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Infectious Diseases Dataset – Comprehensive List of Communicable Diseases
Infectious Diseases Dataset
The Infectious Diseases Dataset is a structured medical database containing a comprehensive list of communicable diseases caused by bacteria, viruses, parasites, and other pathogens.
Infectious diseases remain a major global health concern, affecting millions of people each year. This dataset provides organised information about these conditions to support public health research, epidemiology analysis, and healthcare application development.
Each record includes detailed information such as disease descriptions, transmission methods, symptoms, severity levels, and the body systems affected.
The dataset has been cleaned and structured for easy integration into spreadsheets, databases, and analytical platforms.
It is suitable for researchers, epidemiologists, healthcare developers, educators, and data scientists working with infectious disease data.
Dataset Contents
The dataset includes fields such as:
- Disease Name
- Pathogen Type (Bacterial / Viral / Parasitic / Fungal)
- Transmission Method
- Common Symptoms
- Severity Level
- Affected Body System
- Prevention Methods
- Treatment or Management
Example Diseases Included
- COVID-19
- Tuberculosis
- Malaria
- HIV / AIDS
- Influenza
- Dengue Fever
- Cholera
- Measles
- Ebola
- Hepatitis
...and many more infectious diseases.
Data Preview
18 columns
25 rows shown
| ID | Disease Name | Pathogen Type | Causative Organism | Classification | Transmission Mode | Incubation Period | Key Symptoms | Diagnosis Methods | Treatment | Vaccine Available | Global Burden | Case Fatality Rate | ICD-10 Code | WHO Notifiable | Endemic Regions | At-Risk Populations | Prevention Measures | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | Tuberculosis (TB) | Bacterial | Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex | Acid-fast bacillus (AFB), Mycobacteriaceae | Airborne (droplet nuclei); prolonged close contact | 2-12 weeks (latent: years to decades) | Chronic cough >2 weeks, hemoptysis, night sweats, weight loss, fever, fatigue; miliary TB (disseminated); extrapulmonary: lymph nodes, bones, meninges, kidneys | Sputum smear (AFB), GeneXpert MTB/RIF (PCR, rapid), culture (Lowenstein-Jensen, MGIT, 2-8 weeks), TST/Mantoux, IGRA (QuantiFERON-TB Gold), chest X-ray, CT | RIPE: Rifampicin + Isoniazid + Pyrazinamide + Ethambutol x 2 months, then Rifampicin + Isoniazid x 4 months. MDR-TB: Bedaquiline + Pretomanid + Linezolid (BPaL). XDR-TB: individualized | Yes — BCG (Bacillus Calmette-Guérin); 70-80% effective against severe childhood TB; variable for pulmonary TB in adults | ~10.8 million new cases and 1.25 million deaths/year (WHO 2024). 2nd leading infectious killer after COVID-19 | 11.5% overall (WHO 2023); MDR-TB: 15-20%; untreated: ~50% | A15-A19 | Yes | Global; highest: India, Indonesia, China, Philippines, Pakistan, Nigeria, Bangladesh, DR Congo, South Africa | HIV-positive, malnourished, diabetics, silicosis, immunosuppressed, prisoners, homeless, migrants, healthcare workers, close contacts | BCG vaccination, active case finding, LTBI treatment (isoniazid preventive therapy), infection control (N95, ventilation), contact tracing, DOTS strategy |
| 2 | 2 | Pneumococcal Pneumonia | Bacterial | Streptococcus pneumoniae (>100 serotypes) | Gram-positive diplococcus, lancet-shaped, alpha-hemolytic | Droplet transmission, nasopharyngeal colonization then aspiration | 1-3 days | Sudden onset high fever, rigors, productive cough (rusty sputum), pleuritic chest pain, dyspnea, tachypnea; complications: empyema, meningitis, bacteremia, sepsis | Sputum Gram stain and culture, blood culture (positive ~25%), urinary antigen (BinaxNOW), chest X-ray (lobar consolidation), CBC, CRP/PCT | Amoxicillin 1g TID (outpatient). IV: Ceftriaxone 2g daily or Ampicillin-Sulbactam. Severe: add Macrolide or Fluoroquinolone. PCN-resistant: Vancomycin | Yes — PCV13/PCV15/PCV20 (conjugate), PPSV23 (polysaccharide). PCV20 now preferred for adults ≥65 | ~1.2 million deaths/year globally (leading cause of bacterial pneumonia); ~300,000 pneumococcal deaths in children <5 | 5-7% hospitalized community-acquired; 20-30% bacteremic; 30% meningitis | J13 | No | Worldwide; highest mortality in sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia | Children <2, adults ≥65, asplenic, HIV+, chronic lung/heart/liver disease, smokers, alcoholics, immunosuppressed | PCV/PPSV vaccination, smoking cessation, hand hygiene, prompt treatment of respiratory infections |
