The “Dark Matter” of Medical Science
What does modern medicine not know?
July, 2024
Steven B. Zwickel
This began with a conversation I had with my doctor. I asked her about a particular medical condition and whether there was a cure for it.
She shook her head. “No, unfortunately that is one illness that we have no cure for. In fact, we don’t even know what causes it.”
She paused, then added, “There are many things like that—illnesses that we know very little about.”
“It’s the “dark matter” of medical science, isn’t it?,” I asked. “We know that it exists, but we really know very little about it.”
I took that as a challenge. I decided to find out what is in the “dark matter” of medicine.
Dark matter “makes up over 80% of all matter in the universe, but scientists have never seen it. We only assume it exists because, without it, the behavior of stars, planets and galaxies simply wouldn't make sense.” See <https://www.space.com/20930-dark-matter.html> Likewise, while it seems obvious that an illness must have a cause, as you can see from the table, in some cases we don’t know what those causes are.
Some illnesses can be cured, others can not
I put together a table listing various illnesses, in alphabetical order by their most common names. The list is by no means complete. NOTE: Hypochondriacs and readers who are worried about or easily frightened about their health should skip reading this.
I am not a physician and nothing in this document should be taken as medical advice. I can’t vouch for the reliability of the sources I used. Readers with questions should go to <https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions>
“Cause Known?” indicates whether medical science actually knows what causes the illness (etiology) or suspects what the cause, or causes, may probably be. Where the answer is “No” you’ll find an area of dark matter. Modern medicine excels at treating the consequences of many diseases, but the root causes of complex conditions remain elusive.
I use the word “probably” to indicate the areas that medical researchers are pursuing in search of a cause.
Here are some other terms used in explaining the cause of an illness:
Arboviral disease is a general term used to describe infections caused by viruses spread to people by the bite of infected insects, such as mosquitoes and ticks. These infections usually occur during warm weather months, when mosquitoes and ticks are active.
A sexually transmitted infection (STI) is a virus, bacteria, fungus, or parasite people can get through sexual contact. A sexually transmitted disease (STD) develops because of an STI and the term implies that the infection led to some symptom of disease.
Waterborne diseases Contaminated water and poor sanitation are linked to transmission of diseases such as cholera, diarrhoea, dysentery, hepatitis A, typhoid and polio, Cryptosporidiosis (Cryptosporidium), Cyclosporiasis (Cyclospora spp.), Escherichia coli O157:H7 Infection, Giardiasis (Giardia), Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs), Hot Tub Rash (Pseudomonas Dermatitis/Folliculitis), Legionellosis (Legionella). Sources of these diseases include water contaminated with bacteria or viruses; poor personal hygiene, untreated or contaminated drinking water, contaminated air handling systems, seawater, agricultural runoff, and food unwashed or handled by a contaminated or infected individual.
Foodborne diseases are the illnesses people get from eating contaminated food or beverages, including foodborne intoxications and infections, which are often incorrectly referred to as food poisoning. Foodborne diseases are caused by viruses, bacteria, parasites, toxins, metals, and prions. Washing food and cooking it thoroughly can eliminate some of these sources. So can good hygiene—washing hands after going to the bathroom—by anyone who handles food.
“Curable?” explains whether or not there is a definite cure for the illness. In some cases the symptoms of an illness may be treatable, but that is not considered a cure. Where the answer is “No” you’ll find an area of dark matter.
“Potentially Fatal?” shows whether a person with that illness will probably die from it. In many cases an illness is considered fatal unless it is detected and treated quickly. In other cases the illness itself is not lethal, but complications resulting from that illness can kill a person.
The good news is that our understanding of the different illnesses is growing very quickly and enormous amounts of money and research efforts my soon change some, if not many of, the answers in the table to “Yes.”
