https://padlet.com/italiadean851/alqrnggem9434x24 I have chosen "vaginal candidiasis" or more commonly known as a vaginal yeast infection. It's infectious agent is a type of fungi from the Candida Genus, typically Candida albicans. en-us 2023-03-19 19:16:44 UTC 2023-04-28 01:43:05 UTC hello@padlet.com italiadean851 https://padlet.com/italiadean851/alqrnggem9434x24/wish/2522447759 I have chosen "vaginal candidiasis" or more commonly known as a vaginal yeast infection. It's infectious agent is a type of fungi from the Candida Genus, typically Candida albicans. I couldn't find a common name, but I would just say the common name is "yeast"

]]> 2023-03-19 19:26:46 UTC https://padlet.com/italiadean851/alqrnggem9434x24/wish/2522447759 italiadean851 https://padlet.com/italiadean851/alqrnggem9434x24/wish/2532441940 Candidiasis, not specifically vaginal candidiasis, was first described by the Greek physician, Hippocrates, in the fifth century B.C. However, the first microscopic detection was first done by Bernhard von Langenbeck in the 1830s. Candida albicans is a fungi and all candidiasis is a fungal infection. Fungal infections are caused by fungus, and in the case of candidiasis are caused by overgrowth of a yeast, a type of fungi.]]> 2023-03-27 04:25:48 UTC https://padlet.com/italiadean851/alqrnggem9434x24/wish/2532441940 italiadean851 https://padlet.com/italiadean851/alqrnggem9434x24/wish/2547407867 Vaginal candidiasis has low virulence as it is a very common superficial infection. It does lead to pain, irritation, abnormal discharge and inflammation, but not death. However, if the C. albicans is considered an opportunistic pathogen and can lead to death if it enters the bloodstream, with a high mortality rate of 43.6%. I could not find that the virulence changed over time and the definition of virulence I am using is the “relative term describing the severity of the disease.”]]> 2023-04-07 23:07:04 UTC https://padlet.com/italiadean851/alqrnggem9434x24/wish/2547407867 italiadean851 https://padlet.com/italiadean851/alqrnggem9434x24/wish/2556486145 Vaginal candidiasis are handled as a common and low-stakes disease as it is not a deadly disease. The main medical advances for combatting this disease are medications. Most of the medications are meant to target the cell membrane of the fungus, like the class of antifungal agents called azoles. One of azoles, Miconazole is in the popular non-over the counter treatment , Monistat. There haven't been new technologies applied as the treatment for the disease is usually effective or a stronger medication is used.]]> 2023-04-17 06:29:04 UTC https://padlet.com/italiadean851/alqrnggem9434x24/wish/2556486145 italiadean851 https://padlet.com/italiadean851/alqrnggem9434x24/wish/2565229121 Since vaginal yeast infection are not deadly diseases, there are not any major interventions from the government in response to the disease. However, on US Department of Health and Human Services, does provide information about the disease and how to prevent them in the future. The way I could leadership handling this disease in better way is through funding of proper sex education to increase awareness about yeast infections and combat any misinformation that people might have about it.]]> 2023-04-24 06:10:05 UTC https://padlet.com/italiadean851/alqrnggem9434x24/wish/2565229121 italiadean851 https://padlet.com/italiadean851/alqrnggem9434x24/wish/2566541598 As yeast infections are common infections for vagina-having individuals, there is a shared experience among these people. However, due to societal connotations regarding reproductive-related issues, there is a view of yeast infections as “dirty” and “bad” and not as a common infection that can occur for a variety of reasons, like taking antibiotics, diabetes or birth control. So I would argue there is shame related to diseases once they occur. There were not any major changes in society due to these infections, but as information about the disease becomes more commonplace, there is a more perceived concern about maintaining the vaginal flora and not doing actions, like douching or staying in wet clothes, to prevent them. I wasn't able to find how society learned from the physical effect of the disease at all. ]]> 2023-04-25 02:21:57 UTC https://padlet.com/italiadean851/alqrnggem9434x24/wish/2566541598 italiadean851 https://padlet.com/italiadean851/alqrnggem9434x24/wish/2571144071

The most revealing aspect for me was learning about what medical advances were used in treatment of this disease because the fungi naturally exists in the body. I know azoles, like Monistat, were used for treatment, but learning that these medications target the cell wall helps me understand more about the disease and why certain medications are used over others.

The most surprising part of the disease for me was how Candida albicans is a naturally occurring fungi in the human body and it is due to an imbalance of the normal level of the fungi. It makes the disease feel more normal and less shameful and gross.  It is not only interesting to think about a fungi aiding in the body’s microbiome, but how overgrowth of the fungi can cause disease due to regular situations like antibiotics and diabetes. 

I think it could include more insight into the mechanism of the disease and how it spreads throughout the body (if applicable). For example, Candida albicans can cause a range of severity of candidiasis from non-lethal to lethal depending on its location in the body. Also, one key part of C. Albicans' virulence can form biofilms that form a matrix for protection on surfaces, like mucosal surfaces on the vaginal lining.

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