Infectious Deseases

Hardly a day goes by without news headlines concerning infectious disease threats. Currently the spectre of a pandemic of influenza A|H1N1 is raising its head, and heated debates are taking place about the pro’s and con’s of vaccinating young girls against human papilloma virus. For an evidence-based and responsible communication of infectious disease topics to avoid misunderstandings and overreaction of the public, we need solid scientific knowledge and an understanding of all aspects of infectious diseases and their control.

The novel viral pandemic coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has sparked uncertainties and controversies as to its origin, epidemiology, and natural course. In this situation, the medical disciplines have strived to contribute to a better understanding of the disease with the best available evidence gained from the scientific method of observation and statistics. The study of the cutaneous manifestations of COVID-19 has evolved with the hope that they may be useful as markers for the disease, for prognostication, and further insights into the pathogenesis of the disease manifestations. In the wake of COVID-19, we have decided to take a more general look at the hair and scalp in infectious disease. Specifically, we must recognize that infectious diseases have wider preconditions besides the infectious agents, to include environmental and societal factors. Unless we also take account of the ecological, immunological, and behavioral circumstances that affect the emergence and spread of infectious diseases, including those of the hair and scalp, our knowledge of the pathogens and their connection to clinical disease presentation remain only partial and incomplete.

The novel viral pandemic coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has sparked uncertainties and controversies as to its origin, epidemiology, and natural course. In this situation, the medical disciplines have strived to contribute to a better understanding of the disease with the best available evidence gained from the scientific method of observation and statistics. The study of the cutaneous manifestations of COVID-19 has evolved with the hope that they may be useful as markers for the disease, for prognostication, and further insights into the pathogenesis of the disease manifestations. In the wake of COVID-19, we have decided to take a more general look at the hair and scalp in infectious disease. Specifically, we must recognize that infectious diseases have wider preconditions besides the infectious agents, to include environmental and societal factors. Unless we also take account of the ecological, immunological, and behavioral circumstances that affect the emergence and spread of infectious diseases, including those of the hair and scalp, our knowledge of the pathogens and their connection to clinical disease presentation remain only partial and incomplete.

TLR4 is one of the most important innate immunity receptors, its function mainly consisting in the activation of inflammatory pathways in response to stimulation by Pathogen-Associated Molecular Patterns (PAMPs) and Damage Associated Molecular Pattern molecules (DAMPs).