Illness |
Cause Known? |
Curable? |
Potentially Fatal? |
African sleeping sickness = Trypanosomiasis |
Yes. parasite Trypanosoma brucei transmitted to humans through the bite of infected tsetse flies |
Yes. Treatable depending if caught early |
Yes, if not treated early enough |
Alzheimer's disease |
Not fully; appears to be combination of genetic/family history, age, lifestyle, and environmental factors,or?? |
No. Some symptoms are manageable. New drugs are coming along quickly. |
No, but complications can be fatal |
American Trypanosomiasis (Chagas disease) |
Yes. parasite Trypanosoma Cruzi. transmitted by bite, followed by contact with feces/urine of infected blood-sucking triatomine bugs |
Yes. Treatable depending if caught early |
Yes, if not treated early enough |
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis = ALS [Lou Gehrig's disease] |
No. Possibly genetic, environmental, Neuroinflamation, Glutamate Excitotoxicity, Mitochondrial Dysfunction, or?? |
No. Supportive care and treatments can help manage symptoms, prolong survival, and improve quality of life |
Yes |
Anthrax |
Yes. bacterium Bacillus anthracis |
Yes, with antibiotics and anthrax antitoxin |
Yes, lethal if not promptly treated |
Arthritis - Osteoarthritis (OA) |
Yes. Aging, joint overuse or injury, obesity, joint misalignment or inflammation, congenital abnormality, metabolic conditions, gender |
No. Some symptoms are manageable. |
No. |
Arthritis - Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) |
No. Possibly genetic, environmental trigger, autoimmune response, gender, age, family history, obesity |
No. Some symptoms are manageable. |
No, but complications may affect life expectancy |
Botulism |
Yes, Foodborne: toxins produced by bacteria Clostridium botulinum |
Yes, with Antitoxin |
Yes, if not treated promptly |
Brucellosis (undulant fever, Malta fever, Mediterranean fever) |
Yes, Foodborne: toxins produced by bacteria Brucella |
Yes, with a combination of antibiotics |
Not usually, but complications may include arthritis, inflammation of the heart (endocarditis), inflammation of the lining of the brain (meningitis) |
Campylobacter enteritis = campylobacteriosis |
Yes, Foodborne: bacterium Campylobacter |
Yes. Manage dehydration, some use of antibiotics. |
Rarely |
Cancer - Adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) |
No |
When possible, with surgical removal of tumor |
Depends on success of surgery |
Cancer - Breast |
No. Risk factors include genetic [mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes], hormones, alcohol consumption, smoking, obesity, age, family history, exposure to diethylstilbestrol (DES), and other occupational exposures. |
No. However, for early-stage breast cancer, treatments such as surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy can be effective in curing the disease. |
Yes, unless it is diagnosed and treated early enough |
Cancer - Carcinoma: basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs) |
No, but possibly: genetic, environmental, chronic inflammation, hormonal, immune system dysfunction, age, infection -human papillomavirus (HPV) |
Depends on the type of carcinoma, its stage, and individual circumstances. Radiation, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy may work |
Yes, but early detection and treatment can significantly increase the chances of survival |
Cancer - Central Nervous System (CNS) |
No. Possibly genetic, radiation, chemical exposure, immune system dysfunction, age, viral infection |
Yes, with a combination of surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy |
Yes, if malignant and grow rapidly or spread to other parts of the CNS or body. Location of tumor within the brain or spinal cord can also affect prognosis and potential complications. |
Cancer - Leukemia |
No. Possibly genetic, environmental, immune system suppression, viral infection, age |
No, but treatment possible, depending on leukemia subtype, patient age and health |
Yes, if not diagnosed early or if it does not respond well to treatment |
Cancer - Lymphoma Hodgkin & Non-Hodgkin |
