Infectious Diseases

Genital Warts

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is one of the most common causes of sexually transmitted infection (STI) in the world. Health experts estimate there are more cases of genital HPV infection than any other STI in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 6.2 million new cases of sexually transmitted HPV infections are reported every year. At least 20 million people in this country are already infected.

Helminthic Infestations

Parasitic worms or helminths are a division of eukaroytic parasites that, unlike external parasites such as lice and fleas, live inside their host. They are worm-like organisms that live and feed off living hosts, receiving nourishment and protection while disrupting their hosts' nutrient absorption, causing weakness and disease. Those that live inside the digestive tract are called intestinal parasites.

Hepatitis

Viral hepatitis is inflammation of the liver caused by a virus. Hepatitis may start and resolve quickly (acute hepatitis), or cause long-term disease (chronic hepatitis). In some instances, progressive liver damage, liver failure, or even liver cancer may result. There are five identified types of viral hepatitis and each one is caused by a different virus. In the U.S., hepatitis A, hepatitis B and hepatitis C are the most common types. Hepatitis A can be prevented with immunization. Hepatitis B immunization is now recommended for infants, children, health care workers and at risk adults. Only Hepatitis B (CHB) and hepatitis C (CHC) cause ongoing chronic disease. There are 400 million individuals worldwide with CHB and 200 million with CHC. Seventy five percent of those with CHB are of Asian Pacific Islander origin. Approximately 25 to 40 percent of those with chronic disease will go on to develop end stage liver disease of hepatocellular carcinoma. There are close to two million in the US with CHB and five million with CHC. Chronic viral hepatitis accounts for the majority of liver transplants in the U.S. Therapy is available for both CHB and CHC. Broader screening could identify individuals earlier in the course of disease.