Common Pathogens Glossary

    Acanthamoeba castellanii (No common name)

    Classification: Protista > Amoebozoa > Discosea > Centramoebida > Acanthamoebidae > Acanthamoeba > Acanthamoeba castellanii
    Morphology & Characteristics:
    Free-living amoeba with trophozoite and cyst stages. Trophozoites are 15–35 µm in size with spine-like projections (acanthopodia). Cysts are double-walled and highly resilient.
    Pathogenicity & Diseases Caused:
    Causes Acanthamoeba keratitis (eye infection), granulomatous amoebic encephalitis (GAE), and cutaneous infections.
    Transmission & Epidemiology:
    Found in soil, water, contact lens solutions. Transmission typically via contact lenses, inhalation, or skin wounds. Opportunistic pathogen in immunocompromised individuals.
    References:

    Adenovirus (Adenoviruses)

    Classification: Virus > dsDNA > Adenoviridae > Mastadenovirus > Human adenovirus > multiple species
    Morphology & Characteristics:
    Non-enveloped, icosahedral virus ~90 nm in diameter with linear double-stranded DNA genome.
    Pathogenicity & Diseases Caused:
    Causes respiratory infections, conjunctivitis, gastroenteritis, and hemorrhagic cystitis.
    Transmission & Epidemiology:
    Spread via respiratory droplets, fecal-oral route, or contact with contaminated surfaces. Common in children and military recruits.
    References:

    Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans (No common name)

    Classification: Bacteria > Proteobacteria > Gammaproteobacteria > Pasteurellales > Pasteurellaceae > Aggregatibacter > Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans
    Morphology & Characteristics:
    Gram-negative, facultatively anaerobic, non-motile coccobacillus. Often found in oral biofilms.
    Pathogenicity & Diseases Caused:
    Associated with aggressive periodontitis and endocarditis. Produces leukotoxin and other virulence factors.
    Transmission & Epidemiology:
    Part of normal oral flora; transmitted via saliva or dental procedures.
    References:

    Anaerococcus tetradius (No common name)

    Classification: Bacteria > Firmicutes > Clostridia > Eubacteriales > Peptoniphilaceae > Anaerococcus > Anaerococcus tetradius
    Morphology & Characteristics:
    Gram-positive, anaerobic cocci. Part of the normal flora of skin and mucosa.
    Pathogenicity & Diseases Caused:
    Opportunistic pathogen in polymicrobial infections like abscesses, wound infections, and pelvic inflammatory disease.
    Transmission & Epidemiology:
    Endogenous spread from normal flora during trauma or immune suppression.
    References:

    Ancylostoma braziliense (No common name)

    Classification: Animalia > Nematoda > Chromadorea > Rhabditida > Ancylostomatidae > Ancylostoma > Ancylostoma braziliense
    Morphology & Characteristics:
    Hookworm with small buccal capsule and cutting plates. Eggs ~60 × 40 µm.
    Pathogenicity & Diseases Caused:
    Causes cutaneous larva migrans (creeping eruption) in humans. Intestinal parasite in dogs and cats.
    Transmission & Epidemiology:
    Humans acquire infection through skin contact with contaminated soil.
    References:

    Ancylostoma caninum (No common name)

    Classification: Animalia > Nematoda > Chromadorea > Rhabditida > Ancylostomatidae > Ancylostoma > Ancylostoma caninum
    Morphology & Characteristics:
    Hookworm of dogs with buccal cavity and sharp teeth.
    Pathogenicity & Diseases Caused:
    Causes eosinophilic enteritis and cutaneous larva migrans in humans. More pathogenic in dogs.
    Transmission & Epidemiology:
    Zoonotic; humans infected by skin contact with contaminated soil.
    References:

    Ancylostoma duodenale (Old World hookworm)

    Classification: Animalia > Nematoda > Chromadorea > Rhabditida > Ancylostomatidae > Ancylostoma > Ancylostoma duodenale
    Morphology & Characteristics:
    Hookworm with cutting teeth; larger than Necator americanus.
    Pathogenicity & Diseases Caused:
    Causes iron-deficiency anemia, malnutrition, and gastrointestinal symptoms.
    Transmission & Epidemiology:
    Infects through skin or ingestion. Endemic in parts of Asia, Africa, and Europe.
    References:

    Ascaris lumbricoides (Giant intestinal roundworm)

    Classification: Animalia > Nematoda > Chromadorea > Rhabditida > Ascarididae > Ascaris > Ascaris lumbricoides
    Morphology & Characteristics:
    Large roundworm (up to 35 cm); thick-shelled eggs visible in stool.
    Pathogenicity & Diseases Caused:
    Causes ascariasis: abdominal pain, obstruction, pulmonary symptoms during migration.
    Transmission & Epidemiology:
    Fecal-oral route via contaminated food/water. Very common worldwide, especially in poor sanitation areas.
    References:

    Aspergillus fumigatus (No common name)

    Classification: Fungi > Ascomycota > Eurotiomycetes > Eurotiales > Trichocomaceae > Aspergillus > Aspergillus fumigatus
    Morphology & Characteristics:
    Filamentous fungus with conidiophores producing chains of conidia. Thermotolerant.
    Pathogenicity & Diseases Caused:
    Causes invasive aspergillosis, allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis, and aspergilloma.
    Transmission & Epidemiology:
    Airborne spores inhaled; risk factors include immunosuppression and lung cavities.
    References:

    Aspergillus flavus (No common name)

    Classification: Fungi > Ascomycota > Eurotiomycetes > Eurotiales > Trichocomaceae > Aspergillus > Aspergillus flavus
    Morphology & Characteristics:
    Yellow-green conidia; produces aflatoxins. Thermotolerant.
    Pathogenicity & Diseases Caused:
    Causes invasive aspergillosis, keratitis, sinusitis, and aflatoxicosis.
    Transmission & Epidemiology:
    Airborne; can contaminate crops (e.g. corn, peanuts) with aflatoxins.
    References:

    Astrovirus (Human astrovirus)

    Classification: Virus > ssRNA(+) > Astroviridae > Mamastrovirus > Human astrovirus
    Morphology & Characteristics:
    Small, non-enveloped icosahedral virus (~30 nm); star-like appearance under EM.
    Pathogenicity & Diseases Caused:
    Causes gastroenteritis, especially in children, elderly, and immunocompromised.
    Transmission & Epidemiology:
    Fecal-oral route; outbreaks in childcare centers, schools, long-term care facilities.
    References:

    Babesia microti (No common name)

    Classification: Protista > Apicomplexa > Aconoidasida > Piroplasmida > Babesiidae > Babesia > Babesia microti
    Morphology & Characteristics:
    Intraerythrocytic parasite, similar to Plasmodium; forms tetrads (“Maltese cross”).
    Pathogenicity & Diseases Caused:
    Causes babesiosis — flu-like illness with hemolytic anemia, especially in asplenic or immunocompromised patients.
    Transmission & Epidemiology:
    Transmitted by Ixodes ticks; also via blood transfusion. Endemic in northeastern U.S.
    References:

    Balantidium coli (No common name)

    Classification: Protista > Ciliophora > Litostomatea > Trichostomatia > Balantidiidae > Balantidium > Balantidium coli
    Morphology & Characteristics:
    Largest protozoan parasite of humans (~50–200 µm); ciliated trophozoite and cyst forms.
    Pathogenicity & Diseases Caused:
    Causes balantidiasis — diarrhea, colitis, and rarely perforation.
    Transmission & Epidemiology:
    Fecal-oral route; reservoir in pigs. Common in rural areas with close human-animal contact.
    References:


    Bacillus anthracis (Anthrax bacillus)

    Classification: Bacteria > Firmicutes > Bacilli > Bacillales > Bacillaceae > Bacillus > Bacillus anthracis
    Morphology & Characteristics:
    Gram-positive, spore-forming rod. Encapsulated. Forms “Medusa head” colonies.
    Pathogenicity & Diseases Caused:
    Causes anthrax in three forms: cutaneous, inhalational, gastrointestinal. Produces lethal and edema toxins.
    Transmission & Epidemiology:
    Contact with spores from infected animals/products or inhalation. Bioterrorism agent.
    References:

    Bacillus cereus (No common name)

    Classification: Bacteria > Firmicutes > Bacilli > Bacillales > Bacillaceae > Bacillus > Bacillus cereus
    Morphology & Characteristics:
    Gram-positive, spore-forming rod. Aerobic or facultative anaerobe.
    Pathogenicity & Diseases Caused:
    Causes food poisoning: emetic type (rice, vomiting) and diarrheal type. Also wound, ocular, and systemic infections.
    Transmission & Epidemiology:
    Foodborne via improperly stored food; also via trauma or contaminated medical devices.
    References:

    Bacteroides fragilis (No common name)

    Classification: Bacteria > Bacteroidota > Bacteroidia > Bacteroidales > Bacteroidaceae > Bacteroides > Bacteroides fragilis
    Morphology & Characteristics:
    Gram-negative, anaerobic rod. Polysaccharide capsule.
    Pathogenicity & Diseases Caused:
    Opportunistic infections: intra-abdominal abscesses, bacteremia, pelvic infections.
    Transmission & Epidemiology:
    Endogenous spread from gut flora after surgery, trauma, or perforation.
    References:

    Balantidium coli

    **Description:** A large, ciliated protozoan that infects the large intestines of pigs and humans, causing balantidiasis.

    **Pathology:** Infection from ingestion of cysts via contaminated food or water; can cause diarrhea or dysentery.

    Image not available.