| 3 | 3 | Pertussis (Whooping Cough) | Bacterial | Bordetella pertussis | Gram-negative coccobacillus, strict aerobe | Droplet (highly contagious, R0 12-17); direct contact with respiratory secretions | 7-10 days (range 5-21 days) | Three stages: catarrhal (1-2 weeks: rhinorrhea, mild cough), paroxysmal (2-8 weeks: severe coughing fits with inspiratory whoop, post-tussive vomiting, cyanosis), convalescent (weeks-months). Infants: apnea without whoop | PCR (nasopharyngeal swab, gold standard in first 3 weeks), culture (Bordet-Gengou or Regan-Lowe agar), serology (anti-PT IgG), lymphocytosis | Azithromycin 500mg day 1, then 250mg days 2-5 (first-line). Alternatives: Clarithromycin, TMP-SMX. Most effective if given in catarrhal stage. Supportive: oxygen, suction for infants | Yes — DTaP (children), Tdap (adolescents/adults), aP component; Tdap during pregnancy (27-36 weeks) for passive neonatal protection | ~24 million cases and ~160,000 deaths/year globally; resurgence in vaccinated populations due to waning immunity | <1% in developed countries; 1-4% in developing countries; higher in infants <6 months | A37.0 | Yes | Worldwide; resurgence in US, UK, Australia despite high vaccination coverage | Infants <6 months (highest mortality), unvaccinated children, pregnant women, elderly, healthcare workers | DTaP/Tdap vaccination, maternal Tdap during pregnancy, cocooning strategy, PEP with azithromycin for contacts, isolation of cases |
| 4 | 4 | Diphtheria | Bacterial | Corynebacterium diphtheriae (biotypes: gravis, mitis, intermedius) | Gram-positive rod (club-shaped), non-motile, non-spore-forming | Droplet, direct contact with respiratory secretions or skin lesions; fomites (rare) | 2-5 days (range 1-10 days) | Pharyngeal: sore throat, low-grade fever, grayish-white pseudomembrane (tonsils/pharynx), bull neck (cervical lymphadenopathy), stridor; toxin: myocarditis, peripheral neuropathy, renal failure; cutaneous diphtheria: ulcers | Culture (Loeffler or tellurite agar), Gram stain, Elek test (toxin detection), PCR (tox gene), throat swab. DO NOT wait for results before treating | Diphtheria antitoxin (DAT, equine) — CRITICAL early. Antibiotics: Erythromycin 500mg QID x 14 days or Penicillin G. Supportive: airway management, cardiac monitoring | Yes — DPT/DTaP (children), Td/Tdap (adults); highly effective; toxoid vaccine | ~7,000 cases/year globally (declining); outbreaks in under-vaccinated populations (Yemen, Venezuela, Bangladesh Rohingya camps) | 5-10% overall; 20% in children <5 and adults >40; near 50% if untreated | A36 | Yes | Sub-Saharan Africa, South/Southeast Asia, conflict zones with disrupted immunization | Unvaccinated/under-vaccinated children, refugees, overcrowded populations, travelers to endemic areas | DPT/DTaP/Tdap vaccination (3-dose primary + boosters), prompt case management, contact tracing, PEP with erythromycin + booster |
| 5 | 5 | Legionnaires' Disease | Bacterial | Legionella pneumophila (serogroup 1 most common; >60 species) | Gram-negative rod (poorly stains; requires special media) | Inhalation of contaminated aerosols from water systems (cooling towers, showers, fountains, hot tubs); NOT person-to-person | 2-10 days (average 5-6 days); Pontiac fever: 24-48 hours | High fever (>39.4°C), cough (initially dry then productive), dyspnea, headache, myalgia, diarrhea, confusion, hyponatremia, relative bradycardia; Pontiac fever: self-limiting flu-like illness | Urinary antigen (BinaxNOW, rapid, serogroup 1 only, sensitivity ~70-80%), culture (BCYE agar, gold standard), PCR (respiratory specimens), serology (4-fold rise) | Fluoroquinolones: Levofloxacin 750mg daily or Moxifloxacin 400mg daily x 7-14 days (first-line). Alternative: Azithromycin 500mg daily. Severe: combination or longer course | No | ~10,000 cases/year in US; ~12,000 in EU; likely underdiagnosed. Outbreaks linked to water systems | 5-10% community-acquired; 25-30% nosocomial; ~50% immunocompromised | A48.1 | No (reportable in most countries) | Worldwide; more common in temperate climates; associated with artificial water systems | Adults >50, males (3:1), smokers, chronic lung disease, immunosuppressed (corticosteroids, transplant), travelers (hotels, cruise ships) | Water system maintenance (temperature >60°C, chlorination, copper-silver ionization), cooling tower regulations, Legionella risk assessments, hospital water monitoring |
| 6 | 6 | Meningococcal Meningitis | Bacterial | Neisseria meningitidis (serogroups A, B, C, W, X, Y) | Gram-negative diplococcus, oxidase-positive | Droplet, direct contact with nasopharyngeal secretions; close prolonged contact | 2-10 days (average 3-4 days) | Sudden fever, severe headache, neck stiffness, photophobia, nausea/vomiting, petechial/purpuric rash (meningococcemia), altered consciousness, Kernig/Brudzinski signs; fulminant: DIC, Waterhouse-Friderichsen syndrome, shock | LP (CSF: turbid, elevated WBC neutrophils, high protein, low glucose), CSF Gram stain and culture, blood culture, PCR (CSF/blood), latex agglutination, CBC, CRP | IV Ceftriaxone 2g q12h or Cefotaxime 2g q4-6h x 7 days. Alternative: IV Penicillin G. Dexamethasone 0.15mg/kg q6h x 4 days (before/with first antibiotic). Chemoprophylaxis contacts: Rifampicin, Ciprofloxacin, or Ceftriaxone | Yes — MenACWY (conjugate: Menactra, Menveo), MenB (Bexsero, Trumenba), MenA (MenAfriVac). Pentavalent MenABCWY approved 2025 | ~500,000 cases and ~50,000 deaths/year globally. African meningitis belt: major epidemics. MenA dramatically reduced by MenAfriVac | 5-10% with treatment; 50% untreated; meningococcemia: 20-40% | A39 | Yes | African meningitis belt (Sahel, from Senegal to Ethiopia); worldwide sporadic. Serogroup B: Europe, Americas; W/Y: increasing globally | Infants, adolescents 16-23, college students (dormitories), military recruits, asplenic, complement-deficient, travelers to endemic areas, Hajj pilgrims | MenACWY + MenB vaccination, chemoprophylaxis for close contacts, surveillance, outbreak response vaccination campaigns |
