Leishmaniasis
A parasitic disease that is spread by the bite of sand flies infected with the protozoa Leishmania. There are several forms of leishmaniasis, the most common being cutaneous and visceral leishmaniasis (known as kala-azar). The cutaneous form of the disease causes skin sores and is usually named for a geographic place (for example, Jericho boil, Baghdad button, Delhi sore). Visceral leishmaniasis affects the internal organs of the body and can be fatal. See also kala-azar.
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A potentially lethal form of sore throat caused by the bacterium Fusobacterium necrophorum, a common inhabitant of the mouth. This disease vanished with the advent of antibiotics but then returned decades later. It has been called the “forgotten disease.” Lemierre syndrome develops most often after a strep sore throat has created a peritonsillar abscess, a […]
- Lennox syndrome
A severe form of epilepsy that is characterized by the onset in early childhood of frequent seizures of multiple types, developmental delay, a particular brain wave pattern (a slow spike-and-wave pattern), and behavioral disturbances with poor social skills and attention-seeking behavior. The types of seizures may include tonic (stiffening of the body, upward deviation of […]
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A severe form of epilepsy that usually begins in early childhood. It is characterized by frequent seizures of multiple types, mental impairment, and a slow spike-and-wave pattern seen on an EEG. The seizures are notoriously hard to treat and may lead to falls and injuries. Treatment involves anti-epileptic medications.
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The transparent structure inside the eye that focuses light rays onto the retina.
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