No. Possibly genetic mutations, weakened immune system, viral infection, age, gender, family history, some autoimmune conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis or Sjögren's syndrome |
Yes = Hodgkin; Non-Hodgkin very hard to cure. Treated with radiation, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy and bone marrow transplant |
Yes, potentially |
Cancer - Melanoma |
No. Possibly exposure to UV radiation, genetic factors, skin type and sensitivity, age, immune system supression |
Yes, with early detection. |
Yes, potentially, if not detected and treated early on |
Cancer - Most types |
Sometimes. Possibly: genetic syndromes or mutations, environmental/lifestyle factors, age, gender, exposure to radiation. |
Depends on the type |
Depends on type and if diagnosed and treated early enough |
Cancer - Ovarian cancer - epithelial ovarian cancer - germ cell tumors - stromal tumors |
No. Possiby genetic mutation, age, family history, reproductive factors, hormonal factors, obesity |
Early-stage ovarian cancer (Stage I and II) is more likely to be curable with appropriate treatment, whereas advanced-stage ovarian cancer (Stage III and IV) is more difficult to treat and has a poorer prognosis. |
Yes, if not detected and treated early on |
Cancer - Pancreatic cancer - Adenocarcinoma - pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PNETs), |
No. Possibly genetic, family history, smoking, age, chronic pancreatitis, obesity |
Yes, with early detection. Treatment may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy. |
Yes, if not detected and treated early on |
Cancer - Renal Cell Carcinoma - Kidney Cancer -transitional cell carcinoma - Wilms tumor - renal sarcoma |
No. Possibly genetic factors, smoking, obesity, high blood pressure, exposure to certain chemicals: asbestos, cadmium, organic solvents |
Yes, for localized renal cancer completely removed surgically and does not recur |
Yes, but early-stage kidney cancers detected before they spread (metastasize) outside the kidney typically have a good prognosis, especially after surgical removal. |
Cancer - Sarcoma - bone and soft-tissue |
No. Possibly genetic factors, radiation or chemical exposure, inherited DNA mutations |
No, but combination of surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and targeted therapy my help |
Yes, unless detected and treated early on |
Cancer - Thyroid cancer (papillary thyroid carcinoma, follicular thyroid carcinoma, medullary thyroid carcinoma, and anaplastic thyroid carcinoma) |
No. Possibly genetic factors, radiation exposure, gender and age, thyroid conditions, or exposure to chemicals or pollutants |
Yes. Most are treatable. |
Yes, if not detected and treated early on |
Celiac Disease |
No, but possibly combination of genetic and environmental factors |
No. Treatable with strict gluten-free diet |
Not directly, but slightly higher risk of dying from cardiovascular disease, cancer, and respiratory diseases like flu or pneumonia |
Cerebral Palsy |
No, but possibly prenatal, perinatal, or postnatal factors, genetic mutations |
No. |
No. |
Chikungunya |
Yes, Virus transmitted by mosquitoes |
No. |
No |
Chlamydia |
Yes, bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis (see Trachoma); Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) |
Yes, with antibiotics |
Not directly, but untreated chlamydia can lead to perihepatitis (inflammation around the liver) or meningitis (inflammation of the lining around the brain and spinal cord). |
Cholera |
Yes, bacterium Vibrio cholerae |
Yes, with prompt intervention and Oral rehydration solutions (ORS) therapy, sometimes antibiotics |
Yes, fatal if not treated promptly; can start an epidemic |
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) |
Yes, by smoking, secondhand smoke, air pollution, workplace dust and fumes |
Not once lungs damaged. |
Yes, complications are life-threatening. |
Cirrhosis |
Yes. Heavy alcohol use, viral hepatitis, Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease, Genetic disorders, Autoimmune Hepatitis, Bile Duct diseases, some medications and toxins |
No. |
Yes, but it is not always the direct cause of death. |
Clostridioides difficile (C. diff) |