| 7 | 7 | Q Fever | Bacterial | Coxiella burnetii | Gram-negative (obligate intracellular, small pleomorphic coccobacillus) | Inhalation of contaminated aerosols from infected livestock (cattle, sheep, goats — birth products, urine, feces, milk); rarely tick-borne; NOT usually person-to-person | Acute: 2-3 weeks (range 9-40 days) | Acute: high fever, severe headache, myalgia, pneumonia, hepatitis, rash (10%); most self-limiting. Chronic: endocarditis (most serious), vascular graft infection, osteomyelitis, hepatitis; pregnancy: miscarriage, premature birth | Serology (IFA: Phase II IgM/IgG for acute; Phase I IgG ≥1:800 for chronic, gold standard), PCR (blood, before antibiotics), culture (BSL-3 only) | Acute: Doxycycline 100mg BID x 14 days. Chronic endocarditis: Doxycycline + Hydroxychloroquine x 18-24 months. Pregnancy: TMP-SMX until delivery | Yes (Q-VAX in Australia only; not widely available) | Worldwide; ~50,000+ cases/year estimated. 2007-2010 Netherlands outbreak: >4,000 cases | Acute: <2% (usually self-limiting); Chronic endocarditis: 20-65% if untreated | A78 | No (reportable in some countries) | Worldwide; outbreaks linked to livestock farming; Netherlands, France, Australia, US | Farmers, veterinarians, slaughterhouse workers, laboratory workers, those with prosthetic heart valves, immunocompromised, pregnant women | Livestock vaccination (where available), pasteurization of dairy, avoiding birthing animals, PPE for at-risk workers, Q-VAX for occupational risk (Australia) |
| 8 | 8 | Cholera | Bacterial | Vibrio cholerae (serogroups O1: Classical/El Tor, and O139) | Gram-negative curved rod, oxidase-positive, Vibrionaceae | Fecal-oral; contaminated water and food (especially raw shellfish); person-to-person (rare) | 2 hours to 5 days (usually 1-3 days) | Acute profuse watery diarrhea ('rice water' stools), vomiting, rapid severe dehydration, leg cramps, sunken eyes, skin tenting, tachycardia, hypotension, hypovolemic shock; 75% infections mild or asymptomatic | Stool culture (TCBS agar), rapid dipstick test (Crystal VC), darkfield microscopy (darting motility), PCR, serotyping | ORS (primary, WHO formula). Severe: Ringer's lactate IV rapid bolus then maintenance. Antibiotics (reduce duration/volume): Doxycycline 300mg single dose or Azithromycin 1g. Zinc supplementation (children) | Yes — OCV: Shanchol, Euvichol-Plus (killed whole-cell, 2 doses); Dukoral (killed + B subunit). WHO prequalified | ~560,000 cases and 6,028 deaths in 2024 (WHO); 60 countries affected. Increasing burden in Africa | <1% with treatment; 25-50% untreated severe cholera | A00 | Yes (mandatory under IHR) | Sub-Saharan Africa (83% deaths), South Asia, Haiti; linked to conflict, flooding, poor WASH | Children <5, populations without safe water/sanitation, displaced populations, slum dwellers, flood victims | Safe water (chlorination, boiling, filtration), sanitation (latrine construction), hand hygiene, food safety, OCV campaigns, WASH infrastructure, surveillance |
| 9 | 9 | Typhoid Fever | Bacterial | Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi (S. Typhi) | Gram-negative rod, Enterobacteriaceae, flagellated | Fecal-oral; contaminated water and food; chronic carriers (gallbladder) | 7-14 days (range 3-60 days) | Stepwise rising fever (up to 40°C), headache, malaise, anorexia, relative bradycardia, rose spots (30%), hepatosplenomegaly, constipation (adults) or diarrhea (children), delirium; complications: intestinal perforation, hemorrhage | Blood culture (sensitivity 40-80%, best week 1), bone marrow culture (gold standard, 80-95%), stool/urine culture (week 2-3), Widal test (low specificity), Typhidot, PCR | Azithromycin 1g day 1 then 500mg x 5-7 days (first-line, MDR areas). Ceftriaxone 2g IV daily x 10-14 days. XDR: Azithromycin, Carbapenems. Carrier eradication: Ciprofloxacin 750mg BID x 28 days | Yes — Typhbar TCV (Vi-conjugate, WHO prequalified, single dose, age ≥6 months), Typhim Vi (polysaccharide), Ty21a (live oral). TCV now recommended by WHO for endemic areas | ~9.2 million cases and ~110,000 deaths/year globally (GBD 2019). XDR S. Typhi spreading from Pakistan | 1-4% with treatment; 12-30% untreated | A01.0 | Yes | South Asia (India, Pakistan, Bangladesh — highest), sub-Saharan Africa, Southeast Asia | Children 5-15, travelers to endemic areas, populations without safe water/sanitation, slum dwellers, food handlers | TCV vaccination, safe water supply, sanitation, hand hygiene, food safety, carrier identification and treatment |