    Sources:

    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Balantidium_coli



    Bartonella henselae (No common name)

    Classification: Bacteria > Proteobacteria > Alphaproteobacteria > Hyphomicrobiales > Bartonellaceae > Bartonella > Bartonella henselae
    Morphology & Characteristics:
    Gram-negative bacillus. Intracellular pathogen.
    Pathogenicity & Diseases Caused:
    Causes cat scratch disease, bacillary angiomatosis, peliosis hepatis.
    Transmission & Epidemiology:
    Transmitted via cat scratches or bites (cats infected by fleas). Seen in children and immunocompromised.
    References:

    Baylisascaris procyonis (Raccoon roundworm)

    Classification: Animalia > Nematoda > Chromadorea > Rhabditida > Ascarididae > Baylisascaris > Baylisascaris procyonis
    Morphology & Characteristics:
    Roundworm with thick-shelled eggs. Eggs persist in the environment for years.
    Pathogenicity & Diseases Caused:
    Causes neural larva migrans, ocular or visceral larva migrans in humans.
    Transmission & Epidemiology:
    Humans ingest infective eggs from raccoon feces in soil or contaminated objects.
    References:

    Blastocystis hominis (No common name)

    Classification: Protista > Heterokonta > Stramenopiles > Opalinata > Blastocystidae > Blastocystis > Blastocystis hominis
    Morphology & Characteristics:
    Unicellular parasite with vacuolated and amoeboid forms.
    Pathogenicity & Diseases Caused:
    Controversial. May cause gastrointestinal symptoms in immunocompromised; often asymptomatic.
    Transmission & Epidemiology:
    Fecal-oral route via contaminated water or food.
    References:

    Blastomyces dermatitidis (No common name)

    Classification: Fungi > Ascomycota > Eurotiomycetes > Onygenales > Ajellomycetaceae > Blastomyces > Blastomyces dermatitidis
    Morphology & Characteristics:
    Thermally dimorphic fungus: mold in environment, yeast in tissue (broad-based budding).
    Pathogenicity & Diseases Caused:
    Causes blastomycosis — pulmonary or disseminated (skin, bone).
    Transmission & Epidemiology:
    Inhalation of spores from soil. Found in Mississippi and Ohio River valleys, Great Lakes.
    References:

    Borrelia burgdorferi (No common name)

    Classification: Bacteria > Spirochaetes > Spirochaetia > Spirochaetales > Spirochaetaceae > Borrelia > Borrelia burgdorferi
    Morphology & Characteristics:
    Spirochete (spiral-shaped), motile via axial filaments.
    Pathogenicity & Diseases Caused:
    Causes Lyme disease — erythema migrans, arthritis, carditis, neurologic symptoms.
    Transmission & Epidemiology:
    Transmitted by Ixodes ticks (deer tick). Found in U.S., Europe, Asia.
    References:

    Borrelia recurrentis (No common name)

    Classification: Bacteria > Spirochaetes > Spirochaetia > Spirochaetales > Spirochaetaceae > Borrelia > Borrelia recurrentis
    Morphology & Characteristics:
    Spirochete. Highly antigenically variable.
    Pathogenicity & Diseases Caused:
    Causes relapsing fever with cycles of fever and bacteremia.
    Transmission & Epidemiology:
    Transmitted by human body louse. Epidemics in war and poverty.
    References:

    Brucella spp. (No common name)

    Classification: Bacteria > Proteobacteria > Alphaproteobacteria > Hyphomicrobiales > Brucellaceae > Brucella
    Morphology & Characteristics:
    Gram-negative coccobacilli. Intracellular, non-motile.
    Pathogenicity & Diseases Caused:
    Causes brucellosis — undulant fever, arthritis, endocarditis.
    Transmission & Epidemiology:
    Zoonotic. Acquired from unpasteurized dairy, contact with infected animals.
    References:


    Burkholderia cepacia (No common name)

    Classification: Bacteria > Proteobacteria > Betaproteobacteria > Burkholderiales > Burkholderiaceae > Burkholderia > B. cepacia complex
    Morphology & Characteristics:
    Gram-negative rod. Oxidase-positive. Found in water and soil.
    Pathogenicity & Diseases Caused:
    Opportunistic infections in cystic fibrosis and immunocompromised patients. Causes pneumonia, bacteremia.
    Transmission & Epidemiology:
    Nosocomial spread via contaminated medical equipment, disinfectants.
    References:

    Burkholderia pseudomallei (No common name)

    Classification: Bacteria > Proteobacteria > Betaproteobacteria > Burkholderiales > Burkholderiaceae > Burkholderia > B. pseudomallei
    Morphology & Characteristics:
    Gram-negative rod. Motile. Soil-dwelling.
    Pathogenicity & Diseases Caused:
    Causes melioidosis, a severe disease resembling pneumonia or sepsis.
    Transmission & Epidemiology:
    Acquired via contact with contaminated soil or water. Endemic in Southeast Asia and Northern Australia.
    References:

    Calymmatobacterium granulomatis (see Klebsiella granulomatis)

    Note: Now reclassified as Klebsiella granulomatis (see later entry).
    Diseases Caused:
    Donovanosis (granuloma inguinale) — genital ulcerative disease.
    References:

    Campylobacter jejuni is a species of pathogenic bacteria that is commonly associated with poultry, and is also often found in animal feces. This species of microbe is one of the most common causes of food poisoning in Europe and in the US, with the vast majority of cases occurring as isolated events rather than mass outbreaks.

    Campylobacter is a genus of bacteria that is among the most common causes of bacterial infections in humans worldwide. Campylobacter means "curved rod", deriving from the Greek kampylos (curved) and baktron (rod). Of its many species, C. jejuni is considered one of the most important from both a microbiological and public health perspective.[4][

    Source: Wikipedia
    Classification: Bacteria > Proteobacteria > Epsilonproteobacteria > Campylobacterales > Campylobacteraceae > Campylobacter > C. jejuni
    Morphology & Characteristics:
    Gram-negative, curved/comma-shaped rod with polar flagella. Microaerophilic.
    Pathogenicity & Diseases Caused:
    Causes campylobacteriosis — bloody diarrhea, fever. May trigger Guillain-Barré syndrome.
    Transmission & Epidemiology:
    Fecal-oral route. Undercooked poultry, unpasteurized milk, contaminated water.
    References:

    Candida albicans (No common name)

    Classification: Fungi > Ascomycota > Saccharomycetes > Saccharomycetales > Saccharomycetaceae > Candida > C. albicans
    Morphology & Characteristics:
    Yeast with pseudohyphae. Part of normal flora.
    Pathogenicity & Diseases Caused:
    Causes candidiasis: oral thrush, vaginal yeast infections, esophagitis, systemic infections in immunocompromised.
    Transmission & Epidemiology:
    Endogenous infection or nosocomial spread. Risk factors: antibiotics, diabetes, HIV, chemotherapy.
    References:

    Candida glabrata (No common name)

    Classification: Fungi > Ascomycota > Saccharomycetes > Saccharomycetales > Saccharomycetaceae > Candida > C. glabrata
    Morphology & Characteristics:
    Non-dimorphic yeast. High resistance to azole antifungals.
    Pathogenicity & Diseases Caused:
    Causes candidemia, urinary tract infections, and systemic infections especially in hospitalized patients.
    Transmission & Epidemiology:
    Nosocomial; often seen in immunocompromised or elderly patients.
    References:

    Candida haemulonii (No common name)
    Classification: Fungi > Ascomycota > Saccharomycetes > Saccharomycetales > Saccharomycetaceae > Candida > C. haemulonii
    Morphology & Characteristics:
    Non-dimorphic yeast. Notable for its multidrug resistance, especially to amphotericin B and azoles. Often misidentified as other Candida species due to phenotypic similarities.
    Pathogenicity & Diseases Caused:
    Causes bloodstream infections (candidemia), wound infections, and invasive candidiasis, particularly in immunocompromised patients. Increasingly recognized as an emerging nosocomial pathogen.
    Transmission & Epidemiology:
    Nosocomial transmission suspected; frequently associated with catheter use, surgery, or prolonged ICU stays. Prevalence is increasing globally, especially in tropical and subtropical hospital settings.
    References:
    • CDC: Candida haemulonii
    • Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Candida_haemulonii


    Candida haemulonii: An emerging opportunistic pathogen in the United States?

    Candida tropicalis (No common name)

    Classification: Fungi > Ascomycota > Saccharomycetes > Saccharomycetales > Saccharomycetaceae > Candida > C. tropicalis
    Morphology & Characteristics:
    Yeast, forms pseudohyphae. Less common than C. albicans.
    Pathogenicity & Diseases Caused:
    Causes fungemia, urinary tract infections, and peritonitis in immunocompromised patients.
    Transmission & Epidemiology:
    Nosocomial; often colonizes mucosal surfaces.
    References:

    Capnocytophaga canimorsus (No common name)

    Classification: Bacteria > Bacteroidota > Flavobacteriia > Flavobacteriales > Flavobacteriaceae > Capnocytophaga > C. canimorsus
    Morphology & Characteristics:
    Gram-negative rod. Facultative anaerobe. Capnophilic (requires CO₂).
    Pathogenicity & Diseases Caused:
    Causes sepsis, endocarditis, and meningitis — especially in asplenic, alcoholic, or immunocompromised individuals.
    Transmission & Epidemiology:
    From dog or cat bites or licking. Rare but severe infections.
    References:

    Chlamydia pneumoniae (No common name)

    Classification: Bacteria > Chlamydiota > Chlamydiia > Chlamydiales > Chlamydiaceae > Chlamydia > C. pneumoniae
    Morphology & Characteristics:
    Obligate intracellular, Gram-indeterminate. Biphasic developmental cycle (elementary body and reticulate body).
    Pathogenicity & Diseases Caused:
    Causes atypical pneumonia, bronchitis, pharyngitis. Possible link to atherosclerosis.
    Transmission & Epidemiology:
    Person-to-person via respiratory droplets. Common in school-aged children and young adults.
    References:

    Chlamydia trachomatis (No common name)

    Classification: Bacteria > Chlamydiota > Chlamydiia > Chlamydiales > Chlamydiaceae > Chlamydia > C. trachomatis
    Morphology & Characteristics:
    Obligate intracellular. Gram-indeterminate. Biphasic life cycle.
    Pathogenicity & Diseases Caused:
    Serovars D–K: genital infections, PID, neonatal conjunctivitis/pneumonia
    Serovars A–C: trachoma (leading cause of infectious blindness)
    Serovars L1–L3: lymphogranuloma venereum
    Transmission & Epidemiology:
    Sexual, perinatal, or eye-to-eye contact (in endemic areas).
    References:

    Chinese flukes (Clonorchis sinensis): cause clonorchiasis, similar to the clinical symptoms of flukes. People become infected by eating raw, undercooked, dried, salted, or pickled freshwater fish, or occasionally freshwater shrimp. Mild infection is usually asymptomatic; symptoms typically occur in patients with a greater number of parasitic worms and a longer duration of infection. In the acute phase of the disease, fever, chills, abdominal pain, enlarged liver, tenderness on palpation, mild jaundice, and eosinophilia appear. Diarrhea may occur later. Symptoms typically last 2 to 4 weeks.