Yes, bacterium Clostridioides difficile infection following antibiotic use, old age, long hospitalization, or other medical conditions |
No. Treatments include stopping antibiotics, fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) |
Yes, if not detected and treated promptly. |
Coronavirus /Covid-19 |
Yes, Virus SARS-CoV-2 |
No, but oral anti-viral pills, intravenous antivirals, monoclonal antibodies, anti-inflammatory drugs can help. |
Yes |
Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease - Sporadic,Familial, and Acquired |
No - Sporadic Yes - Familial (inherited) Yes. Acquired = Foodborne |
No. |
Yes. |
Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever |
Yes, Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV) from tick bites or contact with infected animal blood or tissues |
No. |
Yes. |
Crohn’s Disease |
No. Possibly autoimmune reaction, genetic factors, environmental factors, high-fat diet |
No. Treatments focus on controlling symptoms |
Not directly, but it can lead to severe inflammation, bowel obstruction, fistulas, malnutrition, colon cancer which may be fatal. |
Cystic fibrosis (CF) |
Yes. Genetic |
No. |
Yes, it can lead to serious health complications and has the potential to be life-threatening. |
Dengue fever (dengue hemorrhagic fever) |
Yes, virus Dengue through the bite of infected Aedes mosquitoes -Arboviral |
No. |
No. But can be fatal if not promptly diagnosed and treated. |
Diabetes - Type 1 |
No. Possibly genetics or triggered by an autoimmune response. |
No. Treated by managing blood sugar levels, insulin injections, diet, and exercise |
Yes, if untreated |
Diabetes - Type 2 |
No. Possibly insulin resistance, obesity + sedentary lifestyle, genetic, age, ethnicity, gestation (women) |
No. Treated by medication, diet, and exercise |
Yes, if untreated |
Diphtheria |
Yes. bacterium Corynebacterium diphtheriae |
Yes, with antitoxin and antibiotics |
Yes, lethal if not promptly treated |
Dupuytren's contracture |
No, but possibly combination of genetic (Northern European ancestry) and environmental factors |
No. |
No. |
E. Coli Escherichia coli O157-H7 Infection: 1. Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC); 2. Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC); 3. Enteroaggregative Escherichia coli (EAEC); 4. Enteroinvasive Escherichia coli (EIEC); 5. Diffusely adherent Escherichia coli (DAEC); 6. Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC) |
Yes, bacteria Escherichia coli (E. coli) Waterborne/Foodborne; Transmitted by raw foods, unpasteruized dairy products, human feces to mouth on unwashed hands. |
Yes, depending on severity and type of infection |
No, but see Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC), which can result in hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), which is life-threatening. |
Eastern equine encephalitis |
Yes. Eastern equine encephalitis virus (EEEV) transmitted by mosquitoes |
No. |
Yes. |
Ebola virus disease (EVD) |
Yes. Viruses Filoviridae =Zaire ebolavirus, Sudan ebolavirus, Bundibugyo ebolavirus, and Taï Forest ebolavirus; transmitted from infected animals |
No. Treated with IV fluids/electrolytes, oxygen, blood transfusions, and medications to manage symptoms |
Yes |
Eclampsia |
No, but possibly vascular dysfunction, placental factors, hormonal imbalance, immune system response, genetic factors |
No. Treated with anticonvulsant therapy, blood pressure control, fetal lung maturation. |
Yes if not promptly and effectively managed |
Emphysema |
Yes.Long-term exposure to irritants that damage the lungs (smoking, air pollution, dust, fumes, chemicals), genetic, age, respiratory infections |
No. |
No, but complications can be fatal. |
Encephalitis lethargica (EL) |
No, but possibly viral infection, autoimmune reaction genetic and environmental factors |
No. |
Sometimes |
Endometriosis |
No, but possibly retrograde menstruation, immune system dysfunction, or genetics |
No, treatments focus on managing symptoms |
No. |
Epilepsy |
No, but possibly genetics, brain injury, brain developmental disorder, infection, stroke/vascular disease, metabolic disorder, autoimmune disorder, developmental abnormalities |