| 10 | 10 | Shigellosis (Bacillary Dysentery) | Bacterial | Shigella species: S. sonnei, S. flexneri, S. boydii, S. dysenteriae | Gram-negative rod, non-motile, Enterobacteriaceae | Fecal-oral (very low infectious dose: 10-100 organisms); person-to-person; contaminated food/water; flies; MSM (sexual) | 1-4 days (range 12 hours to 7 days) | Watery diarrhea → bloody mucoid diarrhea (dysentery), abdominal cramps, tenesmus, fever, malaise; S. dysenteriae type 1: HUS, seizures (children); reactive arthritis | Stool culture (MacConkey, XLD agar), PCR/multiplex GI panels, stool microscopy (WBC, RBC), serology (typing) | Most self-limiting 5-7 days. Antibiotics if severe: Azithromycin 500mg day 1 then 250mg x 4 days (first-line). Ciprofloxacin if susceptible. Ceftriaxone if MDR. ORS for hydration. Avoid antidiarrheals | No (candidates in development) | ~270 million cases and ~212,000 deaths/year globally; leading cause of bloody diarrhea in children in developing countries | <1% treated; S. dysenteriae type 1: 5-15% untreated; higher in malnourished children | A03 | No | Worldwide; highest: South Asia, sub-Saharan Africa. S. sonnei: developed countries; S. flexneri: developing countries | Children 1-5 years, daycare attendees, travelers, MSM, immunocompromised, overcrowded settings | Hand hygiene, safe water, sanitation, food safety, fly control, breastfeeding, isolation of cases |
| 11 | 11 | Non-Typhoidal Salmonellosis | Bacterial | Salmonella enterica (>2,500 serovars; S. Enteritidis, S. Typhimurium most common) | Gram-negative rod, Enterobacteriaceae, flagellated | Foodborne (poultry, eggs, dairy, produce), waterborne, animal contact (reptiles, poultry), person-to-person (rare) | 6-72 hours (usually 12-36 hours) | Acute gastroenteritis: watery diarrhea, fever, abdominal cramps, nausea/vomiting; self-limiting 4-7 days. Invasive NTS (iNTS) in Africa: bacteremia, meningitis, osteomyelitis, high mortality | Stool culture (XLD, SS agar), blood culture (iNTS), PCR/multiplex panels, serotyping, antimicrobial susceptibility testing | Usually self-limiting; ORS. Antibiotics NOT recommended for uncomplicated GE (prolongs carriage). If severe/invasive: Ciprofloxacin 500mg BID or Ceftriaxone 2g IV x 7-14 days. iNTS: 14-21 days | No (iNTS vaccine in development for Africa) | ~78 million foodborne cases/year globally; ~59,000 deaths. iNTS: ~3.4 million cases and 681,000 deaths/year in Africa (GBD) | <1% uncomplicated; iNTS in Africa: 20-25%; bacteremia: 5-10% | A02 | No | Worldwide; iNTS: sub-Saharan Africa (HIV, malaria co-infection) | Children <5, elderly, immunosuppressed (HIV, sickle cell, malaria), travelers, poultry handlers | Food safety (cook poultry to 74°C, avoid raw eggs), hand hygiene after animal contact, pasteurization, WASH |
| 12 | 12 | Clostridioides difficile Infection (CDI) | Bacterial | Clostridioides difficile (formerly Clostridium difficile) | Gram-positive, spore-forming, obligate anaerobic rod | Fecal-oral; spore transmission via contaminated surfaces, hands; healthcare-associated (most common); community-acquired increasing | Variable; typically within days to weeks of antibiotic exposure; spore exposure to colonization: days | Watery diarrhea (≥3 unformed stools/day), abdominal pain/cramping, fever, leukocytosis; severe: toxic megacolon, pseudomembranous colitis, ileus, bowel perforation, sepsis | Stool toxin testing: GDH screen + toxin EIA (two-step), NAAT/PCR (sensitive but detects colonization), cell cytotoxicity assay; do NOT test formed stools; do NOT test for cure | Initial non-severe: Fidaxomicin 200mg BID x 10 days (preferred) or Vancomycin 125mg QID x 10 days PO. Severe: Vancomycin PO ± Metronidazole IV. Fulminant: Vancomycin PO + rectal + Metronidazole IV ± surgery. Recurrent: FMT (fecal microbiota transplant), Bezlotoxumab, SER-109 (Vowst) | No | ~500,000 cases and ~29,000 deaths/year in the US. ~172,000 cases/year in EU. Leading healthcare-associated infection | 3-5% overall; fulminant colitis: 30-50%; first recurrence: 15-25% re-occur; age >65: 8-14% | A04.72 | No | Worldwide; highest in North America, Europe. Healthcare facilities (hospitals, nursing homes) | Elderly ≥65, recent antibiotic use (fluoroquinolones, cephalosporins, clindamycin), hospitalized, PPI use, immunosuppressed, IBD | Antimicrobial stewardship, hand hygiene (soap and water — alcohol ineffective against spores), contact precautions, environmental cleaning (bleach-based), diagnostic stewardship |