    Source: Enso Sweeper CT2 Supplemental Guide
    More Info: Wikipedia


    Clostridium botulinum (No common name)

    Classification: Bacteria > Firmicutes > Clostridia > Clostridiales > Clostridiaceae > Clostridium > C. botulinum
    Morphology & Characteristics:
    Gram-positive, spore-forming anaerobe. Produces neurotoxin (botulinum toxin).
    Pathogenicity & Diseases Caused:
    Botulism — flaccid paralysis due to toxin blocking acetylcholine release.
    Infant botulism from honey, foodborne botulism from canned foods.
    Transmission & Epidemiology:
    Ingestion of preformed toxin or spores; wound contamination.
    References:

    Clostridium difficile (now Clostridioides difficile)

    Classification: Bacteria > Firmicutes > Clostridia > Clostridiales > Peptostreptococcaceae > Clostridioides > C. difficile
    Morphology & Characteristics:
    Gram-positive, spore-forming anaerobe. Toxin A and B producers.
    Pathogenicity & Diseases Caused:
    Pseudomembranous colitis; antibiotic-associated diarrhea.
    Transmission & Epidemiology:
    Fecal-oral, often after antibiotic use (e.g. clindamycin, cephalosporins).
    References:

    Clostridium perfringens (No common name)

    Classification: Bacteria > Firmicutes > Clostridia > Clostridiales > Clostridiaceae > Clostridium > C. perfringens
    Morphology & Characteristics:
    Gram-positive, spore-forming anaerobe. Rapidly growing.
    Pathogenicity & Diseases Caused:
    Gas gangrene (myonecrosis), food poisoning.
    Transmission & Epidemiology:
    Wound contamination, ingestion of contaminated meat.
    References:

    Clostridium tetani (No common name)

    Classification: Bacteria > Firmicutes > Clostridia > Clostridiales > Clostridiaceae > Clostridium > C. tetani
    Morphology & Characteristics:
    Gram-positive, spore-forming anaerobe. Produces tetanospasmin (neurotoxin).
    Pathogenicity & Diseases Caused:
    Tetanus — muscle rigidity, lockjaw, spasms due to inhibition of inhibitory neurotransmitters.
    Transmission & Epidemiology:
    Spores enter wounds (e.g., rusty nails, soil); not spread person-to-person.
    References:

    Coccidioides immitis / posadasii (No common name)

    Classification: Fungi > Ascomycota > Eurotiomycetes > Onygenales > Onygenaceae > Coccidioides > C. immitis / C. posadasii
    Morphology & Characteristics:
    Dimorphic fungus. Mold in soil, spherules in tissue.
    Pathogenicity & Diseases Caused:
    Coccidioidomycosis (Valley fever) — fever, cough, arthralgia, skin nodules. May disseminate.
    Transmission & Epidemiology:
    Inhalation of spores. Endemic in southwestern US, Mexico.
    References:

    Corynebacterium diphtheriae (No common name)

    Classification: Bacteria > Actinobacteria > Corynebacteriales > Corynebacteriaceae > Corynebacterium > C. diphtheriae
    Morphology & Characteristics:
    Gram-positive, club-shaped rods. Metachromatic granules.
    Produces diphtheria toxin (inhibits EF-2).
    Pathogenicity & Diseases Caused:
    Diphtheria — sore throat, pseudomembrane, myocarditis, neuritis.
    Transmission & Epidemiology:
    Respiratory droplets. Preventable by DTaP vaccine.
    References:

    Coxiella burnetii (No common name)

    Classification: Bacteria > Proteobacteria > Gammaproteobacteria > Legionellales > Coxiellaceae > Coxiella > C. burnetii
    Morphology & Characteristics:
    Obligate intracellular, small Gram-negative coccobacillus. Spore-like survival form.
    Pathogenicity & Diseases Caused:
    Q fever — flu-like illness, pneumonia, hepatitis. Chronic form causes endocarditis.
    Transmission & Epidemiology:
    Inhalation of aerosols from livestock. Not spread person-to-person.
    References:

    Coxsackie virus: They were first isolated in 1948 during a polio outbreak in the American city of Coxsackie, hence their name. The transmission mechanisms are mainly fecal-oral. The source of infection is only a person, a patient or carrier of the virus, who excretes the pathogen in their feces. The incubation period lasts from 2 to 7 days. In all clinical variants, the disease starts suddenly. Body temperature rises to 38-40°C, patients complain of headaches, dizziness, and general weakness.

    Source: Enso Sweeper CT2 Supplemental Guide

    More Info: Wikipedia

    Cryptococcus neoformans (No common name)

    Classification: Fungi > Basidiomycota > Tremellomycetes > Tremellales > Tremellaceae > Cryptococcus > C. neoformans
    Morphology & Characteristics:
    Encapsulated yeast. Urease-positive.
    Pathogenicity & Diseases Caused:
    Cryptococcosis — meningitis (especially in AIDS), pulmonary disease.
    Transmission & Epidemiology:
    Inhalation of pigeon droppings; opportunistic pathogen.
    References:

    Cryptosporidium parvum (No common name)

    Classification: Protozoa > Apicomplexa > Conoidasida > Eucoccidiorida > Cryptosporidiidae > Cryptosporidium > C. parvum
    Morphology & Characteristics:
    Intracellular protozoan. Acid-fast oocysts.
    Pathogenicity & Diseases Caused:
    Cryptosporidiosis — watery diarrhea, especially in immunocompromised.
    Transmission & Epidemiology:
    Fecal-oral. Contaminated water, pools, daycare.
    References:

    Cyclospora cayetanensis (No common name)

    Classification: Protozoa > Apicomplexa > Conoidasida > Eucoccidiorida > Eimeriidae > Cyclospora > C. cayetanensis
    Morphology & Characteristics:
    Acid-fast oocysts. Intracellular.
    Pathogenicity & Diseases Caused:
    Cyclosporiasis — prolonged watery diarrhea, fatigue, anorexia.
    Transmission & Epidemiology:
    Fecal-oral. Linked to imported produce (e.g., berries, basil).
    References:

    Cytomegalovirus (Human Herpesvirus 5)

    **Description:** A common herpesvirus that can remain dormant and reactivate, especially in immunocompromised individuals.

    **Pathology:** Can cause mild to severe disease, including birth defects and organ-specific infections.

    Image not available.

    Sources:

    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cytomegalovirus

    Cytomegalovirus (CMV)

    Classification: Virus > Herpesviridae > Betaherpesvirinae > Cytomegalovirus > Human betaherpesvirus 5
    Morphology & Characteristics:
    Enveloped dsDNA virus. Owl’s eye intranuclear inclusions.
    Pathogenicity & Diseases Caused:
    Mononucleosis-like illness in immunocompetent; severe in AIDS (retinitis, colitis); congenital CMV (sensorineural hearing loss, periventricular calcifications).
    Transmission & Epidemiology:
    Bodily fluids, congenital, transfusions, transplants.
    References:

    Dengue virus

    Classification: Virus > Flaviviridae > Flavivirus > Dengue virus (serotypes 1–4)
    Morphology & Characteristics:
    Enveloped +ssRNA virus. 4 serotypes.
    Pathogenicity & Diseases Caused:
    Dengue fever, Dengue hemorrhagic fever, Dengue shock syndrome. “Breakbone fever,” retro-orbital pain, rash, bleeding.
    Transmission & Epidemiology:
    Aedes mosquito; prevalent in tropics.
    References:

    Dermatophytes (e.g., Trichophyton, Microsporum, Epidermophyton)

    Classification: Fungi > Ascomycota > various genera
    Morphology & Characteristics:
    Septate hyphae. Keratinophilic fungi.
    Pathogenicity & Diseases Caused:
    Tinea infections: capitis, corporis, cruris, pedis, unguium. Ringworm.
    Transmission & Epidemiology:
    Skin contact, fomites. Common worldwide.
    References:

    Dientamoeba fragilis (No common name)

    Classification: Protozoa > Metamonada > Trichomonadida > Dientamoeba
    Morphology & Characteristics:
    Amoeba-like protozoan. No cyst stage.
    Pathogenicity & Diseases Caused:
    Dientamoebiasis — GI symptoms, often chronic diarrhea.
    Transmission & Epidemiology:
    Likely fecal-oral; often coinfection with helminths.
    References:

    Diphyllobothrium latum (Fish tapeworm)

    Classification: Animalia > Platyhelminthes > Cestoda > Diphyllobothriidea > Diphyllobothrium
    Morphology & Characteristics:
    Tapeworm. Eggs visible in stool. Scolex with bothria.
    Pathogenicity & Diseases Caused:
    Diphyllobothriasis — B12 deficiency → megaloblastic anemia.
    Transmission & Epidemiology:
    Ingestion of raw freshwater fish (e.g., pike).
    References:

    Echinococcal tapeworm (Echinococcus granulosus) - the most common species is the unilocular echinococcus - a tapeworm of the genus Echinococcus, measuring 5-8 mm in length and consisting of 3-4 segments. The last segment is the largest and contains up to 800 eggs. Cystic echinococcosis develops when tapeworm eggs are ingested, from which larvae are released and migrate to the liver or lungs, rarely to other organs, where cysts form. Adult worms do not occur in the human digestive tract. Cysts develop slowly, usually over many years. In the liver, cysts are accompanied by pain and sometimes jaundice; in the lungs, they can cause pain, cough, and hemoptysis. Therapy differs depending on the characteristics of the parasite, the size of the cyst, its location, and complications. Surgery is often required for treatment.

    Source: Enso Sweeper CT2 Supplemental Guide

    More Info: Wikipedia

    Echinococcus granulosus (Dog tapeworm)

    Classification: Animalia > Platyhelminthes > Cestoda > Cyclophyllidea > Taeniidae > Echinococcus
    Morphology & Characteristics:
    Tiny tapeworm. Hydatid cysts in humans (intermediate host).
    Pathogenicity & Diseases Caused:
    Echinococcosis — liver/lung cysts; risk of anaphylaxis if cyst ruptures.
    Transmission & Epidemiology:
    Ingestion of eggs from dog feces. Endemic in sheep-raising regions.
    References:

    Echinococcus multilocularis (alveolar echinococcosis)
    Alveolar echinococcosis (AE) is a zoonotic cestode infection caused by Echinococcus multilocularis. The disease occurs in the Northern Hemisphere, including Canada and northern USA, Europe, Russia, and Central Asia. The life cycle is similar to members of the E. granulosus-complex (above), with foxes serving as natural definitive hosts and rodents serving as intermediate hosts. When humans become infected with E. multilocularis after the ingestion of eggs in food or fomites contaminated with canid feces; the most common site of infection is the liver. However, the destructive nature of the alveolar cyst can lead to infection of neighboring organs and the CNS (Wen et al., 2019).

