General information, not a diagnosis Method and limitations

CompareUseful differences

Compare infectious diseases

The same route of exposure may involve very different agents. Compare the mechanisms and prevention, then consult the original records and sources.

Choose up to four diseases

Agents, Exposures and Prevention

Documentary comparison of 3 diseases; no estimate of individual risk
BenchmarkBabesiosisChagas diseaseLymphatic filariasis
AgentBabesia spp.Trypanosoma cruziWuchereria bandrofti and Brugia spp.
FamilyParasiteParasiteParasite
Paths and contextsVector
Blood and fluids
Vector
Water and food
Blood and fluids
Vector
What distinguishes diseaseInfection of red blood cells transmitted mainly by certain ticks and, more rarely, by transfusion.Parasitosis mainly present in Latin America, transmitted by triatomine bugs but also by other routes.Neglected tropical disease transmitted by mosquitoes and likely to cause lasting damage to the lymphatic system.
PreventionTick protection, body inspection and blood product safety.Vector control, improved habitat, food security and screening for donations and congenital transmission.Community preventive treatment programmes in endemic areas and mosquito protection.
DeepeningForm →
CDC — référence ↗
Form →
WHO — reference
Form →
WHO — reference
Diagnosis and monitoringA microscopic examination of the blood can search for the parasite; specialized analyses complement the balance sheet according to the situation.A normal examination or absence of signs is not sufficient to exclude infection. Mention the former residences and the results available to organize the appropriate assessment.Swelling alone does not confirm the parasitic cause. The history of residence, examination and evaluation of infection and its consequences guide care.
Preparing for an exchange with a professional
  • Piqûres, region and travel
  • Recent infusions
  • Countries and habitats used, whether or not old
  • Pregnancy, transfusion and transplant
  • Residences and stays in transmission area
  • Start of swelling and painful episodes

What this table allows to understand

The selected records cover 1 agent family/families. They share the following routes or contexts in our catalogue: Vector. These associations describe the selected data; they do not measure contagiousness, severity or personal risk.

To review a comparison, choose one row and open the reference for each column. A preventive measure mentioned in one record and absent from another is not necessarily unnecessary in the second situation: the summaries and their scope may differ.

If symptoms occurThe table does not select any test or treatment. A fever after a stay in the malaria area should be reported promptly, even if prevention has been taken.
Understanding agent, vector and exposure →

Further reading

These publications help you verify the concepts discussed. Disease records and directory entries each identify their sources.

The content modification date does not mean that every source has undergone a new medical review. Verification method and scope.