| 13 | 13 | Helicobacter pylori Infection | Bacterial | Helicobacter pylori | Gram-negative spiral/curved rod, microaerophilic, urease-positive | Fecal-oral, oral-oral, gastro-oral; contaminated water; intrafamilial spread in childhood | Acute infection: days to weeks; chronic gastritis: months to years; ulcer/cancer: years to decades | Most asymptomatic (80%); dyspepsia, epigastric pain, nausea, bloating; complications: peptic ulcer disease (10-15%), gastric adenocarcinoma (1-3%), MALT lymphoma; WHO Class I carcinogen | Non-invasive: Urea breath test (UBT, gold standard for test-and-treat), stool antigen (HpSA), serology (IgG, does not confirm active). Invasive: endoscopy with biopsy (rapid urease test CLO, histology, culture) | Quadruple therapy: Bismuth + PPI + Metronidazole + Tetracycline x 14 days (BQT). Concomitant: PPI + Amoxicillin + Clarithromycin + Metronidazole x 14 days. Rifabutin-based salvage. Confirm eradication at 4 weeks post-treatment | No (candidates in early development) | ~4.4 billion infected globally (50% world population). Prevalence >70% in Africa, South America; 30-40% in Europe/US. ~800,000 gastric cancer cases/year linked | Not directly fatal; gastric cancer 5-year survival 20-30% (late stage) | B96.81 | No | Worldwide; highest prevalence: Sub-Saharan Africa, South America, South/Central Asia | Children in developing countries, overcrowded households, low socioeconomic status, healthcare workers (endoscopy) | Improved sanitation, safe water, test-and-treat strategy, H. pylori screening in high-risk populations |
| 14 | 14 | Campylobacteriosis | Bacterial | Campylobacter jejuni (90%), C. coli | Gram-negative curved/spiral rod, microaerophilic, oxidase-positive | Foodborne (undercooked poultry primary source), contaminated water, raw milk, animal contact, person-to-person (rare) | 2-5 days (range 1-10 days) | Acute diarrhea (often bloody), abdominal cramps, fever, malaise, nausea; self-limiting 5-7 days. Post-infectious: Guillain-Barré syndrome (1/1,000), reactive arthritis, IBS | Stool culture (selective media: Skirrow, 42°C microaerophilic), multiplex PCR/GI panels, antigen detection | Usually self-limiting; ORS. If severe/prolonged: Azithromycin 500mg daily x 3 days (first-line). Ciprofloxacin if susceptible. Rising fluoroquinolone resistance globally | No | Most common bacterial cause of gastroenteritis worldwide. US: ~1.5 million/year. EU: ~220,000 reported/year | <0.1% overall; GBS: 3-5% mortality | A04.5 | No | Worldwide; higher in summer months in temperate climates | Children <5 (developing countries), young adults 15-29 (developed countries), travelers, poultry workers, raw milk consumers | Food safety (cook poultry to 74°C), avoid cross-contamination, hand hygiene, pasteurization, safe water, poultry farm biosecurity |
| 15 | 15 | E. coli O157:H7 / STEC Infection | Bacterial | Escherichia coli O157:H7 and other Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC/VTEC) | Gram-negative rod, Enterobacteriaceae | Foodborne (undercooked beef, unpasteurized milk/juice, raw produce), waterborne, person-to-person (fecal-oral), petting zoos | 3-4 days (range 1-10 days) | Bloody diarrhea (hemorrhagic colitis), severe abdominal cramps, low-grade or no fever; HUS (hemolytic uremic syndrome) in 5-10% (thrombocytopenia, hemolytic anemia, renal failure); TTP in adults | Stool culture (sorbitol-MacConkey agar), Shiga toxin EIA/PCR (stx1/stx2), O157 latex agglutination, multiplex PCR panels | Supportive care ONLY; ORS, IV fluids. Antibiotics CONTRAINDICATED (increase HUS risk). Avoid antidiarrheals. HUS: dialysis, transfusion, plasma exchange | No | US: ~265,000 STEC infections/year (~36% O157); EU: ~7,000 reported/year; major outbreaks linked to produce/beef | 0.5-1% overall; HUS: 3-5% mortality; elderly: up to 50% HUS mortality | A04.3 | No (reportable in most countries) | Worldwide; more common in North America, Europe, Japan, Argentina; linked to cattle farming | Children <5 (highest HUS risk), elderly, immunocompromised | Cook beef to 71°C, pasteurize dairy/juice, wash produce, avoid raw milk, hand hygiene, prevent cross-contamination, swimming pool hygiene |
| 16 | 16 | Listeriosis | Bacterial | Listeria monocytogenes | Gram-positive rod, facultative anaerobe, motile at 25°C (tumbling), beta-hemolytic | Foodborne (ready-to-eat meats, soft cheeses, smoked fish, unpasteurized dairy); vertical (transplacental); soil | Invasive: 1-4 weeks (range 3-70 days); GI: 24 hours | Non-invasive: febrile gastroenteritis, diarrhea. Invasive: bacteremia, meningitis (prominent in immunosuppressed), encephalitis (rhombencephalitis). Pregnancy: miscarriage, stillbirth, neonatal sepsis/meningitis | Blood culture, CSF culture (Gram-positive rods), PCR, placenta culture/histology | IV Ampicillin 2g q4h x ≥21 days (meningitis) or ≥14 days (bacteremia) ± Gentamicin (synergy). Alternative: TMP-SMX. Note: Cephalosporins NOT effective | No | ~1,600 cases and ~260 deaths/year in US. EU: ~2,600 cases/year. Incidence increasing in elderly | 20-30% overall (highest CFR of all foodborne pathogens); neonatal: 20-50%; pregnancy-associated: 20-30% fetal loss | A32 | No (reportable in most countries) | Worldwide; more common in developed countries (industrialized food production) | Pregnant women, neonates, elderly ≥65, immunosuppressed (transplant, HIV, corticosteroids, malignancy), diabetics | Avoid high-risk foods during pregnancy/immunosuppression, proper refrigeration (<4°C), consume perishables promptly, pasteurize dairy, food safety regulations |
