Chemoprevention of Infectious Diseases

Chemoprevention of infectious diseases is one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of infections in society. It involves the use of medications that can prevent the development of infectious diseases in people in contact with carriers of infections.

Chemoprophylaxis can be used to prevent airborne infections as well as food and waterborne infections. For example, antiviral drugs are used to prevent influenza, and antibiotics are used to prevent foodborne infections.

One of the main benefits of chemoprophylaxis is that it can reduce the risk of developing infections in people who are at risk. This may include people with weakened immune systems, children, the elderly, healthcare workers and others.

However, like any other method of prevention, chemoprophylaxis has its drawbacks. Some medications may cause side effects such as allergic reactions, nausea, vomiting and others. In addition, some infections may be drug resistant, which may make chemoprophylaxis ineffective.

In general, chemoprophylaxis is an important tool in the fight against infectious diseases and helps reduce their spread in society. However, before starting chemoprophylactic therapy, it is necessary to examine the patient and make sure that he has no contraindications to the use of drugs.



Chemoprevention of infectious diseases is the use of various drugs and methods to prevent or reduce the risk of contracting infectious diseases. This area is actively developing in various fields of medicine, such as gynecology, surgery, urology, etc. In this article we will consider the main aspects of chemoprevention of infectious diseases.

Concept of infection Infection is a disease that is caused by pathogenic microorganisms that enter the human body through damaged areas of the skin or mucous membranes (for example, when a finger is cut during surgery). After entering the body, microorganisms begin to multiply and cause various symptoms of the disease. If left untreated, infections can lead to serious complications, such as disruption of internal organs, deterioration of general condition, and even death. Chemoprophylaxis is aimed at preventing the development of infectious diseases through the use of various methods and medications. Methods of chemoprophylaxis There are several methods of chemoprevention of infections: 1. Vaccination - the use of weakened or dead microorganisms to provoke an immune response in the body. Vaccination is carried out to combat dangerous infections such as tetanus, polio and others. 2. Antibiotic use – the use of antibiotics to fight pathogenic bacteria. Antibiotics are used to prevent infections during surgery, childbirth, and other medical procedures. 3. Use of antiseptics - treating your hands with antiseptics after contact with a patient or medical equipment can reduce the risk of contracting infections. 4. Limiting contact with sick people - avoiding contact with sick people or animals, for example, wearing masks, maintaining social distance. 5. Practice good hygiene – washing your hands before and after touching surfaces such as door handles, taps and telephones reduces the risk of infection. 6. Use of air conditioners and air purifiers - maintaining optimal temperature and cleanliness in the premises can reduce the risk of infection. Main advantages Chemoprophylaxis has a number of advantages compared to the traditional approach to the treatment of infectious diseases:

Reducing the risk of disease The use of drugs and chemicals helps prevent or reduce the risk of infections by targeting microorganisms. Early detection of diseases Accelerated detection of disease development or complications allows timely treatment and avoidance of more severe consequences. Reducing the number of cases Using preventive measures can reduce the number of cases of the disease and thereby reduce the spread of infection. Efficiency The use of medications increases the effectiveness of treatment and reduces the risk of complications. Possibility of early treatment Chemotherapy allows treatment to be carried out at an early stage of the infection, which increases the likelihood of successful recovery. Safety Use