No, but there are ways to control seizures. |
Yes, from complications |
Fibromyalgia |
No, possibly Central Nervous System (CNS) abnormalities, genetic, stress |
No. Symptoms treated with a combination of medication, exercise, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and lifestyle modifications |
No. |
Glanders |
Yes, bacteria Burkholderia mallei after direct contact with infected animals or contaminated materials |
No. Antibiotics may help |
Yes, lethal if not promptly treated |
Gonorrhea |
Yes, bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae - sexually transmitted infection (STI) |
Yes, with antibiotics |
Rarely, but complications may include Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID), Disseminated Gonococcal Infection (DGI), Increased HIV Transmission |
Gout (hyperuricemia) |
Yes, diet, alcohol, medical conditions like obesity, hypertension, diabetes, chronic kidney disease, diuretics and aspirin, genetics |
No, but managed with medication and lifesyle changes |
No, but complications can be fatal. |
Guillain-Barré syndrome |
No, but possibly triggered by infection, autoimmune response, vaccination |
No. Treated with immunomodulatory therapies, pain management, PT, respiratory support |
No. |
Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS) |
Yes, Virus transmitted by rodents |
No. |
Yes. |
Hashimoto’s Disease (Hashimoto's thyroiditis) |
No, but possibly combination of genetic and environmental factors |
No. Treated with synthetic thyroid hormone, monitoring, lifestyle changes to diet, exercise, stress, sleep |
No. |
Hepatitis A & E |
Yes. Virus - foodborne/waterborne. Also caaused by autoimmune response, alcohol and drugs, Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD), Metabolic disorders |
No. Most patients recover with supportive care. |
No. |
Hepatitis B & C & D |
Yes. Virus transmitted by bodily fluids. Also caaused by autoimmune response, alcohol and drugs, Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD), Metabolic disorders |
No. Treated with antiviral medicines. |
Yes. Increased risk of death from complications. |
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) |
Yes, virus Lentivirus retroviruses HIV-1 and HIV-2; person to person Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) |
No, Treated with antiretorviral therapy. |
Yes, if left untreated HIV can progress to Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) |
Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection |
Yes. Virus - one or more of 100 varieties of papillomavirus person to person Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) or through other skin-to-skin contact |
No. |
No. But some types of genital HPV can cause cancer of the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina (cervix), cancers of the anus, penis, vagina, vulva and back of the throat (oropharyngeal). |
Huntington's disease |
Yes. Genetic. |
No. |
Yes. From complications. |
Influenza - Bird flu - avian influenza (Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza = HPAI) |
Yes. Influenza A virus that belong to the family Orthomyxoviridae transmitted from poultry |
No. Supportive care and symptom relief may help, antiviral medications |
Yes, especially in cases where there are complications such as severe pneumonia or acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). |
Influenza - H1N1 (Swine Flu) |
Yes. Influenza A virus that belongs to the family Orthomyxoviridae |
No. Treated with anti-viral therapy and symptom management |
No. |
Influenza - Seasonal |
Yes. Influenza B Virus (IBV) that belongs to the family Orthomyxoviridae |
No. Most patients recover. |
No. But dangerous for infants, elderly, weakened immune system, obesity, chronic illnesses, stroke victims |
Influenza C Virus (ICV) |
Yes. Influenza C Virus (ICV) Gammainfluenzavirus |
No. |
No. |
Invasive Aspergillosis |
Yes. fungal infection caused primarily by Aspergillus species, most commonly Aspergillus fumigatus |
No. |
Yes, especially for people who are immunocompromised. |
Invasive listeriosis |
Yes. Foodborne - bacterium Listeria monocytogenes |
