Is Diabetes Infectious? Condition May Spread Through Toxic Meat And Blood Transfusions Like Mad Cow Disease
Diabetes may be contagious and spread through meat or blood transfusions, new research suggests. Ingesting protein 'seeds' may be responsible for the condition's onset, similar to the spread of mad cow disease from cattle to humans via infected beef, the study author claims. When these 'seeds' were given to mice, all of the animals developed type 2 diabetes symptoms within months, the study found. Similar outcomes occurred when the 'seeds' were added to healthy human pancreatic tissue in the lab, the research adds. Yet, while other experts state the findings are intriguing, they add that more research is needed before diabetes can be considered an infectious disease. 'If one disease has the potential to be transmitted in this manner, it is diabetes.' Researchers from the University of Texas injected two-month-old mice in the abdomen with these 'seeds', known as islet amyloid polypeptide (IAPP). IAPP are misshapen proteins that have been shown to accumulate in both human and animals with type 2 diabetes; sometimes before symptoms develop. The mice were genetically modified to produce the human form of IAPP. Results reveal that all of the mice developed symptoms of type 2 diabetes within three months. Similar outcomes occurred when IAPP was added to healthy human pancreatic tissue in the lab. Study author Dr Claudio Soto said: 'I don't want to scare anyone, but I can see this happening in diabetes more easily than it happens in brain diseases, because in brain diseases the spread is limited by the blood-brain barrier. 'If one disease has the potential to be transmitted in this manner, it is diabetes,' The Times reported. 'Treat with a great deal of caution' It is unclear if the same outcomes would occur in humans, however, the researchers believe their findings could have Continue reading >>
Hepatitis And Sex: Frequently Asked Questions
It’s widely known that viral hepatitis can spread though consuming contaminated food or sharing dirty hypodermic needles. But the liver-destroying disease can also sometimes be spread through sexual contact. Here’s what you need to know to protect yourself. How many kinds of viral hepatitis are there? Scientists have identified at least five types of viral hepatitis that lead to liver problems. In the U.S., the main threats are hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C. Can all types be spread by sexual contact? Hepatitis A spreads via fecal-oral contact, which can occur if there is direct oral-anal contact or contact with fingers or objects that have been in or near the anus of an infected person. If even a microscopic amount of virus-laden feces gets into the mouth, infection potentially can result. Hepatitis B (HBV) is 50 to 100 times easier to transmit sexually than HIV ( the virus that causes AIDS). HBV has been found in vaginal secretions, saliva, and semen. Oral sex and especially anal sex, whether it occurs in a heterosexual or homosexual context, are possible ways of transmitting the virus. It is not transmitted by holding hands, hugging, or even dry kissing on the lips. The chance of transmission with deep kissing is unknown, as no infections have been definitively documented after exposure to infected saliva. Yet, since HBV has been found in saliva, the risk of transmission with deep kissing probably exists and the risk increases if one partner wears orthodontic braces or has open cuts or sores in the mouth. The likelihood of becoming infected with HBV grows with the number of sexual partners a person has. Thus, promiscuous individuals are more likely to get HBV. Hepatitis C (HCV) is spread through contact with an infected person’s blood -- which may be Continue reading >>
5 Diseases Which Are Transmitted Through Kissing
An intimate 10 second kiss can transfer over 80 million microorganisms including bacteria and viruses . Although most of the microorganisms are harmless but some can transmit infection from one person to another causing certain diseases including - KISSING DISEASE also known as infectious mononucleosis is caused by Epstein -bar virus and presents with flu like symptoms including fever ,sore throat , fatigue ,muscle weakness and swollen lymph nodes. The age group most affected is 15-30 years of age . Symptoms can last for some days and the disease is self-limiting with no cure as such. GUM DISEASE namely gingivitis and periodontitis is normally a slow progressing , rather painless disease leading to bleeding from gums , loosening of teeth ,bad odour and if left untreated eventual tooth loss . The bacteria associated with gum disease have the potential to infect a healthy mouth if transmitted through saliva of the diseased person. MENINGITIS is inflammation of the protective lining of the brain and spinal cord and can have fatal consequences if not treated properly and promptly . Meningitis can be caused by both bacteria or virus though bacterial infections are less severe COLD AND FLU is the most common infection affecting the populations worldwide . As it is a droplet air borne infection deep kissing can always transmit the disease . HERPES SIMPLEX OR COLD SORES OR FEVER BLISTERS is perhaps the most common viral disease affecting the human race ,with the exception of the viral respiratory infections . Painful blisters form inside and around the mouth and rupture and bleed also .Herpes simplex virus from active lesions can be transmitted to a healthy mouth through exchange of saliva during kissing . Oral sex can also transfer the virus to the genital organs causing genit Continue reading >>
Is Periodontal Disease Contagious?