| 17 | 17 | Botulism | Bacterial | Clostridium botulinum (and C. butyricum, C. baratii producing toxin) | Gram-positive, obligate anaerobic, spore-forming rod; produces neurotoxin (7 types: A-G; A, B, E most human disease) | Foodborne (ingestion of preformed toxin in improperly preserved food); wound (contaminated wounds, IVDU); infant (ingestion of spores colonizing intestine); iatrogenic (cosmetic Botox overdose) | Foodborne: 12-36 hours (range 6h-10 days); Wound: 4-14 days; Infant: 3-30 days | Descending symmetric flaccid paralysis: diplopia, ptosis, dysarthria, dysphagia, descending weakness, respiratory failure; NO sensory loss; NO fever; infant: constipation, hypotonia ('floppy baby'), poor feeding | Clinical diagnosis primarily. Mouse bioassay (serum, stool, food — gold standard), toxin EIA, culture (anaerobic stool/wound), EMG (decremental response at low-frequency stimulation, incremental at high), NCS | Antitoxin: Heptavalent BAT (adults, IV, from CDC). BabyBIG (BIG-IV, human-derived, for infant botulism). Supportive: mechanical ventilation (may need weeks-months), nutritional support. Wound: debridement + antibiotics (Penicillin/Metronidazole) + antitoxin | Yes (pentavalent toxoid for laboratory workers only; not publicly available). BabyBIG for infant botulism | Rare: ~150-200 cases/year in US (infant ~70%, wound ~20%, foodborne ~15%). Worldwide: sporadic outbreaks | 5-10% with treatment (mainly respiratory failure); 40-60% untreated; infant: <2% with BabyBIG | A05.1 | Yes | Worldwide; foodborne linked to home-canned foods, fermented fish; wound: IVDU (black tar heroin); infant: honey ingestion, soil exposure | Infants <1 year (avoid honey), home canners, IVDU, laboratory workers | Proper food preservation (pressure canning, acidification), boil home-canned foods 10 minutes, no honey for infants <1 year, wound care, food safety education |
| 18 | 18 | Syphilis | Bacterial | Treponema pallidum subspecies pallidum | Spirochete (not Gram-stainable, visualized by darkfield microscopy) | Sexual (vaginal, anal, oral), vertical (transplacental — congenital syphilis), blood transfusion (rare), direct contact with lesion | Primary: 10-90 days (average 21 days); secondary: 4-10 weeks after primary; tertiary: years to decades | Primary: painless chancre. Secondary: diffuse maculopapular rash (palms/soles), condylomata lata, mucous patches, lymphadenopathy, fever. Latent: asymptomatic. Tertiary: gummas, cardiovascular (aortitis), neurosyphilis (tabes dorsalis, general paresis, Argyll Robertson pupil). Congenital: Hutchinson teeth, saddle nose, deafness | Darkfield microscopy (primary chancre), RPR/VDRL (non-treponemal, screening), FTA-ABS/TP-PA (treponemal, confirmatory), PCR. Reverse algorithm: treponemal EIA first. CSF-VDRL for neurosyphilis | Primary/Secondary/Early latent: Benzathine Penicillin G 2.4 MU IM single dose. Late latent/Tertiary: Benzathine Penicillin G 2.4 MU IM weekly x 3. Neurosyphilis: IV Penicillin G 18-24 MU daily x 10-14 days. PCN allergy: desensitize (pregnancy) or Doxycycline 100mg BID x 14-28 days | No | ~8 million new cases/year globally (WHO 2022); increasing in MSM, women. Congenital syphilis: ~700,000 cases/year; 230,000 deaths | <1% treated early; neurosyphilis: 8-14% (late); congenital: 30-40% fetal/neonatal mortality if untreated | A50-A53 | Yes | Worldwide; rising globally. Highest: sub-Saharan Africa, Pacific Islands, Southeast Asia, MSM in high-income countries | MSM, sex workers, people with multiple partners, HIV-positive, pregnant women, IVDU, incarcerated | Condom use, routine STI screening, prenatal screening, partner notification, PrEP users screening, safe sex education |
| 19 | 19 | Gonorrhea | Bacterial | Neisseria gonorrhoeae (gonococcus) | Gram-negative diplococcus, intracellular, oxidase-positive | Sexual (vaginal, anal, oral); vertical (perinatal — ophthalmia neonatorum) | 2-5 days (range 1-14 days) | Males: urethritis (purulent discharge, dysuria). Females: often asymptomatic (50%); cervicitis, PID, tubal infertility. Both: pharyngeal (often asymptomatic), rectal. Disseminated: arthritis-dermatitis syndrome, tenosynovitis, endocarditis. Neonatal: ophthalmia neonatorum (blindness) | NAAT (endocervical, urethral, pharyngeal, rectal swabs, or urine — gold standard), Gram stain (intracellular diplococci in urethral discharge, males), culture (Thayer-Martin/chocolate agar — needed for susceptibility testing) | Dual therapy: Ceftriaxone 500mg IM single dose (1g if >150kg) + Azithromycin 1g PO (if chlamydia not excluded). If ceftriaxone-resistant: Gentamicin 240mg IM + Azithromycin 2g PO. Test of cure at 7-14 days (pharyngeal) | No (candidates in trials) | ~82 million new cases/year globally (WHO 2020). Rising AMR globally — WHO priority pathogen | Very low (<0.1%); complications: infertility, ectopic pregnancy, DGI | A54 | No (reportable in most countries) | Worldwide; highest: sub-Saharan Africa, Western Pacific, Southeast Asia | Sexually active 15-24, MSM, sex workers, people with multiple partners, previous STI | Condom use, routine STI screening, partner treatment (EPT), ophthalmia prophylaxis (erythromycin ointment neonates), antimicrobial stewardship |
