Fungi: Fungal Diseases

About 1.2 million known species of fungi are everywhere in our environment. Some fungi live on skin and mucous membranes, others are very tasty or are used for medicinal purposes. Only a few hundred fungi can cause disease. It is not always easy to track down these culprits. Fungi are life forms that belong neither … Fungi: Fungal Diseases

Mushrooms: Mushroom Poisoning (Mycetism)

Mushroom poisoning is usually caused by components in mushrooms (mycotoxins) that are ingested when supposedly edible mushrooms are eaten. However, the actual number of these cases is much lower than the level of awareness of mushroom poisoning would suggest. The consequences, however, can be serious, leading in particular to liver failure and even death. Caution … Mushrooms: Mushroom Poisoning (Mycetism)

Infectious Disease

There are innumerable pathogens that differ in name, makeup, disease-causing mechanism, and malignancy. Drugs exist for many of these evildoers – whether to treat sick people or to protect large populations. Bacteria, viruses, fungi are the first that come to mind when we are asked to list pathogens, but there are more – prions that … Infectious Disease

Types of Infectious Diseases

Whether in the eye the conjunctiva, in the ear the middle ear or in the mouth teeth and gums – everything can become infected. Especially nose, throat, bronchial tubes and lungs are often affected: Cold or flu, bronchitis, sinusitis or pneumonia are well-known diseases – whether caused by pneumococci, SARS or Legionnaires’ disease. Tuberculosis is … Types of Infectious Diseases

Infectious Diseases: Treatment and Therapy

For each infectious disease there is a special procedure with vaccinations, medications and other measures – more details can be found with the respective disease. Antibiotics such as penicillin, antivirals and drugs against other pathogens should always be taken in consultation with a doctor and for a sufficiently long time, because these drugs are not … Infectious Diseases: Treatment and Therapy

Amphotericin B: Effects and Side Effects

Products Amphotericin B is available in tablet, lozenge, suspension, and injection forms (Ampho-Moronal, Fungizone). It has been approved in many countries since 1964. This article refers to its use in the mouth and digestive system. Structure and properties Amphotericin B (C47H73NO17, Mr = 924 g/mol) is a mixture of antifungal polyenes obtained from certain strains … Amphotericin B: Effects and Side Effects

Skin and Hair

At just under two square meters, the skin is our largest organ. It has many tasks: Among other things, it protects us from heat and cold, is a sensory organ and demarcates our body from the environment. In addition, it shapes the appearance of each individual quite significantly – which is why skin diseases are … Skin and Hair

Sorbic Acid

Products Sorbic acid is contained in many medicinal products as an excipient. This is in liquid, semi-solid as well as solid dosage forms. Structure and properties Sorbic acid (C6H8O2, Mr = 112.1 g/mol) exists as a white crystalline powder that is sparingly soluble in water. It is readily soluble in ethanol 96%. Also used are … Sorbic Acid

Formaldehyde

Products Specialty retailers can order formaldehyde solutions from specialized suppliers. Structure and properties Formaldehyde (CH2O, Mr = 30.03 g/mol) is the simplest representative from the substance group of aldehydes, which exists as a gas. The boiling point is -19 °C. Formaldehyde oxidizes easily to formic acid. It can be obtained by the oxidation of methanol. … Formaldehyde

Sodium Sulfite

Products Sodium sulfite is used as an excipient in pharmaceuticals. It is also used for food and cosmetics. Structure and properties Pharmacopoeially monographed sodium sulfite heptahydrate (Na2SO3 – 7 H2O, Mr = 252.2 g/mol) exists as colorless crystals and is readily soluble in water. It can be prepared with, for example, sulfur dioxide and sodium … Sodium Sulfite

Microorganisms in Food

Microorganisms (bacteria, fungi and yeasts) are usually involved in the spoilage of food. These microorganisms decompose the food until it is inedible. Sometimes dangerous pathogens can also multiply in food, leading to dangerous food infections, such as salmonella. Microorganisms, which include bacteria, fungi and yeasts, are microorganisms that accompany us everywhere in everyday life. There … Microorganisms in Food