Research has shown that periodontal disease is caused by the inflammatory reaction to bacteria under the gums, so periodontal disease technically may not be contagious. However, the bacteria that cause the inflammatory reaction can be spread through saliva. This means that if one of your family members has periodontal disease, it’s a good idea to avoid contact with their saliva by not sharing eating utensils or oral health equipment. If you notice that your spouse or a family member has the warning signs of a possible periodontal problem (bleeding, red and swollen gums, or bad breath) you may want to suggest that they see the periodontist for an exam. It may help to protect the oral health of everyone in the family. Continue reading >>
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Sealed With A Kiss — Can Zika Be Transmitted Through Saliva?
A new study shows the Zika virus is present in saliva — but it may not be enough to make you sick. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes there is "no evidence that Zika can be transmitted through saliva during deep kissing." Given the results of research published in the journal, Nature Communications," the agency may need to revise its guidance. Can You Get Zika from Kissing? In the new study, researchers note the presence of the Zika virus in body fluids. Transmitted through multiple modes of sex, via pregnancy, and most commonly — by mosquito — scientists are evaluating the oral route, through saliva. In this study, the team from the University of Wisconsin-Madison used monkeys to understand better if saliva can transmit Zika, and if so, how worrisome is it? To find out, the researchers swabbed the tonsils of five uninfected monkeys with saliva concentrated from three infected monkeys to make a high viral dose. And by saying concentrated, the researchers really mean it — the dose was 80,000 times greater than naturally occurring in the saliva of the infected monkeys. Researchers used the Zika strain circulating predominantly in South and North America at present. Why the tonsils? Because they are commonly harbor virus in other infections, including Epstein-Barr and the flu. The result of this stage of the experiment showed that none of the saliva-swabbed monkeys developed an infection. Two other monkeys whose eyes and nose were swabbed with saliva also did not develop an infection. When assessing the oral transmission route, scientists wrote that "diluting Zika virus in saliva results in a statistically significant reduction" in the viral load in the saliva. To test direct exposure, researchers swabbed the tonsils of uninfected monkeys with the Continue reading >>
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Diabetes Could Be Detected In Seconds Using Saliva And A Smartphone
Diabetes can be detected in a saliva sample using a revolutionary new smartphone device. Researchers say the device - which should be available within two years - will provide immediate results and could be used to diagnose the problem in low-income areas. It was developed by scientists at Tec de Monterrey in Mexico with colleagues at the University of Houston in the US. They say what makes the new development unique is that it is adaptable to mobile phones and gives results in a few seconds, avoiding the use of needles. It is a cartridge adaptable to a mobile that records if a compound is present in saliva, which becomes visible if the patient has diabetes. Project coordinator Doctor Marco Antonio Rite Palomares, director of the Biotechnology Center at Tec de Monterrey, said: “It’s as simple as pregnancy tests, where the specific marker shows in a few seconds.” He said the project is planned to be completed within two years, adding: “We wanted a device which could identify a biomarker in a sample of saliva, and it had to emit fluorescent light so a phone camera could record it. “While the idea is to make the patient’s life easier, we also want to bring health care to the low-income population, helping to make and early detection before it can lead to more problems and take action to prevent high costs for the population and the government.” Now the developers are seeking a group who may be interested in the mass production of the device. Continue reading >>
4 Diseases You Can Catch From Kissing
Knowing a potential significant other’s sexually transmitted disease status is mandatory these days. But is there even more to be concerned about? It seems as though before you even kiss goodnight, you may want to check your date’s dental records. Studies show that cavities and gum disease are contagious—and can be transmitted through swapping spit, just like colds and flu. In fact, some experts estimate that up to 500 different germs can be transmitted in a single kiss. Saliva and the mouth are full of viruses and bacteria, including some that cause cavities and gum disease. Kissing a partner who is actively infected with gum disease or cavity-causing bacteria can cause a person who previously had a low concentration of these bacteria to ‘catch’ problems, due to the extra dose of bacteria from kissing—particularly if that person has poor oral habits that set the stage for tooth decay. Get The LATEST Articles Straight To Your Inbox! 1. Periodontitis In a dental care article published in the Journal of the American Dental Association, it was revealed that periodontitis might be passed from parents to children and between intimate partners. The bacteria that inhabit the periodontal pockets are also present on the oral soft tissues, teeth, tongue and saliva. They can be transferred from one person to another through saliva, intimate kissing, sharing of food, utensils, or toothbrushes, and can result in exposure to saliva that contain the bacteria that cause periodontal disease. 2. Cold sores Cold sores are caused by Herpes Simplex Virus-1 (HSV-1). In contrast to infections spread through the saliva, HSV-1 is spread through open cold sores on the lips or near the mouth. Although the infection is contagious through all stages of a cold sore, the infection is most Continue reading >>