| 20 | 20 | Chlamydia | Bacterial | Chlamydia trachomatis (serovars D-K: genital; L1-L3: LGV) | Atypical (obligate intracellular, Gram-negative-like) | Sexual (vaginal, anal, oral); vertical (perinatal — conjunctivitis, pneumonia) | 7-21 days (often asymptomatic) | Males: urethritis (clear/mucoid discharge, dysuria), epididymitis. Females: mostly asymptomatic (70%); cervicitis, PID, perihepatitis (Fitz-Hugh-Curtis), tubal infertility, ectopic pregnancy. LGV: painful inguinal lymphadenopathy, proctocolitis. Neonatal: conjunctivitis, pneumonia. Reactive arthritis | NAAT (vaginal swab, endocervical, urine, rectal, pharyngeal — gold standard), cell culture (rarely used), DFA, serology (for LGV/pneumonia) | Uncomplicated: Doxycycline 100mg BID x 7 days (first-line, superior to azithromycin per 2021 CDC). Alternative: Azithromycin 1g single dose. PID: Ceftriaxone + Doxycycline ± Metronidazole x 14 days. LGV: Doxycycline x 21 days | No | ~129 million new cases/year globally (WHO 2020). Most common bacterial STI. US: ~1.8 million reported/year | Very low (<0.1%); complications: PID (10-15%), infertility, ectopic pregnancy | A55-A56 | No (reportable in most countries) | Worldwide; highest reported in Americas, Europe, Western Pacific | Sexually active women <25, MSM, sex workers, people with multiple partners, previous STI, adolescents | Annual screening for sexually active women <25, condom use, partner treatment (EPT), prenatal screening, safe sex education |
| 21 | 21 | Chancroid | Bacterial | Haemophilus ducreyi | Gram-negative coccobacillus, fastidious (requires hemin/X factor) | Sexual (direct contact with ulcer); autoinoculation possible | 3-7 days (range 1-35 days) | Painful genital ulcers (soft chancre) with ragged undermined edges, purulent base; painful unilateral inguinal lymphadenopathy (bubo) that may suppurate/rupture; increases HIV transmission risk (3-5 fold) | Clinical (painful ulcer + suppurative adenopathy, exclude syphilis/herpes). Culture on special media (sensitivity <80%). PCR (most sensitive, not widely available). Rule out syphilis (RPR/darkfield) and HSV | Azithromycin 1g PO single dose (first-line) or Ceftriaxone 250mg IM single dose. Alternatives: Ciprofloxacin 500mg BID x 3 days, Erythromycin 500mg TID x 7 days. Aspirate fluctuant buboes; incise & drain if necessary | No | Declining globally due to syndromic management. Endemic in parts of Africa, Caribbean, Southeast Asia. <10 cases/year in US | <1% (cofactor for HIV transmission is main concern) | A57 | No | Sub-Saharan Africa, Caribbean, parts of Asia. Declining globally | Sex workers, uncircumcised men, commercial sex, HIV-positive, low socioeconomic status | Condom use, male circumcision, syndromic STI management, partner treatment, safe sex education |
| 22 | 22 | Plague | Bacterial | Yersinia pestis | Gram-negative coccobacillus, safety-pin bipolar staining | Vector-borne (flea bite from infected rodents — Xenopsylla cheopis); direct contact with infected animal tissues; droplet (pneumonic plague — person-to-person) | Bubonic: 2-6 days; Pneumonic: 1-3 days; Septicemic: 1-6 days | Bubonic: painful swollen lymph node (bubo) in groin/axilla/neck, high fever, prostration. Septicemic: fever, hypotension, DIC, acral gangrene ('Black Death'). Pneumonic: severe pneumonia, hemoptysis, respiratory failure. Most lethal if pneumonic | Culture (blood, bubo aspirate, sputum — BSL-3), Gram stain (bipolar staining with Wayson/Giemsa), F1 antigen rapid dipstick test, PCR, serology (4-fold rise in F1 antibody) | Gentamicin 5mg/kg IV daily (first-line) or Streptomycin 1g IM BID x 10 days. Alternatives: Doxycycline, Ciprofloxacin. PEP for pneumonic contacts: Doxycycline or Ciprofloxacin x 7 days. TREAT WITHIN 24 HOURS for pneumonic | No (killed vaccine discontinued; live attenuated in some countries; rF1V in development) | ~3,000-5,000 cases/year globally (WHO). Madagascar largest endemic focus (~75% global cases). Potential bioterrorism agent (Category A) | Bubonic: 30-60% untreated, 5-10% treated; Pneumonic: ~100% untreated (within 24-72h), 30-50% treated if delayed; Septicemic: 30-50% treated | A20 | Yes (immediately notifiable under IHR) | Madagascar (most cases), DRC, Peru, US Southwest, Central Asia | Rural populations in endemic areas, hunters/trappers, veterinarians, laboratory workers, homeless (rat exposure), contacts of pneumonic cases | Rodent control, flea control (insecticides), avoid handling wild rodents, PPE, PEP for contacts, surveillance, safe burial practices |
