Abstract Varicella-zoster virus (VZV) causes primary varicella, a common childhood illness called chickenpox. This virus establishes latency and may reactivate later in life, causing herpes zoster, which is commonly called shingles or simply zoster. Although both chickenpox and zoster usually…
Acknowledgment The authors acknowledge Alison Margaret Kesson for her contributions as author of a prior version of this chapter. Abstract Rubella (German measles), a leading cause of vaccine-preventable birth defects, is an acute viral infection that can affect people of…
Acknowledgment The authors acknowledge the work of Alison Margaret Kesson on the previous edition chapter. Abstract Mumps is an acute, highly contagious systemic viral infection and the leading cause of parotitis worldwide. The most common clinical manifestation is nonsuppurative inflammation…
Abstract Measles (rubeola) is an extremely contagious, prolonged respiratory and systemic viral illness characterized by high fever, an erythematous maculopapular rash, cough, coryza, and conjunctivitis. Measles infects the immune system and leads to continued susceptibility to other pathogens long after…
Acknowledgment The author acknowledges S. Michael Marcy and Susan Partridge for their contribution to the previous edition chapter. Abstract Rotavirus infections are the most common cause of severe dehydrating gastroenteritis worldwide. In developing countries, virtually all children have been infected…
Abstract Influenza is a viral infection characterized by abrupt onset of fever, chills, myalgias, and respiratory symptoms such as cough, sore throat, and rhinitis. Influenza viruses, types A and B, cause annual epidemics worldwide leading to a substantial morbidity and…
Abstract In the early 20th century, poliomyelitis was one of the most feared illnesses of humans, in part because it affected previously healthy individuals with little or no warning and could result in devastating paralysis. Although the disease was once…
Acknowledgment The author acknowledges Anjali N. Kunz for contributions to the previous edition. Abstract Neisseria meningitidis is both a commensal organism of the upper respiratory tract and a significant pathogen for humans. It causes devastating disease with significant morbidity and…
Abstract Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus) is a gram-positive encapsulated bacterium that causes significant morbidity and mortality across all age groups. S. pneumoniae can be carried asymptomatically in the nasopharynx, and it can cause a wide range of diseases from upper respiratory…
Abstract Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) was a leading cause of bacterial sepsis and meningitis in children before the widespread availability of conjugate vaccines. Globally, the burden and incidence of Hib disease has dramatically declined with increases in vaccine uptake.…