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Diabetes Health Advice
Is Diabetes Transferable? Diabetes is characterized by increased blood sugar or blood glucose levels. Glucose is obtained from the food that is consumed. The glucose gives the cells the energy they need to perform various functions. The hormone insulin aids in this process. In type 1 diabetes, the body is unable to produce insulin. In type 2 diabetes, the body either does not produce or cannot use the insulin properly. Type 2 diabetes is also known as diabetes mellitus and is the more common of both types. When there is an inadequate amount of insulin in the body, the glucose remains in the blood, thereby elevating blood sugar levels. Diabetes health risks are many. If the glucose remains in the blood over time, many serious complications such as kidney, eye and nerve damage can occur. Gestational diabetes is another type of diabetes that occurs in pregnant women due to the effect of hormonal changes. Diabetes health problems can occur in any type of diabetes. These problems develop when an individual is unable to manage diabetes properly. A common complication that occurs in diabetic individuals is hyperglycemia which is characterized by excessively high blood sugar levels. If left untreated, conditions such as kidney failure, nerve damage and blindness can occur. Unmanaged diabetes can also lead to high cholesterol and elevated blood pressure. This contributes to circulation disorders and heart disease. Diabetes often leads to frequent infections since the immune system is affected. Intake of too much insulin can lead to hypoglycemia wherein dizziness, headache, sweating and fainting can occur. The diabetes health plan involves proper diet, lifestyle modifications and medication. Type 2 diabetes is initially treated with dietary changes, regular exercise and weight re Continue reading >>
Can Tb Spread By Kissing? (query)
I am a 30-year-old woman. I have read somewhere that you should stay away from people suffering from TB. However, I kissed a person suffering from TB. I was not aware that the person has TB. I have heard that it is a contagious disease. Can TB spread by kissing? I am very worried. Please answer my question at the earliest. The query is answered by Dr Kirti Sabnis, Infectious Disease Physician, Fortis Hospital, Mulund & Kalyan. This is one of the most common queries that people have about TB. Unlike popular belief, TB is not spread through sexual contact and is not a sexually transmitted disease. Also, the TB bacterium is not transmitted by kissing or skin contact. In fact, some people also think that TB can be spread through food and water, but it is not true. Moreover, TB does not spread by touching the surface of objects like toilet seats or even sharing a toothbrush. But if you still have a doubt, visit your doctor and get tested for TB. Here are 9 symptoms of TB you should look out for. Am I at risk of TB? Tuberculosis(TB) has been prevalent since ages and has emerged as a deadly and highly contagious disease. TB is caused by a bacterium named ‘Mycobacterium Tuberculosis’. This bacteria usually affects the lungs but it can also impact the brain, joints and other organs. Tuberculosis is an airborne disease and hence, can be contracted if a person breathes in the air that a TB patient has coughed out. However, it requires close contact with person tested positive for TB (sputum positive case) to get infected. You are likely to contract the disease if you are living in the same house as an untreated person. People who are at a risk of getting the infection include infants and children below four years of age due to low immunity and even adults with a weaker immune Continue reading >>
Zika May Be Transmitted By Oral Sex, Scientists Find
Scientists raised the possibility that the Zika virus can be transmitted by oral sex — perhaps even by kissing — on Friday in a letter to The New England Journal of Medicine describing one such case in France. A single incident may seem trivial. But until early this year, there was only one known instance of sexual transmission of the Zika virus — a 2008 case in which a mosquito researcher just back from Africa infected his wife in Colorado. Now scientists believe that sexual transmission is an important driver of the Zika epidemic in the Americas. Cases have been reported in 10 countries where no mosquitoes carry the virus, including France, Germany, Italy, Portugal and New Zealand. In the French case, a 46-year-old man returned to Paris from Rio de Janeiro on Feb. 10, shortly after experiencing Zika symptoms in Brazil — fever, headache and a rash — that had just ended when he reached France. He and a 24-year-old partner had sex seven times between Feb. 11 and Feb. 20, each involving vaginal sex without ejaculation and oral sex with ejaculation. The woman fell ill on Feb. 20. Both were tested for Zika infection on Feb. 23. The man had high levels of the virus in his semen and urine, but none in his blood or saliva. The woman had the virus in her urine and saliva, and antibodies to the virus in her blood. But a vaginal swab was negative for the infection. The two were using oral sex as a form of birth control, said Dr. Yazdan Yazdanpanah, an infectious disease specialist at the National Institute of Health and Medical Research in Paris and one of the report’s authors. “I don’t think this changes anything, but it shows you how elaborate the number of avenues of possible transmission can be,” said Dr. William Schaffner, head of preventive medicine at Van Continue reading >>