| 23 | 23 | Lyme Disease | Bacterial | Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (B. burgdorferi in Americas; B. afzelii, B. garinii in Europe/Asia) | Spirochete (not Gram-stainable) | Tick bite (Ixodes scapularis in eastern US, I. pacificus in western US, I. ricinus in Europe); requires 36-48 hours attachment | Early localized: 3-30 days (average 7-14); Early disseminated: weeks to months; Late: months to years | Stage 1 (localized): Erythema migrans (EM) — expanding 'bull's-eye' rash (70-80%). Stage 2 (disseminated): multiple EM, facial nerve palsy, meningitis, radiculopathy, AV block, myocarditis. Stage 3 (late): Lyme arthritis (large joints, knee), encephalopathy, acrodermatitis chronica atrophicans (Europe) | Clinical diagnosis for EM (do NOT wait for serology). Two-tier serology: ELISA/EIA screening + Western blot confirmation (or modified two-tier: 2 EIAs). CSF antibodies for neuroborreliosis. PCR (synovial fluid). Culture rarely available | Early: Doxycycline 100mg BID x 10-21 days (first-line adults, also prevents Anaplasma) or Amoxicillin 500mg TID x 14-21 days (pregnancy/children <8). Neuroborreliosis/Carditis: IV Ceftriaxone 2g daily x 14-28 days. Arthritis: Doxycycline 28 days | No (LYMErix withdrawn 2002; VLA15 Pfizer vaccine in Phase 3 trials) | US: ~476,000 estimated cases/year (CDC 2024); EU: ~100,000/year. Most common tick-borne disease in Northern Hemisphere. Increasing range with climate change | <1% (rarely fatal); 10-20% Post-Treatment Lyme Disease Syndrome | A69.2 | No (reportable in US/EU) | Northeast and upper Midwest US, mid-Atlantic, northern California; Europe (Central and Scandinavia); Northeast Asia | Outdoor workers (forestry, agriculture), hikers, campers, hunters, gardeners, pet owners in endemic areas, children 5-14 and adults 45-64 | Tick avoidance (DEET 20-30%, permethrin-treated clothing), tick checks within 24h, prompt tick removal, single-dose Doxycycline 200mg prophylaxis if tick attached ≥36h in endemic area, landscaping modifications |
| 24 | 24 | Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF) | Bacterial | Rickettsia rickettsii | Gram-negative (obligate intracellular) | Tick bite (Dermacentor variabilis — American dog tick, D. andersoni — Rocky Mountain wood tick, Rhipicephalus sanguineus — brown dog tick); NO person-to-person | 2-14 days (average 7 days) after tick bite | Classic triad: fever, headache, rash (starts wrists/ankles day 3-5, spreads centripetally, petechial); but triad present in only 50-60% early. Myalgia, abdominal pain, nausea. Severe: encephalitis, pulmonary edema, DIC, renal failure, gangrene (digits/limbs) | Clinical diagnosis — TREAT EMPIRICALLY, do NOT wait for labs. Serology (IFA ≥4-fold rise, paired sera 2-4 weeks apart), PCR (skin biopsy of rash), immunohistochemistry. CBC: thrombocytopenia, hyponatremia | Doxycycline 100mg BID (ALL ages including children <8 — per CDC) x minimum 3 days after defervescence (usually 7-14 days total). START EMPIRICALLY. Delay >5 days dramatically increases mortality. Chloramphenicol only if doxycycline contraindicated | No | US: ~5,000 cases/year reported; likely underdiagnosed. Also Mexico, Central/South America | 5-10% treated; 20-30% untreated; up to 70% if treatment delayed >5 days; children/elderly highest mortality | A77.0 | No (reportable in US) | Americas: US (Southeast, South-Central), Mexico, Central/South America, Brazil | Outdoor workers, hikers, campers, children 5-9 (highest incidence in US), Native American populations, dog owners | Tick avoidance (DEET, permethrin), tick checks, prompt tick removal, empiric doxycycline for febrile patients with tick exposure in endemic areas |
| 25 | 25 | Tularemia | Bacterial | Francisella tularensis (subspecies tularensis — more virulent, N. America; holarctica — milder, Eurasia) | Gram-negative coccobacillus (tiny, facultative intracellular) | Tick/deer fly bite, animal contact (rabbits, hares — skinning/handling), inhalation (contaminated dust/aerosols), ingestion (contaminated water/food); highly infectious (10-50 organisms); potential bioweapon (Category A) | 3-5 days (range 1-21 days) | Six forms: Ulceroglandular (most common — skin ulcer + regional lymphadenopathy), Glandular, Oculoglandular (eye), Pharyngeal, Pneumonic (most severe), Typhoidal (septicemic). Fever, chills, headache, myalgia | Culture (BSL-3; cysteine-enriched media, slow growth), serology (MAT ≥1:160 or 4-fold rise), PCR, direct fluorescent antibody (DFA). Alert lab — highly infectious! | Streptomycin 1g IM BID x 10 days (first-line, traditional) or Gentamicin 5mg/kg IV daily x 10 days. Alternatives: Doxycycline 100mg BID x 14-21 days (higher relapse), Ciprofloxacin x 10-14 days. PEP: Doxycycline or Ciprofloxacin x 14 days | Yes (live attenuated vaccine available for laboratory workers only, not publicly available) | US: ~200-300 cases/year. EU: ~1,000 cases/year (Sweden, Finland). Global: several thousand/year | 1-3% with treatment; 30-60% untreated (Type A); <1% Type B | A21 | Yes | Northern Hemisphere: US (Arkansas, Missouri, Oklahoma), Scandinavia, Russia, Turkey, Central Asia | Hunters, trappers, farmers, laboratory workers, landscapers, tick-exposed individuals | Tick/insect avoidance, gloves when handling wildlife, avoid drinking untreated water, laboratory biosafety, occupational vaccination (limited) |
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