No. Treated with antibiotics. |
Yes, especially for people who are immunocompromised. |
Larval tapeworm infection (Cysticercosis) |
Yes. Foodborne/waterborne by larval stage of tapeworm; undercooked pork |
Yes. Anti-parasitic drugs |
Yes, depending on number and size of cysts. |
Lassa Fever |
Yes. Virus Arenaviridae spread by urine, droppings, or saliva of infected West African rats |
Yes. Anti-viral drugs. |
No. |
Legionnaires' disease |
Yes. Waterborne by bacterium Legionella pneumophila |
Yes. Antibiotics. |
Yes, if not promptly and effectively managed |
Leprosy [Hansen's Disease] |
Yes. Bacterium Mycobacterium leprae Possibly spread person to person through respiratory droplets |
Yes. Antibiotics. |
No. |
Leptospirosis (Weil disease; Icterohemorrhagic fever; Swineherd's disease; Rice-field fever; Cane-cutter fever; Swamp fever; Mud fever; Hemorrhagic jaundice; Stuttgart disease; Canicola fever) |
Yes, bacteria leptospira Waterborne from drinking contaminated water |
Yes, antibiotics usually work |
Yes, if not detected and treated early on. Complications include Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction to penicillin, Meningitis, Severe bleeding |
Louse-Borne Relapsing Fever (LBRF) |
Yes. bacteria Borrelia recurrentis. Transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected human body louse |
Yes. Antibiotics. |
Yes, if not promptly and effectively treated |
Lupus erythematosus |
No. Possbily combination of genetic, hormonal, and environmental factors |
No. Treatments may help suppress immune system and relieve symptoms. |
No. But if not diagnosed early and treated, complications may be fatal. |
Lyme disease |
Yes. bacteria Borrelia burgdorferi from the bites of infected ticks |
No. Treated with antibiotics and to relieve symptoms. |
No. But if untreated, it can lead to arthritis, nerve pain, cardiac arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat), or Lyme neuroborreliosis (inflammation of the brain and spine). |
Malaria |
Yes. parasites Plasmodium falciparum, Plasmodium vivax from bite of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes |
Yes. Anti-malarial medications |
Yes, if not detected early and promptly treated |
Measles = Rubeola |
Yes. Measles virus, spread person to person through respiratory droplets |
No.Treatment focuses on relieving symptoms. |
No, but may cause fatal pneumonia and can kill malnourished and immunocompromised people. |
Meningitis - Bacterial [Meningococcal meningitis] |
Yes. bacteria, including Streptococcus pneumoniae, Neisseria meningitidis, and Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) spread person to person through respiratory droplets |
Yes, with antibiotics, corticosteroids, and symptom management. |
Yes. |
Meningitis - Fungal |
Yes. fungal infections, such as Cryptococcus, Histoplasma, or Coccidioides |
Yes, with antifungal medications. |
Yes. |
Meningitis - Parasitic |
Yes. Foodborne/Waterborne. Parasites such as Naegleria fowleri, Acanthamoeba, and Angiostrongylus cantonensis. |
No. |
No. |
Meningitis - Viral |
Yes. viruses such as enteroviruses, herpes simplex virus, and varicella-zoster virus |
No. Treated with antiviral medicines if the virus is identified. |
No. |
Mental Disorders: Anxiety disorders, including panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and phobias; Depression, bipolar disorder, and other mood disorders; Eating disorders; Personality disorders; Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD); Psychotic disorders, including schizophrenia |
Yes, including genetics, family history, life experiences, biological & chemical factors, traumatic brain injury, prenatal exposure to viruses/toxic chemicals/drugs/alcohol, use of alcohol or drugs, serious health problems, social isolation. |
No, but many kinds of treatments for symptoms, including psychotherapy paired with medication |
No, but some can increase the risk of health complications or behaviors that can be life-threatening. |
MERS (Middle East Respiratory Syndrome) |
Yes. Virus coronavirus (MERS-CoV) from dromedary camels to humans, possibly from bats. |
No. Treatments focus on symptoms. |