No Harm In Having Oral Sex With A Diabetic
That cunnilingus with a diabetic leads to rise in sugar levels is a myth. Self assumptions are fraught with risks. Oral sex with the female vagina is called cunnilingus. It’s a form of sexual variation used by couples from time to time. It’s usually used as a part of foreplay to increase sexual stimulation. It may lead to orgasm in some females. That cunnilingus with a diabetic leads to rise in sugar levels is a myth. Self assumptions are fraught with risks. Oral sex with the female vagina is called cunnilingus. It’s a form of sexual variation used by couples from time to time. It’s usually used as a part of foreplay to increase sexual stimulation. It may lead to orgasm in some females. Diabetes is not transmitted sexually; hence there is no harm in having oral sex with a diabetic. Diabetes is a disorder caused due to malfunctioning of the pancreas. This leads to abnormal sugar levels in the blood. It may have genetic basis. Well controlled diabetes has no action on the sex life. Poorly controlled sugars can cause problems with sex desire and erection. It may also result in infections. Continue reading >>
Diabetes And Gum Disease
Overview Dental disease is infectious. It can be transmitted through the sharing of utensils, toothbrushes and anything else that permits the exchange of saliva. There is no “vaccine” for preventing dental disease. Dental disease prevention requires active involvement of both the patient and a dentist. It includes regular examinations (with X-rays), diagnosis and treatment planning by a dentist, fluoride applications as needed, dental sealants and restorative treatment. Patient education, healthy dietary habits and daily oral hygiene practices are also important. TOP What is periodontal disease? Severe periodontal (gum) disease often leads to tooth loss, but recent scientific research suggests a link to a variety of common, non-oral health conditions, including heart disease. Our teeth are covered with a sticky film of bacteria called plaque. Brushing after meals and snacks and flossing between teeth daily helps remove plaque. Plaque that is not removed may harden into calculus. When calculus accumulates either above or below the gumline, the gum tissue becomes irritated and inflamed. The early stage of periodontal (gum) disease is called gingivitis. Symptoms of periodontal disease include: Persistent bad breath Gums that bleed when teeth are brushed Red, swollen and tender gums Gums that have pulled away from the teeth Loose or separating teeth Pus between the gum and tooth A change in one’s bite Periodontal diseases are serious bacterial infections that destroy the attachment fibers and supporting bone that hold your teeth in your mouth. When this happens, gums separate from the teeth, forming pockets that fill with plaque and even more infection. The more advanced the disease, the deeper the pockets. Diabetes and gum disease While severe periodontal disease oft Continue reading >>
Facts About Tuberculosis (tb)
What is TB? Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease caused by germs that are spread from person to person through the air. TB usually affects the lungs, but it can also affect other parts of the body, such as the brain, the kidneys, or the spine. What Are the Symptoms of TB? The general symptoms of TB disease include feeling tired, weight loss, fever, and night sweats. The symptoms of TB disease of the lungs also include a bad cough that does not improve and lasts 3 weeks or more, chest pain, and coughing up blood. Symptoms of TB disease occurring outside of the lungs depend on the area affected. Since symptoms of TB usually start gradually, often TB is not suspected or is first diagnosed as another illness. How Does TB Spread? TB is spread through the air from one person to another. The TB germs enter the air when a person with active TB disease of the lungs or throat coughs, sneezes, speaks, or sings. People nearby may breathe in these germs and become infected. Those at highest risk of becoming infected with TB include people who share a home or spend a lot of time with a person who has infectious TB disease, such as family members, coworkers, and close friends. TB is NOT spread by shaking someone’s hand, sharing food or drink, touching bed linens or toilet seats, sharing toothbrushes or kissing. Not everyone who has the TB germ in their body becomes sick. Two TB-related conditions exist: latent TB infection and active TB disease. What is the Difference Between Latent TB Infection (LTBI) and TB Disease? People with latent TB infection have TB germs in their bodies, but they do not have symptoms of TB disease and can’t spread the germs to others. Since they may develop TB disease in the future, people with LTBI are often treated to prevent them from developing Continue reading >>
Does Tb Spread Through Kissing And Sex?
