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Rare Diseases

Rare diseases, also known as orphan diseases, generally have a very low occurrence. In the United States, fewer than 200,000 cases of such illnesses take place. In Europe, about 5 in 10,000 individuals are affected by a rare disorder in a year's time. This type of disease is so uncommon that a practicing physician will hardly see about one or two such cases a year. Rare diseases, however, may be prevalent differently in various populations. For instance, they may be more common in one community compared to another depending on that culture's activities or lifestyle. Religious beliefs also play a role if the group is affected as a whole.

At present, there are about 5,000 to 8,000 known types of rare diseases. Many different reasons can give rise to this type of a condition. Toxicity to poisonous agent such as arsenic or ingestion of an unknown substance may give rise to such a condition. Rare disease that is originated from infections and genetic linkages may be life threatening, and affected individuals have a potential risk of passing on the disease to the next generation. Toxic shock syndrome, toxoplasmosis, congenital adrenal hyperplasia, and Tay-Sachs disease are rare diseases that are discussed here. Because these conditions are so rare, the population as a whole is usually not affected. On the other hand, the low prevalence of rare diseases has resulted in ignorance of research and lack of enough information for a long time.

Toxic Shock Syndrome

Toxic shock syndrome is a rare illness due to a bacterial infection. The bacteria staphylococcal or streptococcal cause an infection by releasing toxins in the patient's bloodstream. Bacterial infection can be due to various reasons. Superabsorbent tampons were linked to staphylococcal infections in the 1980s and their sale was ceased. Streptococcus lives on human skin and may find entry into the blood stream through a lesion. Infection from this bacterium is usually observed after a skin cut, wound, or a surgical incision. Toxic shock syndrome is a life-threatening condition because it possesses a threat for a severe drop in the patient's blood pressure. It can prove to be a fatal condition if left untreated.

Toxoplasmosis

Toxoplasmosis is a type of infection caused by the parasite Toxoplasma gondii. This parasite has a potential of infecting all types of warm-blooded animals—hu-mans, birds, and mammals. However, cats serve as the main host source of infection. Pregnant women and immunocompromised (those with weakened immune system) individuals are most susceptible. Toxoplasma gondii is found in cat litter, hence, pregnant women are advised not to be around cats. If they have a pet, it is recommended that they do not change cat litter under any circumstances. If proper precautions are not taken, then toxoplasmosis has a 40 percent chance of being passed on to the fetus. If placental transmission of infection to the fetus occurs, then it will give rise to a severe condition known as congenital toxoplasmosis. Approximately 1 percent of pregnant women and about 1,000 babies in the United States suffer from this condition every year.

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