    Source:  Science Direct - Parasites of the Gastrointestinal Tract
    More Info: Wikipedia


    Entamoeba histolytica (No common name)

    Classification: Protozoa > Amoebozoa > Archamoebae > Entamoeba
    Morphology & Characteristics:
    Trophozoite with ingested RBCs; cyst with 4 nuclei.
    Pathogenicity & Diseases Caused:
    Amebiasis — bloody diarrhea (dysentery), liver abscess (anchovy paste aspirate).
    Transmission & Epidemiology:
    Fecal-oral, contaminated food/water.
    References:

    Enterobius vermicularis (Pinworm)

    Classification: Animalia > Nematoda > Rhabditida > Oxyuridae > Enterobius
    Morphology & Characteristics:
    Small white nematode. Female lays eggs perianally.
    Pathogenicity & Diseases Caused:
    Enterobiasis — perianal itching (esp. at night), insomnia.
    Transmission & Epidemiology:
    Fecal-oral. Common in children. Scotch tape test.
    References:

    Enterococcus faecalis / faecium (No common name)

    Classification: Bacteria > Firmicutes > Bacilli > Lactobacillales > Enterococcaceae > Enterococcus
    Morphology & Characteristics:
    Gram-positive cocci, catalase-negative, gamma-hemolytic. Can be VRE (vancomycin-resistant).
    Pathogenicity & Diseases Caused:
    UTIs, endocarditis, biliary tract infections, nosocomial infections.
    Transmission & Epidemiology:
    Normal gut flora. Opportunistic pathogen.
    References:

    Epstein–Barr virus (EBV)

    Classification: Virus > Herpesviridae > Gammaherpesvirinae > Lymphocryptovirus > Human herpesvirus 4
    Morphology & Characteristics:
    Enveloped dsDNA virus. Infects B cells via CD21.
    Pathogenicity & Diseases Caused:
    Mononucleosis (fever, pharyngitis, lymphadenopathy, splenomegaly), Burkitt lymphoma, Hodgkin lymphoma, nasopharyngeal carcinoma.
    Transmission & Epidemiology:
    Saliva (“kissing disease”); widespread.
    References:

    Fasciola hepatica (Liver Fluke)

    **Description:** A parasitic flatworm that infects the liver and bile ducts of mammals, causing fascioliasis.

    **Pathology:** Ingestion of contaminated water or plants leads to liver migration and bile duct obstruction.

    Image not available.

    Sources:

    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fasciola_hepatica

    Fasciola hepatica (Liver Fluke)

    • Classification: Animalia > Platyhelminthes > Trematoda > Digenea > Fasciolidae > Fasciola

    • Morphology & Characteristics: Flat, leaf-shaped trematode; adults inhabit bile ducts.

    • Pathogenicity & Diseases Caused: Fascioliasis — acute phase with fever, RUQ pain; chronic phase with biliary obstruction.

    • Transmission & Epidemiology: Ingestion of metacercariae on aquatic plants; requires snail intermediate host. Government Medical College & Hospital+1Microbe Notes+1wcvm

    Giardia lamblia (Giardia intestinalis)

    • Classification: Protozoa > Metamonada > Diplomonadida > Giardia

    • Morphology & Characteristics: Flagellated protozoan with two nuclei; trophozoite and cyst forms.

    • Pathogenicity & Diseases Caused: Giardiasis — greasy, foul-smelling diarrhea, bloating, malabsorption.

    • Transmission & Epidemiology: Fecal-oral route via contaminated water or food; cysts are infectious. PMC

    Haemophilus influenzae

    • Classification: Bacteria > Proteobacteria > Gammaproteobacteria > Pasteurellales > Pasteurellaceae > Haemophilus

    • Morphology & Characteristics: Gram-negative coccobacilli; type b (Hib) has polysaccharide capsule.

    • Pathogenicity & Diseases Caused: Meningitis, epiglottitis, otitis media, pneumonia.

    • Transmission & Epidemiology: Respiratory droplets; Hib vaccine has reduced incidence. WikipediaNCBI

    Helicobacter pylori

    • Classification: Bacteria > Proteobacteria > Epsilonproteobacteria > Campylobacterales > Helicobacteraceae > Helicobacter

    • Morphology & Characteristics: Spiral-shaped, flagellated, Gram-negative bacterium; produces urease.

    • Pathogenicity & Diseases Caused: Chronic gastritis, peptic ulcers, gastric carcinoma, MALT lymphoma.

    • Transmission & Epidemiology: Fecal-oral or oral-oral routes; prevalent worldwide. Wikipedia

    Hepatitis A Virus (HAV)

    • Classification: Virus > Picornaviridae > Hepatovirus > Hepatitis A virus

    • Morphology & Characteristics: Non-enveloped, positive-sense single-stranded RNA virus.

    • Pathogenicity & Diseases Caused: Acute hepatitis with jaundice, fatigue, abdominal pain; no chronic infection.

    • Transmission & Epidemiology: Fecal-oral route via contaminated food or water; prevalent in areas with poor sanitation. PMC+2Wikipedia+2Hepatitis C Online+2

    Hepatitis B Virus (HBV)

    • Classification: Virus > Hepadnaviridae > Orthohepadnavirus > Hepatitis B virus

    • Morphology & Characteristics: Enveloped, partially double-stranded DNA virus.

    • Pathogenicity & Diseases Caused: Acute and chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma.

    • Transmission & Epidemiology: Bloodborne; transmitted via sexual contact, perinatal exposure, and contaminated needles. ScienceDirect+2Wikipedia+2Exploration Publishing+2Exploration Publishing

    Hepatitis C Virus (HCV)

    • Classification: Virus > Flaviviridae > Hepacivirus > Hepatitis C virus

    • Morphology & Characteristics: Enveloped, positive-sense single-stranded RNA virus.

    • Pathogenicity & Diseases Caused: Often asymptomatic; can lead to chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma.

    • Transmission & Epidemiology: Primarily bloodborne; transmitted via intravenous drug use, transfusions, and less commonly sexual contact. ScienceDirect+4Wikipedia+4PMC+4NCBI

    Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV)

    • Classification: Virus > Herpesviridae > Alphaherpesvirinae > Simplexvirus > Human herpesvirus 1 and 2

    • Morphology & Characteristics: Enveloped, double-stranded DNA virus; establishes latent infections.

    • Pathogenicity & Diseases Caused: HSV-1: oral herpes; HSV-2: genital herpes; can cause encephalitis, neonatal herpes.

    • Transmission & Epidemiology: Direct contact with infected secretions; HSV-1 typically oral, HSV-2 typically sexual transmission. Wikipedia

    Herpes Zoster (Shingles)

    **Description:** An acute, painful skin eruption caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus (VZV), the same virus responsible for chickenpox.

    **Pathology:** Reactivation of dormant VZV in nerve tissue causes a painful, localized skin rash. Postherpetic neuralgia may follow.

    Image not available.

    Sources:

    Histoplasma capsulatum

    **Description:** A dimorphic fungus causing histoplasmosis, often acquired by inhaling spores from bird/bat droppings.

    **Pathology:** Inhaled spores cause respiratory infections, which can become severe in immunocompromised people.

    Image not available.

    Sources:

    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Histoplasma_capsulatum

    Histoplasma capsulatum

    • Classification: Fungi > Ascomycota > Onygenales > Ajellomycetaceae > Histoplasma

    • Morphology & Characteristics: Dimorphic fungus; mold in environment, yeast in tissues.

    • Pathogenicity & Diseases Caused: Histoplasmosis — pulmonary infections; can disseminate in immunocompromised hosts.

    • Transmission & Epidemiology: Inhalation of spores from soil contaminated with bird or bat droppings; endemic in Ohio and Mississippi River valleys. ScienceDirect+1Wikipedia+1Wikipedia

    Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)

    • Classification: Virus > Retroviridae > Orthoretrovirinae > Lentivirus > Human immunodeficiency virus

    • Morphology & Characteristics: Enveloped, single-stranded RNA virus; uses reverse transcriptase.

    • Pathogenicity & Diseases Caused: Progressive immune system deterioration leading to AIDS; opportunistic infections, cancers.

    • Transmission & Epidemiology: Bloodborne; transmitted via sexual contact, needle sharing, mother-to-child during birth or breastfeeding.


    Human papillomavirus (HPV)

    • Classification: Virus > Papillomaviridae > Alphapapillomavirus

    • Morphology & Characteristics: Non-enveloped, double-stranded DNA virus.

    • Pathogenicity & Diseases Caused: Warts, cervical and other anogenital cancers.

    • Transmission & Epidemiology: Sexual contact; very common globally. (ScienceDirect)

    Influenza A virus

    • Classification: Virus > Orthomyxoviridae > Alphainfluenzavirus

    • Morphology & Characteristics: Enveloped, segmented, single-stranded negative-sense RNA virus.

    • Pathogenicity & Diseases Caused: Seasonal flu, pandemics.

    • Transmission & Epidemiology: Respiratory droplets; worldwide seasonal epidemics. (ScienceDirect)

    Influenza B virus

    • Classification: Virus > Orthomyxoviridae > Betainfluenzavirus

    • Morphology & Characteristics: Enveloped, segmented, single-stranded negative-sense RNA virus.

    • Pathogenicity & Diseases Caused: Seasonal flu, usually milder than Influenza A.

    • Transmission & Epidemiology: Respiratory droplets; humans only reservoir. (ScienceDirect)

    Influenza Virus

    • Classification: Virus > Orthomyxoviridae > Alphainfluenzavirus (A), Betainfluenzavirus (B), Gammainfluenzavirus (C)

    • Morphology & Characteristics: Enveloped, segmented, negative-sense single-stranded RNA virus.

    • Pathogenicity & Diseases Caused: Seasonal flu: fever, cough, myalgia, potential complications include pneumonia.

    • Transmission & Epidemiology: Respiratory droplets; seasonal outbreaks worldwide. (cdc.gov, pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)

    Klebsiella pneumoniae

    • Classification: Bacteria > Proteobacteria > Gammaproteobacteria > Enterobacterales > Enterobacteriaceae > Klebsiella

    • Morphology & Characteristics: Gram-negative, encapsulated, non-motile rod.

    • Pathogenicity & Diseases Caused: Pneumonia, urinary tract infections, septicemia, liver abscess.

    • Transmission & Epidemiology: Nosocomial infections, opportunistic pathogen in immunocompromised patients. (ncbi.nlm.nih.gov, cdc.gov)


    Lactobacillus     acidophilus (L. acidophilus) is a type of probiotic ("good" bacteria) found in the human gut, mouth, and vagina, and also in certain foods.

    "Good" bacteria such as L. acidophilus can help break down food, absorb nutrients, and fight off "bad" organisms that might cause diseases. L. acidophilus is sometimes added to fermented foods like yogurt and is also found in probiotic supplements.

    People commonly use L. acidophilus for diarrhea from antibiotics, as well as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), overgrowth of bacteria in the vagina, and an infection caused by the bacteria Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori). It is also used for acne, hay fever, eczema, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support many of these other uses. There is also no good evidence to support using L. acidophilus COVID-19.

    Don't confuse L. acidophilus with other probiotics, or with fermented food products such as fermented milk, kefir, or yogurt. These are not the same. Also note that the Lactobacillus genus was split up into 25 different genera in April 2020. Some other species' names changed, but L. acidophilus remained the same.