Yes. |
Monkey B virus [Herpes B virus] |
Yes. Virus after being bitten/scratched by a monkey, or from contaminated syringe |
No. |
Yes. Infection can cause encephalitis, which can lead to permanent neurological damage or death |
Mononucleosis (mono or glandular fever) |
Yes. Virus = Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), Cytomegalovirus (CMV), Adenovirus, and Toxoplasmosis. spread person to person through respiratory droplets and saliva |
No. |
No. |
Mpox (Monkeypox) - Clade I and Clade II |
Yes. Virus Monkeypox virus transmitted from infected animal or person. |
No. Treated with antiviral medicines and relief from symptoms. |
Yes, Clade I can kill; Clade II is rarely fatal. |
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) |
No, but possibly genetics, Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), Vitamin D deficiency, smoking, childhood obesity |
No. |
No. But can reduce life expectancy. |
Mumps (Epidemic Parotitis) |
Yes, mumps virus, of the paramyxovirus family. Spreads through respiratory droplets or saliva from an infected person, enters the body through the nose, mouth, or throat, and infects parotid glands — salivary glands near the ears. |
No. |
No, but in very rare cases, severe complications such as encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) or meningitis (inflammation of the membranes around the brain and spinal cord) can lead to serious outcomes. |
Muscular dystrophy (Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, Becker Muscular Dystrophy, Myotonic Dystrophy, Facioscapulohumeral Muscular Dystrophy, Limb-Girdle Muscular Dystrophy) |
Yes, genetic mutations |
No. Treatments focus on relief from symptoms and slowing progress of disease. |
Yes, when heart or respiratory mucsles are affected. |
Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) |
No, but possibly insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome, obesity, Type 2 Diabetes, High blood lipids (dyslipidemia), genetics, sedentary lifestyle. |
Yes, if diagnosed and treated early. |
Yes, from liver failure. |
Noninvasive listeriosis (febrile listerial gastroenteritis) |
Yes. Foodborne - bacterium Listeria monocytogenes |
No. |
No. |
Norovirus |
Yes, virus Norovirus Caliciviridae. From contaminated person to person, Foodborne/Waterborne, aerosolized particles |
No. |
No, but can kill sick and elderly people. |
Onychomycosis |
Yes, fungus dermatophytes Trichophyton rubrum,Trichophyton mentagrophytes, and Epidermophyton floccosum transmitted from hotel carpets, public showers, pool decks and other dark, warm, moist surfaces |
Yes, treated with systemic antifungals |
No. |
Parkinson's disease |
No, but possibly genetics, exposure to toxins(pesticides, herbicides),head injuries, age |
No, treatments focus on managing symptoms |
No, but complications like falls, pneumonia, and difficulty swallowing can increase the risk of death |
Phthisis (phthisis bulbi) |
Yes, from from various ocular insults like trauma, surgery, infection, inflammation, malignancy, retinal detachment, and vascular lesions |
No. |
No. |
Plague - Bubonic (Septicemic, Pneumonic) |
Yes, bacterium Yersinia pestis through the bite of infected fleas that have fed on rodents such as rats |
Yes, with a combination of antibiotics |
Yes, if not detected and treated promptly may lead to Septicemic Plague = Yersinia pestis bacteria multiply in the bloodstream, causing severe sepsis (blood infection) and potentially leading to multiple organ failure; or Pneumonic plague, when Yersinia pestis infects the lungs |
Pneumonia - Bacterial |
Yes, bacteria, primarily Streptococcus pneumoniae, also Staphylococcus aureus, Haemophilus influenzae, and Klebsiella pneumoniae |
No, treated with antibiotics. |
Yes, for children, elderly, and people with weakened immune systems, if not promptly and effectively treated |
Pneumonia - Fungal |
Yes, fungi, including Aspergillus, Mucor, Candida, Pneumocystis jirovecii from inhaling fungal spores |
Yes, with antifungal medication, depending on type of infection |
Yes, if not detected and treated promptly. |
Pneumonia - Viral |
