International Classification of Infectious Diseases

International Classification of Infectious Diseases

Internationally, infectious diseases are primarily categorized into four classification systems, each based on different dimensions and criteria:


1. Classification by Pathogen Type (Common Global Standard)

  1. Bacterial Infections
    Examples: Plague, Cholerae, Typhoid. Treated primarily with antibiotics.
  2. Viral Infections
    Examples: Influenza, HIV/AIDS, COVID-19. Managed through antivirals and vaccines.
  3. Parasitic Infections
    Examples: Malaria, Schistosomiasis, Ascariasis. Transmitted via hosts or vectors.
  4. Fungal Infections
    Examples: Candidiasis, Dermatophytosis. Often affect immunocompromised individuals.
  5. Other Pathogens
    Examples: Rickettsial diseases (e.g., Typhus), Spirochetal diseases (e.g., Syphilis).

2. Classification by Transmission Route (Common in Prevention Practices)

  1. Respiratory Transmission
    Examples: Influenza, Tuberculosis, Measles (via droplets or aerosols).
  2. Gastrointestinal Transmission
    Examples: Cholerae, Hepatitis A, Infectious Diarrhea (via contaminated food/water).
  3. Blood/Body Fluid Transmission
    Examples: HIV, Hepatitis B/C (via blood transfusions, sexual contact, or母婴传播).
  4. Vector/Animal Transmission
    Examples: Malaria (mosquito-borne), Rabies (animal bites), Dengue (mosquito-borne).

3. Classification by Clinical Progression

  1. Acute Infections
    Short-term with severe symptoms (e.g., Influenza, Bacterial Dysentery).
  2. Chronic Infections
    Long-term and latent (e.g., Tuberculosis, Hepatitis B).

4. Classification by Control Strategies (Global Public Health Management)

  1. Surveillance-Priority Diseases
    Examples: Influenza, Hand-Foot-and-Mouth Disease (require ongoing monitoring).
  2. High-Mortality/High-Transmission Diseases
    Examples: Ebola Hemorrhagic Fever, Pulmonary Anthrax (require emergency containment).

Additional Notes

  • Dynamic Adjustments‌: Organizations like the WHO update classifications for emerging diseases (e.g., COVID-19, Mpox).
  • Regional Variations‌: Diseases like malaria are endemic in tropical regions, while respiratory infections spread globally.

Formatting and examples align with international public health standards.

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