    Source: WebMD - Lactobacillus Acidophilus - Uses, Side Effects, and More



    Leishmania donovani

    • Classification: Protozoa > Euglenozoa > Kinetoplastea > Trypanosomatida > Leishmaniinae > Leishmania

    • Morphology & Characteristics: Intracellular protozoan; amastigote form in macrophages, promastigote in sandfly vector.

    • Pathogenicity & Diseases Caused: Visceral leishmaniasis (Kala-azar): fever, hepatosplenomegaly, pancytopenia.

    • Transmission & Epidemiology: Transmitted by female sandfly bites; endemic in parts of Asia, Africa, and Latin America. (who.int, pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)

    Legionella pneumophila

    • Classification: Bacteria > Proteobacteria > Gammaproteobacteria > Legionellales > Legionellaceae > Legionella

    • Morphology & Characteristics: Gram-negative rod; intracellular pathogen infecting macrophages.

    • Pathogenicity & Diseases Caused: Legionnaires’ disease (severe pneumonia) and Pontiac fever (milder flu-like illness).

    • Transmission & Epidemiology: Inhalation of aerosolized contaminated water droplets; outbreaks in cooling towers and water systems. (cdc.gov, ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)

    Listeria monocytogenes

    • Classification: Bacteria > Firmicutes > Bacilli > Bacillales > Listeriaceae > Listeria

    • Morphology & Characteristics: Gram-positive, facultative intracellular rod; motile at 20–25°C.

    • Pathogenicity & Diseases Caused: Listeriosis — septicemia, meningitis, neonatal infections, abortion.

    • Transmission & Epidemiology: Contaminated food (dairy, deli meats); affects immunocompromised, pregnant women, neonates. (cdc.gov, ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)

    Loa loa (African Eye Worm)

    • Classification: Animalia > Nematoda > Chromadorea > Spirurida > Filarioidea > Loa

    • Morphology & Characteristics: Filarial nematode; adults migrate through subcutaneous tissues and conjunctiva.

    • Pathogenicity & Diseases Caused: Loiasis — Calabar swellings, transient angioedema, visible worm in eye.

    • Transmission & Epidemiology: Bite of Chrysops (deer fly) vector; endemic in West and Central Africa. (cdc.gov, pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)

    Malaria (Plasmodium falciparum)

    • Classification: Protozoa > Apicomplexa > Haemosporida > Plasmodiidae > Plasmodium

    • Morphology & Characteristics: Intracellular protozoan with complex life cycle including sporozoites, merozoites, gametocytes.

    • Pathogenicity & Diseases Caused: Malaria — cyclical fever, anemia, splenomegaly, severe cerebral complications.

    • Transmission & Epidemiology: Bite of female Anopheles mosquito; endemic in tropical and subtropical regions. (cdc.gov, who.int)

    Measles Virus

    • Classification: Virus > Paramyxoviridae > Morbillivirus > Measles virus

    • Morphology & Characteristics: Enveloped, negative-sense single-stranded RNA virus.

    • Pathogenicity & Diseases Caused: Measles — fever, cough, coryza, conjunctivitis, Koplik spots, maculopapular rash.

    • Transmission & Epidemiology: Highly contagious via respiratory droplets; preventable by MMR vaccine. (cdc.gov, who.int)

    Moraxella catarrhalis

    • Classification: Bacteria > Proteobacteria > Gammaproteobacteria > Pseudomonadales > Moraxellaceae > Moraxella

    • Morphology & Characteristics: Gram-negative, aerobic diplococcus.

    • Pathogenicity & Diseases Caused: Otitis media, sinusitis, respiratory tract infections, COPD exacerbations.

    • Transmission & Epidemiology: Respiratory droplets; common colonizer in children and adults. (ScienceDirect)



    Mumps Virus

    • Classification: Virus > Paramyxoviridae > Rubulavirus > Mumps virus

    • Morphology & Characteristics: Enveloped, negative-sense single-stranded RNA virus.

    • Pathogenicity & Diseases Caused: Mumps — parotitis, orchitis, meningitis, pancreatitis.

    • Transmission & Epidemiology: Respiratory droplets; vaccine-preventable (MMR). (cdc.gov, who.int)

    Mycobacterium tuberculosis

    • Classification: Bacteria > Actinobacteria > Corynebacteriales > Mycobacteriaceae > Mycobacterium

    • Morphology & Characteristics: Acid-fast, aerobic, rod-shaped bacterium; slow-growing.

    • Pathogenicity & Diseases Caused: Tuberculosis — chronic cough, hemoptysis, night sweats, granulomas.

    • Transmission & Epidemiology: Airborne droplets; global distribution with high prevalence in developing countries. (cdc.gov, who.int)

    Neisseria gonorrhoeae

    • Classification: Bacteria > Proteobacteria > Betaproteobacteria > Neisseriales > Neisseriaceae > Neisseria

    • Morphology & Characteristics: Gram-negative diplococcus; oxidase positive.

    • Pathogenicity & Diseases Caused: Gonorrhea — urethritis, cervicitis, pelvic inflammatory disease, neonatal conjunctivitis.

    • Transmission & Epidemiology: Sexual contact; worldwide prevalence, common STI. (cdc.gov, ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)

    Neisseria meningitidis

    • Classification: Bacteria > Proteobacteria > Betaproteobacteria > Neisseriales > Neisseriaceae > Neisseria

    • Morphology & Characteristics: Gram-negative diplococcus; encapsulated, oxidase positive.

    • Pathogenicity & Diseases Caused: Meningococcal meningitis, septicemia.

    • Transmission & Epidemiology: Respiratory droplets; outbreaks in crowded settings; vaccine available. (cdc.gov, who.int)

    Norovirus

    • Classification: Virus > Caliciviridae > Norovirus

    • Morphology & Characteristics: Non-enveloped, positive-sense single-stranded RNA virus.

    • Pathogenicity & Diseases Caused: Acute gastroenteritis — vomiting, diarrhea.

    • Transmission & Epidemiology: Fecal-oral, contaminated food/water; highly contagious; common cause of outbreaks worldwide. (cdc.gov, who.int)

    Opisthorchis (Opisthorchis felineus , Opisthorchis viverrini): the larvae of the flukes die if the fish is cooked - 15 minutes after the start of cooking, after salting the fish for 10 days. Hot smoking destroys the larvae, cold smoking does not, frozen larvae die within 72 hours. Infected fish are the source of infection. The transmission mechanism is fecal-oral, and the route of transmission is food. The ease of infection is high. The incubation period is 2-4 weeks. The flukes parasitize the liver ducts, gallbladder, and pancreatic ducts. Invasion is manifested by damage to the walls of the bile ducts, their blockage, fibrosis of the liver and pancreas. Opisthorchis has a toxic-allergic effect and stimulates oncogenesis.

    Source: Enso Sweeper CT2 Supplemental Guide
    More Info: Wikipedia



    Parainfluenza Virus

    • Classification: Virus > Paramyxoviridae > Respirovirus & Rubulavirus

    • Morphology & Characteristics: Enveloped, negative-sense single-stranded RNA virus.

    • Pathogenicity & Diseases Caused: Croup, bronchitis, pneumonia in children.

    • Transmission & Epidemiology: Respiratory droplets; common in young children globally. (cdc.gov, ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)

    Parapoxvirus (Orf): is the organism responsible for orf, a zoonotic infection that is transmitted to humans via contact with infected animals, most commonly sheep. It is thus most frequently seen in those with professional exposure, such as butchers, sheep shearers, and veterinarians. Most of these professionals do not seek medical attention because they know that the disease is self-limiting within a period of a few weeks and usually does not require treatment.36 The patients who typically present to the hand surgeon with orf are nonprofessionals who are not as familiar with the condition. Annual outbreaks in countries with large Muslim populations have been documented during religious feasts when many sheep are slaughtered by nonprofessionals.36 In immunocompetent patients, the presentation usually begins with a single erythematous macule or papule. It then proceeds to the target stage, at which it develops a reddish center and is surrounded by a halo. The lesion then weeps and then dries up, forming a crust, and eventually resolves spontaneously with no residual scarring. The entire course lasts from 4 to 8 weeks on average.2,36 The lesion can be associated with pain, pruritus, lymphangitis, and axillary adenitis. Systemic symptoms are rare but erythema multiforme and Steven-Johnsons syndrome have been documented in immunocompromised patients.37 The diagnosis is typically made based on history and clinical examination but can be confirmed with electron microscopy of biopsied tissue from the lesion. PCR can also be used to identify the virus from serous fluid taken from the lesion. Treatment consists of keeping the lesion clean to prevent secondary bacterial infection until the lesion resolves. Secondary bacterial infections should be treated accordingly with antibiotics. Prophylactic antibiotics are recommended if biopsy is to be performed because incision of the lesion is a common cause for infections.36 Management of orf in immunocompromised individuals can be more difficult, especially those with multiple giant lesions. One recent study reported on the use of topical imiquimod, an imidazoquinoline that stimulates local proinflammatory cytokine production, to shorten the duration of orf to 5 to 10 days.37 Imiquimod is recommended by most to treat immunocompromised patients.36 Large lesions that are refractory to medical treatment in these patients may require wide excision and skin grafting. Even with this, recurrence is not uncommon. Excision of the lesion back to normal tissue, followed by hypochlorite dressings for 1 week before the application of skin grafting and coverage with systemic antiviral therapy, such as subcutaneous interferon, may help reduce recurrence.

    Source:  Science Direct - Parapoxvirus




    Parvovirus B19

    • Classification: Virus > Parvoviridae > Erythroparvovirus

    • Morphology & Characteristics: Non-enveloped, single-stranded DNA virus.

    • Pathogenicity & Diseases Caused: Fifth disease (erythema infectiosum), aplastic crisis in sickle cell disease, hydrops fetalis in pregnancy.

    • Transmission & Epidemiology: Respiratory secretions, vertical transmission; worldwide distribution. (cdc.gov, who.int)

    Pasteurella multocida

    • Classification: Bacteria > Proteobacteria > Gammaproteobacteria > Pasteurellales > Pasteurellaceae > Pasteurella

    • Morphology & Characteristics: Gram-negative coccobacillus; facultative anaerobe.

    • Pathogenicity & Diseases Caused: Soft tissue infections, often following animal bites or scratches.

    • Transmission & Epidemiology: Zoonotic from cats, dogs; worldwide. (cdc.gov, ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)

    Plasmodium vivax

    • Classification: Protozoa > Apicomplexa > Haemosporida > Plasmodiidae > Plasmodium

    • Morphology & Characteristics: Intracellular protozoan with hypnozoite liver stage.

    • Pathogenicity & Diseases Caused: Malaria — relapsing fever, anemia.