Answered by: Prof S Parija | Professor & Head, Dept. Of Microbiology, JIPMER, Pondicherry Q: I was successfully treated for tuberculosis (TB) 11 years back. I have developed symptoms again now, in spite of following a healthy lifestyle. My husband's family (sister, grandmother, father) have suffered from TB (before we were married). Is it possible for a person with latent infection to spread TB through sex/kissing? Is it possible that I could have contracted TB again? I am HIV negative? I have never skipped or forgotten to take the medicine. I took the full course as prescribed by the doctor. Please advise. A:Productive cough, fever and weight loss are typical symptoms of pulmonary tuberculosis. Haemoptysis or chest pain, night sweats, fatigue or anorexia are the other systemic manifestations. The sputum may be scanty, or bloody and purulent, and as a result is usually associated with cavitatory lesions in the lung. Pulmonary tuberculosis may manifest in various forms including progressive pulmonary disease, involvement of pleura and reactivated pulmonary disease. Post primary (secondary) tuberculosis is caused either by reactivation of latent infection or by exogenous reinfection. Reactivation of primary lesion occurs more commonly in patients with decreased immunity such as patients receiving transplants, patients infected with human immuno deficiency virus (HIV), and in the elderly patients. Humans are the only source and reservoir for M. tuberculosis infection. The infectiousness of the source is of primary importance, which determines the possibility of transmission of the disease. This depends on bacillary load of lesions and also on the morphology of the lesion. Lesions with cavities have 100 – 10,000 bacilli, therefore, cases with cavitatory lesions are potent Continue reading >>
How Is Hiv Transmitted?
Myths persist about how HIV is transmitted. It’s important to get the facts about how HIV is passed from one person to another. How Is HIV Transmitted? You can get or transmit HIV only through specific activities. Most commonly, people get or transmit HIV through sexual behaviors and needle or syringe use. Only certain body fluids—blood, semen, pre-seminal fluid, rectal fluids, vaginal fluids, and breast milk—from a person who has HIV can transmit HIV. These fluids must come in contact with a mucous membrane or damaged tissue or be directly injected into the bloodstream (from a needle or syringe) for transmission to occur. Mucous membranes are found inside the rectum, vagina, penis, and mouth. In the United States, HIV is spread mainly by Having anal or vaginal sex with someone who has HIV without using a condom or taking medicines to prevent or treat HIV. For the HIV-negative partner, receptive anal sex (bottoming) is the highest-risk sexual behavior, but you can also get HIV from insertive anal sex (topping). Either partner can get HIV through vaginal sex, though it is less risky for getting HIV than receptive anal sex. Sharing needles or syringes, rinse water, or other equipment (works) used to prepare drugs for injection with someone who has HIV. HIV can live in a used needle up to 42 days depending on temperature and other factors. Less commonly, HIV may be spread From mother to child during pregnancy, birth, or breastfeeding. Although the risk can be high if a mother is living with HIV and not taking medicine, recommendations to test all pregnant women for HIV and start HIV treatment immediately have lowered the number of babies who are born with HIV. By being stuck with an HIV-contaminated needle or other sharp object. This is a risk mainly for health care Continue reading >>
