFECTIOUS DISEASES

Infectious Diseases and Microbiology is the branch of science that carries out the diagnosis, treatment and follow-up of all kinds of diseases caused by microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses and parasites with multidisciplinary approaches. In our department; diseases caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites, sexually transmitted diseases, HIV, AIDS, jaundice (hepatitis), typhoid, brucellosis, tuberculosis and similar diseases, febrile diseases, urinary tract infections, influenza, diarrhoea, respiratory tract infections, brain and spinal cord infections such as meningitis, encephalitis, soft tissue infections, diabetic foot infections, food poisoning, intensive care and surgical field infections are treated. The Infectious Diseases Unit also carries out the necessary work to control, monitor and minimise hospital infections and provides training to patients, their relatives and relevant personnel.

The most common symptom of infectious diseases is "fever". After the fever, which is the first symptom of various diseases, it is possible to diagnose and treat infectious diseases after medical examination and examinations.  At this stage, doctors enter the process of diagnosis and treatment by examining all tests (blood, urine, radiographs, etc.) and history.

The main diseases included in the infectious diseases unit:

Influenza

Influenza is quite common among infectious diseases. Influenza, which is contagious, is usually seen during seasonal transitions. It is necessary to be vaccinated to protect against influenza with symptoms such as fever, sore throat and runny nose. Other ways to protect against influenza include hygiene and not getting close to people with flu.

Urinary Tract Infections

Symptoms of this disease, which is more common in women than in men, include frequent urination, difficulty in urination and fever. Pain is also sometimes seen among the symptoms. Treatment of urinary tract infections is usually done with antibiotics. This disease, which is revealed as a result of tests, should be treated under the supervision of a doctor.

Diarrhoea

Diarrhoea, which is an intestinal infection, shows symptoms such as fever, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and headache. These symptoms can be short-lived or long-lasting. Prolonged diarrhoea can lead to dehydration in the body after a while. In the later stage of diarrhoea caused by microorganisms taken from water and food, it is possible to see foul-smelling urine, dry mouth, sunken eyes due to water loss.

Diseases caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites

Such diseases are caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi or parasites that settle in the body. Transmission of such disease-spreading organisms from person to person can occur in many ways such as respiration, blood, body fluids. Depending on the type of disease, the treatment period can be with medication or surgical methods can be used. In general, diseases caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites show symptoms such as fever, diarrhoea, muscle aches, coughing and fatigue. If these symptoms occur, it is necessary to consult a specialist.

Hepatitis

There are A, B, C, D and E types of hepatitis. Hepatitis viruses, which are inflammation of the liver, are usually transmitted by blood and sexual contact. In hepatitis A and B; It shows symptoms such as jaundice, fatigue, loss of strength. While it is possible to be protected from this virus with vaccination, some patients require hospitalisation and control. Symptoms other than jaundice are also valid for virus C. In 70% of patients, this disease continues chronically. Untreated/untreated hepatitis D, hepatitis B and hepatitis C have a high rate of cirrhosis or liver cancer years later.
Infections of the Brain and Spinal Cord (Meningitis, Encephalitis, etc.)

Brain and spinal cord infections are defined as inflammation of the brain, the membranes surrounding the brain or both at the same time. These infections may be caused by bacteria, fungi, viruses or parasites. As with other infections, early diagnosis is important in the treatment of these infections. Depending on the progression of the disease, surgical methods can be used as well as antibiotic treatment.

Sexually Transmitted Diseases

The main sexually transmitted diseases are HIV, AIDS, hepatitis B and gonorrhoea. There are sexually transmitted diseases other than these diseases, but the most risky groups are the groups where these diseases are present. The most effective way to protect against sexually transmitted diseases is monogamy as well as protection. Although methods such as condom use are effective in terms of sexually transmitted diseases, they are not a definitive solution. Cold sores or warts have the risk of transmission despite condom use. Considering these risks, it is necessary to be protected in order to avoid diseases in sexual relations.

HIV and AIDS

Although HIV and AIDS are thought to be the same disease, they are actually different from each other. HIV is a virus that is transmitted to the body through unprotected sexual intercourse and blood and lowers the immune system. HIV, which manifests itself with symptoms such as sore throat, fever, rash, diarrhoea, headache and vomiting, if left untreated, impairs the immune system over the years and progresses to the AIDS stage, where opportunistic microorganisms (those that normally remain silent in our body and do not cause disease) cause diseases that can lead to death.  By treating the immune system before it is seriously damaged, it is possible to make the body able to fight infections. Since a protective vaccine against the HIV virus has not been developed, the person should pay attention to their lifestyle and not lower their body resistance. After the diagnosis, the patient should undergo regular medical check-ups.

Typhoid, Brucellosis, Tuberculosis and Similar Diseases

These diseases are bacterial diseases transmitted from animals to humans. It is possible to transmit these diseases to humans by consuming diseased animal products, as well as by contact with the sick animal. The general symptoms of the diseases are fever, body aches, loss of appetite and long-term weight loss. It is important to consult a specialist with the appearance of these symptoms. Because starting antibiotic treatment with early diagnosis can ensure that the diseases are treated without causing more serious problems.

Soft Tissue Infections

Soft tissue infections are among the most common infections. Pain and fever in the infected tissue are the most important symptoms. Blood tests are performed to diagnose soft tissue infections and treatment with antibiotics is recommended when necessary.

Brain and spinal cord infections are defined as inflammation of the brain, the membranes surrounding the brain or both at the same time. These infections can be caused by bacteria, fungi, viruses or parasites. As with other infections, early diagnosis is important in the treatment of these infections. Depending on the progression of the disease, surgical methods can be used as well as antibiotic treatment.