    • Transmission & Epidemiology: Bite of female Anopheles mosquito; prevalent in Asia and Latin America. (cdc.gov, who.int)

    Pseudomonas aeruginosa

    • Classification: Bacteria > Proteobacteria > Gammaproteobacteria > Pseudomonadales > Pseudomonadaceae > Pseudomonas

    • Morphology & Characteristics: Gram-negative rod; motile, produces blue-green pigment (pyocyanin).

    • Pathogenicity & Diseases Caused: Opportunistic infections — pneumonia, UTIs, wound infections, sepsis.

    • Transmission & Epidemiology: Nosocomial; thrives in moist environments and devices. (cdc.gov, ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)

    Rabies Virus

    • Classification: Virus > Rhabdoviridae > Lyssavirus > Rabies virus

    • Morphology & Characteristics: Enveloped, negative-sense single-stranded RNA virus; bullet-shaped.

    • Pathogenicity & Diseases Caused: Rabies — encephalitis, fatal without post-exposure prophylaxis.

    • Transmission & Epidemiology: Animal bites (commonly dogs); worldwide, mainly in Asia and Africa. (cdc.gov, who.int)

    Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)

    • Classification: Virus > Paramyxoviridae > Pneumovirus > Respiratory syncytial virus

    • Morphology & Characteristics: Enveloped, negative-sense single-stranded RNA virus.

    • Pathogenicity & Diseases Caused: Bronchiolitis, pneumonia in infants and elderly.

    • Transmission & Epidemiology: Respiratory droplets; seasonal outbreaks. (cdc.gov, who.int)


    Reoviruses are RNA-containing viruses are initially replicated in the epithelial cells of the mucous membrane of the oral cavity, throat, and small intestine, as well as in regional lymph nodes, where they enter the lymph and blood. Reovirus infection is an acute disease with a predominance of upper respiratory tract and gastrointestinal tract damage. The reservoir and source of infection is humans. The main mechanism of transmission is through the air. The disease mainly occurs in groups of children. The incubation period lasts from 1 to 7 days. The disease usually starts suddenly with a rise in body temperature. Disturbing headache, loss of appetite, cough, runny nose (rhinitis), sometimes nausea, vomiting, may increase cervical lymph nodes.

    Source:     Enso Sweeper CT2 Supplemental Guide
    More Info: Wikipedia



    Rotaviruses: It is believed that rotaviruses are the most common and responsible for the majority of infectious diarrhea in children as well as for outbreaks of gastroenteritis in adults. The main source of rotavirus infection is a patient with gastroenteritis who excretes a significant amount of virus particles in their stool. Healthy carriers of the virus are also epidemiologically dangerous. The main mechanism of transmission of rotavirus infection is considered to be fecal-oral contact. Infection often occurs through the consumption of contaminated water and food. Upon entering the human body through the oral cavity, rotaviruses easily reach the small intestine, become activated, and begin to multiply. In children, rotavirus infection often occurs in the form of two waves - respiratory and intestinal alternately.

    Source:     Enso Sweeper CT2 Supplemental Guide

    More Info: Wikipedia

    Rotavirus

    • Classification: Virus > Reoviridae > Rotavirus

    • Morphology & Characteristics: Non-enveloped, double-stranded segmented RNA virus.

    • Pathogenicity & Diseases Caused: Severe diarrhea in infants and young children.

    • Transmission & Epidemiology: Fecal-oral route; worldwide. (ScienceDirect)

    Rhinovirus

    • Classification: Virus > Picornaviridae > Enterovirus > Rhinovirus

    • Morphology & Characteristics: Non-enveloped, positive-sense single-stranded RNA virus.

    • Pathogenicity & Diseases Caused: Common cold — nasal congestion, sore throat, cough.

    • Transmission & Epidemiology: Respiratory droplets and fomites; very common worldwide. (cdc.gov, ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)

    Salmonella enterica (Typhoidal)

    • Classification: Bacteria > Proteobacteria > Gammaproteobacteria > Enterobacterales > Enterobacteriaceae > Salmonella

    • Morphology & Characteristics: Gram-negative rod; facultative anaerobe.

    • Pathogenicity & Diseases Caused: Typhoid fever — high fever, abdominal pain, rose spots.

    • Transmission & Epidemiology: Fecal-oral; contaminated food/water; endemic in developing countries. (cdc.gov, who.int)

    Salmonella enterica (Non-typhoidal)

    • Classification: Same as above

    • Pathogenicity & Diseases Caused: Gastroenteritis — diarrhea, fever, abdominal cramps.

    • Transmission & Epidemiology: Foodborne; widely distributed worldwide. (cdc.gov)

    SARS-CoV-2

    • Classification: Virus > Coronaviridae > Betacoronavirus > Sarbecovirus > SARS-CoV-2

    • Morphology & Characteristics: Enveloped, positive-sense single-stranded RNA virus.

    • Pathogenicity & Diseases Caused: COVID-19 — respiratory illness ranging from mild to severe.

    • Transmission & Epidemiology: Respiratory droplets, aerosols; global pandemic since 2019. (cdc.gov, who.int)

    Shigella spp.

    • Classification: Bacteria > Proteobacteria > Gammaproteobacteria > Enterobacterales > Enterobacteriaceae > Shigella

    • Morphology & Characteristics: Gram-negative rod; facultative anaerobe.

    • Pathogenicity & Diseases Caused: Bacillary dysentery — bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramps.

    • Transmission & Epidemiology: Fecal-oral; low infectious dose; common worldwide. (cdc.gov)

    Shigella dysenteriae

    • Classification: Bacteria > Proteobacteria > Gammaproteobacteria > Enterobacterales > Enterobacteriaceae > Shigella

    • Morphology & Characteristics: Gram-negative rod.

    • Pathogenicity & Diseases Caused: Bacillary dysentery (shigellosis).

    • Transmission & Epidemiology: Fecal-oral route, highly infectious. (ScienceDirect)



    Staphylococcus aureus

    • Classification: Bacteria > Firmicutes > Bacilli > Bacillales > Staphylococcaceae > Staphylococcus

    • Morphology & Characteristics: Gram-positive cocci in clusters; catalase and coagulase positive.

    • Pathogenicity & Diseases Caused: Skin infections, abscesses, pneumonia, endocarditis, toxic shock syndrome.

    • Transmission & Epidemiology: Direct contact; common commensal on skin and nasal passages. (cdc.gov)

    Streptococcus pneumoniae

    • Classification: Bacteria > Firmicutes > Bacilli > Lactobacillales > Streptococcaceae > Streptococcus

    • Morphology & Characteristics: Gram-positive diplococcus; alpha-hemolytic, encapsulated.

    • Pathogenicity & Diseases Caused: Pneumonia, meningitis, otitis media, bacteremia.

    • Transmission & Epidemiology: Respiratory droplets; common colonizer; vaccine available. (cdc.gov)



    Tannerella forsythia     (formerly Bacteroides forsythus), together with Porphyromonas gingivalis and Treponema denticola, are considered to be the major periodontal pathogens [1]. A common feature of these organisms is the production of high levels of proteolytic activity. This activity is considered an important virulence factor contributing to pathological chronic inflammation, which drives tissue damage in periodontitis [2]. The proteolytic activity of the latter two pathogens has been characterized but very little is known about peptidases produced by T. forsythia. As a matter of fact, out of two dozen genes putatively encoding secretory proteases in the T. forsythia genome, only two enzymes have been characterized at the protein level. A first one, referred to as PrtH [3,4], is remotely related to caspases [5]; the other, karilysin, resembles matrix metalloproteases. The name karilysin was derived from the name of the Ph.D. student (Karim), who cloned, expressed and characterized the protein and ‘lysin’ reflecting the metallopeptidolytic nature of the enzyme [6]. Karilysin is expressed as a proenzyme (proKly). Consecutive autoproteolytic cleavages at N- and C-terminal segments generate forms of the active enzyme with molecular masses of 48 kDa, 38 kDa, and 18 kDa referred to as Kly48, Kly38, and Kly18, respectively.

    Source:     Science Direct - Tannerella forsythia
    Toxocariasis (Toxocara canis, Toxocara mystax): Toxocarosis
    in humans is caused by the larvae of the dog roundworm Toxocara canis, and recently by the larvae of the cat roundworm Toxocara cati (mystax). Humans are an unspecific host in the case of toxocara infection, with the development of the invasion in this organism being limited only to the larval stage. An infected person should not pose an epidemiological problem. The transmission mechanism is fecal-oral, through the ingestion of contaminated food. It usually occurs during the summer-autumn season. Clinical symptoms depend on the size of the invasion and the location of the process in the body, with inflammatory respiratory processes, damage to the gastrointestinal tract, central nervous system, and eyes being common.

    Source:     Enso Sweeper CT2 Supplemental Guide

    More Info: Wikipedia

    Toxocara canis

    Classification: Animalia > Nematoda > Chromadorea > Rhabditida > Toxocaridae > Toxocara > Toxocara canis
    Morphology & Characteristics:
    Roundworm with thick, pitted eggs. Adults reside in the small intestine of dogs. Eggs are resistant and can survive in the environment for years.
    Pathogenicity & Diseases Caused:
    Causes visceral larva migrans and ocular larva migrans in humans; may cause covert toxocariasis.
    Transmission & Epidemiology:
    Humans, especially children, ingest infective eggs from contaminated soil, hands, or objects. Dogs, especially puppies, are primary hosts; transplacental transmission occurs in canines.
    References:
    • CDC:     Toxocara
    • Wikipedia:     Toxocara canis




    Toxoplasma gondii

    • Classification: Protist > Apicomplexa > Eucoccidiorida > Sarcocystidae > Toxoplasma

    • Morphology & Characteristics: Intracellular protozoan parasite.

    • Pathogenicity & Diseases Caused: Toxoplasmosis; severe in immunocompromised and congenital infections.

    • Transmission & Epidemiology: Ingestion of oocysts from cat feces or undercooked meat. (ScienceDirect)



    Treponema pallidum

    • Classification: Bacteria > Spirochaetes > Spirochaetales > Spirochaetaceae > Treponema

    • Morphology & Characteristics: Gram-negative spirochete; motile by axial filaments.

    • Pathogenicity & Diseases Caused: Syphilis — primary chancre, secondary rash, tertiary gummas.

    • Transmission & Epidemiology: Sexual contact; vertical transmission causes congenital syphilis. (cdc.gov)

    Trypanosoma brucei

    • Classification: Protozoa > Euglenozoa > Kinetoplastida > Trypanosomatidae > Trypanosoma

    • Morphology & Characteristics: Flagellated protozoan; extracellular parasite.

    • Pathogenicity & Diseases Caused: African sleeping sickness — neurological decline, fever, lethargy.

    • Transmission & Epidemiology: Tsetse fly bite; sub-Saharan Africa. (cdc.gov)

    Trypanosoma cruzi

    • Classification: Same as above

    • Pathogenicity & Diseases Caused: Chagas disease — acute febrile illness, chronic cardiomyopathy.

