Diseases of Public Health Significance

Hepatitis C (hep C) is an infection of the liver, caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV).

Echinococcus multilocularis (E. multilocularis) infection is caused by eating the eggs of tapeworms called E. multilocularis. These tapeworms can cause disease in humans and animals. They are often found in the intestines of dogs, wild canines (e.g., coyotes, foxes, wolves), and rodents.

Les entérobactéries sont un groupe de bactéries (germes) qui se retrouvent naturellement dans les intestins. Ces bactéries se retrouvent aussi dans l’environnement. Les EPC sont un type d’entérobactéries qui produisent des enzymes appelées carbapénèmases. Ces enzymes peuvent décomposer de nombreux types d’antibiotiques (médicaments luttant contre les bactéries), rendant ainsi les bactéries très résistantes et difficiles à traiter.

Blastomycosis is an infection caused by a group of fungus called Blastomyces. The fungus is usually found in wet soil in wooded areas near water and rotting plants. It grows as mould in the soil, and once it enters the body it grows as yeast. The fungus often causes an infection in the lungs. It can also affect other areas such as the skin and bone.

Acute flaccid paralysis (AFP) describes a group of conditions with set symptoms. AFP is identified by the sudden weakening or loss of muscle tone in children less than 15 years old, without a clear cause.

Enterobacteriaceae are a group of bacteria (germs), many of which live naturally in our bowels. These germs are also found in the environment. CPE is a type of enterobacteriaceae that makes carbapenemase enzymes. These enzymes can break down many types of antibiotics (medications that fight bacteria).

Invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) is a serious infection caused by the bacteria, Neisseria meningitidis. Up to 10% of the population carry the bacteria at the back of their throat or nose without ever getting sick. In rare cases, IMD can cause an infection of the lining of the brain and spinal cord (meningitis) and/or an infection of the bloodstream (septicemia).

La bactérie Campylobacter est présente notamment chez la volaille, le bétail, les porcs, les moutons, les chats, les chiens et les rongeurs.