Infections are processes in the body that are caused by pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, fungi or parasites. These microorganisms can enter the body, multiply and cause disease by impairing the normal function of tissues or organs. Infectious diseases are extremely diverse and can cause general symptoms such as fever, fatigue, muscle pain and loss of appetite. The specific symptoms vary depending on the location and type of infection (German translation: Infektion), e.g. cough and shortness of breath in the case of respiratory infections or vomiting and diarrhea in the case of intestinal infections.

Basic characteristics of infections:

• Pathogenicity (German translation: Pathogenität): The ability of a pathogen to cause disease. Some microorganisms are obligate pathogens and can cause disease in almost all people they come into contact with, while others can only cause infections under certain conditions (facultative pathogens).
• Source of infection: Infections can be transmitted in various ways, e.g. through direct contact with an infected person or animal, airborne droplets, contaminated food or water, or insect bites.
• Incubation period (German: Inkubationszeit): The time between the initial infection and the first symptoms of the disease appearing. Depending on the type of infection, this period can range from a few hours to weeks or even years.
• Spread: Infections can be local (limited to one area, e.g. skin infection) or systemic (spread throughout the body, e.g. sepsis).

Depending on the pathogen, infections are treated with different drugs. It is important to use them strictly according to the doctor’s instructions to prevent the pathogens from developing resistance.

• Antibiotics: Antibiotics are used to treat bacterial infections, e.g. streptococcal infections.
• Antiviral medication: Effective against some viral infections such as influenza or HIV.
• Antifungals: For the treatment of infections caused by fungi.
• Antiparasitics: For the treatment of infections caused by parasites, such as threadworm infestations.

There are various effective methods to prevent the spread of infectious diseases. Hygiene measures such as regular hand washing, use of disinfectants, cooking food to a safe temperature and avoiding contact with infected persons all help to prevent the transmission of pathogens. Wearing protective equipment such as face masks or gloves can also curb the spread of communicable diseases. One of the most effective means of preventing many infectious diseases is vaccines (German: Impfstoffe), which, e.g., protect against infection with hepatitis B.

Understanding infections and how to prevent and treat them is critical to public health and protecting individuals from a variety of diseases.

At GMP-inspection.com, you can order professional pharmaceutical translations of your documents and book a pharmaceutical interpreter to accompany you and the team of inspectors during your GMP inspection. We are happy to support you, simply contact us by email or telephone.

In addition, we are also happy to provide you with consultancy services in the run-up to a GMP inspection, representation of international pharmaceutical companies and distribution of their products in Germany. Thanks to our long-standing cooperation with many pharmaceutical companies around the world, we can also support you if you are looking for a new career challenge in the pharmaceutical industry.