    • Transmission & Epidemiology: Triatomine (kissing bug) feces; Latin America endemic. (cdc.gov)


    Ureaplasma urealyticum

    • Classification: Bacteria > Mollicutes > Mycoplasmatales > Mycoplasmataceae > Ureaplasma

    • Morphology & Characteristics: Smallest free-living bacteria; lacks cell wall; urease positive.

    • Pathogenicity & Diseases Caused: Urethritis, pelvic inflammatory disease, complications in pregnancy.

    • Transmission & Epidemiology: Sexual contact; colonizes urogenital tract. (cdc.gov)

    Varicella-zoster virus (VZV)

    • Classification: Virus > Herpesviridae > Alphaherpesvirinae > Varicellovirus > VZV

    • Morphology & Characteristics: Enveloped, double-stranded DNA virus.

    • Pathogenicity & Diseases Caused: Chickenpox (varicella), shingles (herpes zoster).

    • Transmission & Epidemiology: Respiratory droplets, direct contact; lifelong latency in neurons. (cdc.gov)

    Vibrio cholerae

    • Classification: Bacteria > Proteobacteria > Gammaproteobacteria > Vibrionales > Vibrionaceae > Vibrio

    • Morphology & Characteristics: Gram-negative curved rod; motile by polar flagellum.

    • Pathogenicity & Diseases Caused: Cholera — profuse watery diarrhea, dehydration.

    • Transmission & Epidemiology: Fecal-oral via contaminated water; outbreaks in areas with poor sanitation. (cdc.gov)

    West Nile virus

    • Classification: Virus > Flaviviridae > Flavivirus > West Nile virus

    • Morphology & Characteristics: Enveloped, single-stranded positive-sense RNA virus.

    • Pathogenicity & Diseases Caused: West Nile fever, encephalitis, meningitis.

    • Transmission & Epidemiology: Mosquito-borne (Culex species); endemic in Africa, Europe, North America. (cdc.gov)

    Yersinia pestis

    • Classification: Bacteria > Proteobacteria > Gammaproteobacteria > Enterobacterales > Yersiniaceae > Yersinia

    • Morphology & Characteristics: Gram-negative rod; facultative anaerobe.

    • Pathogenicity & Diseases Caused: Plague — bubonic, septicemic, pneumonic forms.

    • Transmission & Epidemiology: Flea bites, contact with infected animals or humans; endemic in rodents worldwide. (cdc.gov)

    Zika virus

    • Classification: Virus > Flaviviridae > Flavivirus > Zika virus

    • Morphology & Characteristics: Enveloped, positive-sense single-stranded RNA virus.

    • Pathogenicity & Diseases Caused: Zika fever; congenital Zika syndrome (microcephaly).

    • Transmission & Epidemiology: Mosquito-borne (Aedes species), sexual, perinatal transmission. (cdc.gov)

    Actinomyces israelii
    Classification: Bacteria > Actinomycetota > Actinomycetia > Actinomycetales > Actinomycetaceae > Actinomyces > Actinomyces israelii
    Morphology & Characteristics:
    Gram-positive, non–acid-fast, filamentous, branching bacillus. Anaerobic or microaerophilic; forms characteristic “sulfur granules” in infected tissues.
    Pathogenicity & Diseases Caused:
    Causes actinomycosis — a chronic granulomatous infection, typically cervicofacial, but can also affect thoracic and abdominal regions.
    Transmission & Epidemiology:
    Endogenous infection; part of normal flora in the mouth, gut, and female genital tract. Becomes pathogenic when mucosal barriers are disrupted (e.g., dental surgery or trauma).
    References:
    • • Johns Hopkins ABX Guide: Actinomyces
    • • Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Actinomyces_israelii

    🔬 Bordetella pertussis
    Classification: Bacteria > Proteobacteria > Betaproteobacteria > Burkholderiales > Alcaligenaceae > Bordetella > Bordetella pertussis
    Morphology & Characteristics:
    Small, Gram-negative, non-motile, encapsulated coccobacillus. Aerobic and fastidious, requires Bordet-Gengou or Regan-Lowe medium.
    Pathogenicity & Diseases Caused:
    Causes pertussis (whooping cough), a severe respiratory illness with paroxysmal coughing fits and inspiratory "whoop."
    Transmission & Epidemiology:
    Spread via respiratory droplets. Highly contagious. Only humans are known reservoirs.
    References:
    • • CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/pertussis/index.html
    • • Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bordetella_pertussis

    🔬 Bordetella parapertussis
    Classification: Bacteria > Proteobacteria > Betaproteobacteria > Burkholderiales > Alcaligenaceae > Bordetella > Bordetella parapertussis
    Morphology & Characteristics:
    Gram-negative, non-motile coccobacillus. Urease-positive. Less fastidious than B. pertussis.
    Pathogenicity & Diseases Caused:
    Causes a pertussis-like illness, generally milder than classical whooping cough.
    Transmission & Epidemiology:
    Spread via respiratory droplets. Humans are the primary reservoir.
    References:
    • • Canada.ca Pathogen Safety Data Sheet
    • • Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bordetella_parapertussis

    🔬 Capnocytophaga gingivalis
    Classification: Bacteria > Bacteroidota > Flavobacteriia > Flavobacteriales > Flavobacteriaceae > Capnocytophaga > Capnocytophaga gingivalis
    Morphology & Characteristics:
    Gram-negative fusiform bacillus. Capnophilic and exhibits gliding motility.
    Pathogenicity & Diseases Caused:
    Part of normal human oral flora; associated with periodontal disease and occasional systemic infections.
    Transmission & Epidemiology:
    Endogenous infection in immunocompromised individuals or following oral trauma.
    References:
    • • CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/capnocytophaga/index.html
    • • Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Capnocytophaga

    🔬 Capnocytophaga haemolytica
    Classification: Bacteria > Bacteroidota > Flavobacteriia > Flavobacteriales > Flavobacteriaceae > Capnocytophaga > Capnocytophaga haemolytica
    Morphology & Characteristics:
    Gram-negative, fusiform rod. Capnophilic. Exhibits gliding motility.
    Pathogenicity & Diseases Caused:
    Associated with periodontal disease. Rare reports of systemic disease.
    Transmission & Epidemiology:
    Part of oral flora. Opportunistic pathogen.
    References:
    • • CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/capnocytophaga/index.html
    • • Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Capnocytophaga

    🔬 Candida insectamens
    Classification: Fungi > Ascomycota > Saccharomycetes > Saccharomycetales > Saccharomycetaceae > Candida > Candida insectamens
    Morphology & Characteristics:
    Yeast-like fungus. Limited morphological description in current literature.
    Pathogenicity & Diseases Caused:
    No known human infections.
    Transmission & Epidemiology:
    Environmental isolate. No established human transmission.
    References:
    • • NCBI Taxonomy (general reference)
    • • No specific clinical references available

    🔬 Candida pinicola
    Classification: Fungi > Ascomycota > Saccharomycetes > Saccharomycetales > Saccharomycetaceae > Candida > Candida pinicola
    Morphology & Characteristics:
    Yeast-like fungus. Little morphological data available.
    Pathogenicity & Diseases Caused:
    No known association with human disease.
    Transmission & Epidemiology:
    Environmental isolate. Not associated with human transmission.
    References:
    • • NCBI Taxonomy
    • • No specific clinical references available

    🔬 Candida robusta
    Classification: Fungi > Ascomycota > Saccharomycetes > Saccharomycetales > Saccharomycetaceae > Candida > Candida robusta
    Morphology & Characteristics:
    Yeast-like fungus. May be synonymous with or similar to Saccharomyces cerevisiae in some classifications.
    Pathogenicity & Diseases Caused:
    Not typically pathogenic to humans.
    Transmission & Epidemiology:
    Found in food fermentation environments.
    References:
    • • Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Candida_robusta

    🔬 Candida sinolaborantium
    Classification: Fungi > Ascomycota > Saccharomycetes > Saccharomycetales > Saccharomycetaceae > Candida > Candida sinolaborantium
    Morphology & Characteristics:
    Rarely studied yeast; morphology not well described.
    Pathogenicity & Diseases Caused:
    No known clinical significance.
    Transmission & Epidemiology:
    No known routes of transmission or pathogenic impact.
    References:
    • • NCBI Taxonomy
    • • No published disease association

    🔬 Candida terraborum
    Classification: Fungi > Ascomycota > Saccharomycetes > Saccharomycetales > Saccharomycetaceae > Candida > Candida terraborum
    Morphology & Characteristics:
    Environmental yeast species; little documentation on structure.
    Pathogenicity & Diseases Caused:
    No known infections in humans.
    Transmission & Epidemiology:
    Environmental origin; non-pathogenic.
    References:
    • • NCBI Taxonomy
    • • No clinical studies available

    Candida tropicalis
    Classification: Fungi > Ascomycota > Saccharomycetes > Saccharomycetales > Saccharomycetaceae > Candida > Candida tropicalis
    Morphology & Characteristics:
    Yeast-like fungus that can form pseudohyphae and true hyphae. Colonies are typically creamy and smooth.
    Pathogenicity & Diseases Caused:
    Causes candidemia and disseminated candidiasis, particularly in immunocompromised individuals.
    Transmission & Epidemiology:
    Part of normal human flora; infections often endogenous, especially in neutropenic patients.
    References:
    • • CDC: Candida Infections
    • • Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Candida_tropicalis

    🔬 Candida utilis
    Classification: Fungi > Ascomycota > Saccharomycetes > Saccharomycetales > Saccharomycetaceae > Candida > Candida utilis
    Morphology & Characteristics:
    Unicellular yeast; used industrially for biomass production.
    Pathogenicity & Diseases Caused:
    Generally considered non-pathogenic; rare cases of opportunistic infections reported.
    Transmission & Epidemiology:
    Environmental and industrial presence; rare human infections.
    References:
    • • NCBI Taxonomy: Candida utilis
    • • Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Candida_utilis

    🔬 Candida viswanathii
    Classification: Fungi > Ascomycota > Saccharomycetes > Saccharomycetales > Saccharomycetaceae > Candida > Candida viswanathii
    Morphology & Characteristics:
    Yeast forming pseudohyphae; colonies are white to cream-colored.
    Pathogenicity & Diseases Caused:
    Rare cause of candidemia and other invasive infections.
    Transmission & Epidemiology:
    Opportunistic pathogen; infections reported in immunocompromised patients.
    References:
    • • NCBI Taxonomy: Candida viswanathii
    • • PubMed: Candida viswanathii infections

