The Patient Page

JAMA patient page. Syphilis.

Syphilis Syphilis, a disease caused by the Treponema pallidum bacterium continues to be an important public health problem. Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) and can be transmitted by all types of intimate contact including genital, oral, and anal sex. Use of a condom during all sexual activity can reduce the risk of infection. Individuals who are infected with the human immuno...

JAMA patient page. Depression.

JAMA patient page. Smallpox.

Smallpox is a viral infection caused by the Variola virus (an Orthopoxvirus) that can affect people of all ages. Smallpox is contagious and has a 30% fatality rate. The infection manifests with a fever, which precedes the development of a progressive rash that occurs all over the body starting in the mouth and on the face. The rash appears as firm, fluid-filled, and singularly dimpled bumps tha...

JAMA patient page. Osteomyelitis.

Osteomyelitis is an inflammation of bone caused by an infecting organism. The infection may be limited to a single portion of the bone or may involve multiple areas. The infection is generally due to a single organism, but polymicrobial infections (caused by different and multiple bacteria or fungi) can occur, especially in patients with diabetes. Persons of any age can develop a bone infection...

Cardiology patient page. Diseases of the veins.

Three sets of vessels comprise the circulatory system: arteries, lymphatics, and veins. Arteries bring oxygencarrying blood from the heart to the tissues. In the normal course of blood circulation, small amounts of fluid and protein leak from arteries and veins. Lymphatic vessels bring this protein-rich fluid back into the circulation. The third type of blood vessel is the vein. Veins bring oxy...