    🔬 Candida zeylanoides
    Classification: Fungi > Ascomycota > Saccharomycetes > Saccharomycetales > Saccharomycetaceae > Candida > Candida zeylanoides
    Morphology & Characteristics:
    Yeast with variable morphology; can form pseudohyphae.
    Pathogenicity & Diseases Caused:
    Occasionally associated with superficial and systemic infections.
    Transmission & Epidemiology:
    Rarely isolated from clinical specimens; opportunistic infections reported.
    References:
    • • NCBI Taxonomy: Candida zeylanoides
    • • PubMed: Candida zeylanoides case reports

    🔬 Capnocytophaga canimorsus
    Classification: Bacteria > Bacteroidota > Flavobacteriia > Flavobacteriales > Flavobacteriaceae > Capnocytophaga > Capnocytophaga canimorsus
    Morphology & Characteristics:
    Gram-negative, fusiform bacillus; capnophilic and exhibits gliding motility.
    Pathogenicity & Diseases Caused:
    Can cause severe infections including sepsis and meningitis, especially after dog bites.
    Transmission & Epidemiology:
    Part of normal oral flora of dogs and cats; transmitted to humans via bites or close contact.
    References:
    • • CDC: Capnocytophaga
    • • Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Capnocytophaga_canimorsus

    🔬 Capnocytophaga cynodegmi
    Classification: Bacteria > Bacteroidota > Flavobacteriia > Flavobacteriales > Flavobacteriaceae > Capnocytophaga > Capnocytophaga cynodegmi
    Morphology & Characteristics:
    Gram-negative, fusiform bacillus; capnophilic and exhibits gliding motility.
    Pathogenicity & Diseases Caused:
    Generally causes mild infections; can lead to wound infections after animal bites.
    Transmission & Epidemiology:
    Normal oral flora of dogs and cats; transmitted to humans via bites or scratches.
    References:
    • • CDC: Capnocytophaga
    • • Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Capnocytophaga_cynodegmi

    🔬 Capnocytophaga ochracea
    Classification: Bacteria > Bacteroidota > Flavobacteriia > Flavobacteriales > Flavobacteriaceae > Capnocytophaga > Capnocytophaga ochracea
    Morphology & Characteristics:
    Gram-negative, fusiform bacillus; capnophilic and exhibits gliding motility.
    Pathogenicity & Diseases Caused:
    Associated with periodontal disease and rare systemic infections.
    Transmission & Epidemiology:
    Part of normal human oral flora; opportunistic pathogen in immunocompromised individuals.
    References:
    • • ScienceDirect: Capnocytophaga ochracea
    • • Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Capnocytophaga_ochracea

    🔬 Capnocytophaga sputigena
    Classification: Bacteria > Bacteroidota > Flavobacteriia > Flavobacteriales > Flavobacteriaceae > Capnocytophaga > Capnocytophaga sputigena
    Morphology & Characteristics:
    Gram-negative, fusiform bacillus; capnophilic and exhibits gliding motility.
    Pathogenicity & Diseases Caused:
    Can cause respiratory tract infections and bacteremia, especially in immunocompromised patients.
    Transmission & Epidemiology:
    Part of normal human oral flora; opportunistic infections reported.
    References:
    • • ScienceDirect: Capnocytophaga sputigena
    • • Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Capnocytophaga_sputigena

    🔬 Capnocytophaga leadbetteri
    Classification: Bacteria > Bacteroidota > Flavobacteriia > Flavobacteriales > Flavobacteriaceae > Capnocytophaga > Capnocytophaga leadbetteri
    Morphology & Characteristics:
    Gram-negative, fusiform bacillus; capnophilic and exhibits gliding motility.
    Pathogenicity & Diseases Caused:
    Rarely associated with human disease; limited clinical information available.
    Transmission & Epidemiology:
    Isolated from human oral cavity; potential opportunistic pathogen.
    References:
    • • NCBI Taxonomy: Capnocytophaga leadbetteri
    • • PubMed: Capnocytophaga leadbetteri

    🔬 Capnocytophaga granulosa
    Classification: Bacteria > Bacteroidota > Flavobacteriia > Flavobacteriales > Flavobacteriaceae > Capnocytophaga > Capnocytophaga granulosa
    Morphology & Characteristics:
    Gram-negative, fusiform bacillus; capnophilic and exhibits gliding motility.
    Pathogenicity & Diseases Caused:
    Limited information; potential role in periodontal disease.
    Transmission & Epidemiology:
    Isolated from human oral cavity; clinical significance not well established.
    References:
    • • NCBI Taxonomy: Capnocytophaga granulosa
    • • PubMed: Capnocytophaga granulosa

    Capillaria hepatica
    Classification: Animalia > Nematoda > Enoplea > Trichocephalida > Capillariidae > Capillaria > Capillaria hepatica
    Morphology & Characteristics:
    Small nematode; adult worms reside in liver parenchyma. Eggs are barrel-shaped with bipolar plugs.
    Pathogenicity & Diseases Caused:
    Causes hepatic capillariasis; can lead to hepatitis and liver fibrosis in humans.
    Transmission & Epidemiology:
    Humans infected via ingestion of embryonated eggs from contaminated soil or food. Rodents are natural hosts.
    References:
    • • CDC: Capillariasis
    • • Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Capillaria_hepatica

    🔬 Capnocytophaga gingivalis
    Classification: Bacteria > Bacteroidota > Flavobacteriia > Flavobacteriales > Flavobacteriaceae > Capnocytophaga > Capnocytophaga gingivalis
    Morphology & Characteristics:
    Gram-negative, fusiform rod with gliding motility; capnophilic.
    Pathogenicity & Diseases Caused:
    Involved in periodontal disease; occasionally isolated from blood in immunocompromised patients.
    Transmission & Epidemiology:
    Normal component of human oral flora; opportunistic infections possible.
    References:
    • • ScienceDirect: Capnocytophaga gingivalis
    • • Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Capnocytophaga

    🔬 Caryospora bigenetica
    Classification: Protista > Apicomplexa > Conoidasida > Eucoccidiorida > Eimeriorina > Eimeriidae > Caryospora > Caryospora bigenetica
    Morphology & Characteristics:
    Coccidian parasite forming oocysts with two sporocysts; affects reptiles and occasionally humans.
    Pathogenicity & Diseases Caused:
    Rare cause of coccidiosis in humans, especially in immunocompromised individuals.
    Transmission & Epidemiology:
    Human infection thought to occur through ingestion of oocysts; lizards are intermediate hosts.
    References:
    • • NCBI: Caryospora bigenetica
    • • PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15357073/

    🔬 Cedecea lapagei
    Classification: Bacteria > Proteobacteria > Gammaproteobacteria > Enterobacterales > Enterobacteriaceae > Cedecea > Cedecea lapagei
    Morphology & Characteristics:
    Gram-negative rod, oxidase-negative, motile, and lactose non-fermenting.
    Pathogenicity & Diseases Caused:
    Rare opportunistic pathogen; associated with pneumonia and bacteremia.
    Transmission & Epidemiology:
    Infections mostly in immunocompromised individuals; exact reservoir not well known.
    References:
    • • NCBI Taxonomy: Cedecea lapagei
    • • Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cedecea

    🔬 Cedecea davisae
    Classification: Bacteria > Proteobacteria > Gammaproteobacteria > Enterobacterales > Enterobacteriaceae > Cedecea > Cedecea davisae
    Morphology & Characteristics:
    Gram-negative rod; resistant to multiple antibiotics; rare enteric bacterium.
    Pathogenicity & Diseases Caused:
    Associated with pneumonia, sepsis, and soft tissue infections.
    Transmission & Epidemiology:
    Opportunistic pathogen; infections in elderly and immunocompromised patients.
    References:
    • • PubMed: Cedecea davisae
    • • Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cedecea

    🔬 Cedecea neteri
    Classification: Bacteria > Proteobacteria > Gammaproteobacteria > Enterobacterales > Enterobacteriaceae > Cedecea > Cedecea neteri
    Morphology & Characteristics:
    Gram-negative, facultatively anaerobic bacillus; highly resistant to antibiotics.
    Pathogenicity & Diseases Caused:
    Rare human pathogen; linked to bacteremia and respiratory infections.
    Transmission & Epidemiology:
    Environmental origin; opportunistic infections in immunocompromised hosts.
    References:
    • • NCBI Taxonomy: Cedecea neteri
    • • Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cedecea

    🔬 Centrocestus formosanus
    Classification: Animalia > Platyhelminthes > Trematoda > Digenea > Heterophyidae > Centrocestus > Centrocestus formosanus
    Morphology & Characteristics:
    Small intestinal fluke with characteristic ventral sucker; encysts in gill tissue of fish.
    Pathogenicity & Diseases Caused:
    Infects the small intestine, causing abdominal pain and diarrhea in humans.
    Transmission & Epidemiology:
    Humans acquire infection by eating raw or undercooked fish with metacercariae.
    References:
    • • CDC: Trematodes
    • • Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Centrocestus_formosanus

    🔬 Cephalobus persegnis
    Classification: Animalia > Nematoda > Chromadorea > Rhabditida > Cephalobidae > Cephalobus > Cephalobus persegnis
    Morphology & Characteristics:
    Free-living nematode; short, cylindrical body with a distinct cephalic region.
    Pathogenicity & Diseases Caused:
    Non-pathogenic to humans; primarily found in soil.
    Transmission & Epidemiology:
    Environmental nematode; no known human infections.
    References:
    • • NCBI Taxonomy: Cephalobus persegnis
    • • WormAtlas: https://www.wormatlas.org/

    🔬 Ceratocystis fimbriata
    Classification: Fungi > Ascomycota > Sordariomycetes > Microascales > Ceratocystidaceae > Ceratocystis > Ceratocystis fimbriata
    Morphology & Characteristics:
    Ascomycete fungus; forms dark fruiting bodies and produces ascospores.
    Pathogenicity & Diseases Caused:
    Causes wilt disease in plants like sweet potatoes, cacao, and coffee.
    Transmission & Epidemiology:
    Spread through infected plant material and insect vectors. Not a human pathogen.
    References:
    • • Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ceratocystis_fimbriata
    • • USDA Fungal Database: https://nt.ars-grin.gov/fungaldatabases/

    🔬 Cercopithifilaria bainae
    Classification: Animalia > Nematoda > Chromadorea > Rhabditida > Onchocercidae > Cercopithifilaria > Cercopithifilaria bainae
    Morphology & Characteristics:
    Filarioid worm; microfilariae found in skin rather than blood.
    Pathogenicity & Diseases Caused:
    Primarily infects dogs; causes dermatitis and subcutaneous nodules.
    Transmission & Epidemiology:
    Transmitted by ticks (e.g., Rhipicephalus sanguineus); not known to infect humans.
    References:
    • • NCBI Taxonomy: Cercopithifilaria bainae
    • • Parasites & Vectors: https://parasitesandvectors.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/

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