Yes, virus SARS-CoV-2 and, children, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) spread person to person through respiratory droplets and saliva |
No. Treatments focus on relief from symptoms |
No, except for children, elderly, and people with weakened immune systems |
Polio [Poliomyelitis, infantile paralysis, Heine–Medin disease] |
Yes, virus poliovirus Waterborne; also spread person to person through contact with the feces of an infected person |
No. |
Yes, but rarely. |
Psoriasis (Plaque, Guttate, Pustular, Inverse, Erythrodermic) |
No, but possibly faulty immune cell activation, genetic, environmental (infection, stress, injury), family history, smoking, alcohol, medications, climate, obesity outside. |
No. Treatments focus on controlling symptoms |
No. |
Quinsy (peritonsillar abscess) / tonsillitis |
Yes, bacteria A beta-hemolytic streptococcus |
Yes, with antibiotics, drainage, tonsillectomy, and treatment of symptoms |
Yes, the abscess can rupture and the contents of the abscess can travel into the lungs and cause pneumonia |
Rabbit fever = Tularemia |
Yes, bacterium Francisella tularensis transmitted by bites of infected ticks (dog ticks, wood ticks, and lone star ticks) or deer flies; Foodborne = undercooked wild game, inhaling aerosolized organisms, Waterborne = drinking contaminated water. |
Yes, with antibiotics. |
Yes, if untreated. |
Rabies (Hydrophobia) |
Yes, virus lyssaviruses, Rhabdoviridae, Mononegavirales and Australian bat lyssavirus. Transmitted by animal bite or scratch. |
No, once symptoms appear, but getting a series of vaccinations post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) can prevent disease. |
Yes, once rabies patient develops neurological symptoms. |
Raccoon roundworm [Baylisascaris infection] |
Yes, parasite raccoon roundworm, Baylisascaris procyonis. Transmitted by inhaling eggs of the parasite, which are shed in raccoon feces. |
No. Treatment of symptoms and supportive care. |
No, but may cause serious neurological complications. |
Reye's syndrome |
No, but possibly exposure to salicylate (aspirin), viral infection, metabolic disorder. |
No. |
Yes, if left untreated. |
Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF) |
Yes, Tickborne from bite of American dog tick: (Dermacentor variabilis) Brown dog tick (Rhipicephalus sanguineus) Rocky Mountain wood tick (Dermacentor andersoni) |
Yes, if diagnosed and treated early with antibiotics. |
Yes. |
Roseola (roseola infantum or sixth disease) |
Yes, by human herpes virus 6 (HHV-6) or 7 (HHV-7), spread person to person through respiratory droplets when an infected person sneezes, and by saliva |
No.Treatment focuses on relieving symptoms. |
No, but complications can be serious. |
Rotavirus |
Yes, virus rotavirus, spread from human feces to mouth on unwashed hands. |
No.Treatment focuses on managing symptoms and preventing dehydration. |
No, only if dehydration is untreated. |
Rubella (German measles) |
Yes, virus RuV, a rubivirus of the family Matonaviridae, spread person to person through respiratory droplets when an infected person sneezes, or by touching a surface with the virus on it. |
No. Treatment focuses on relieving symptoms. |
No, but serious when a pregnant woman passes rubella to the fetus = Congenital rubella syndrome (CRS). This can cause skin, hearing, vision, heart and brain problems in newborns. |
Salmonella infection (salmonellosis) |
Yes. Foodborne/Waterborne bacteria salmonella. Transmitted by raw foods, unpasteruized dairy products, human feces to mouth on unwashed hands. |
Yes. Treatments focus on symptoms; antibiotics given if bacteria enter bloodstream. |
No, but complications can be dangerous for infants, childen, elderly, transplant recipients, pregnant women, people with weakened immune systems. |
SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) |
Yes. Virus SARS coronavirus (SARS-CoV). Spread person to person through respiratory droplets when an infected person sneezes, or by touching a surface with the virus on it. |
No. Treatment focuses on relieving symptoms. |
Yes. Increased risk of death from respiratory symptoms. |
Scarlet fever |
Yes. bacteria from group A Streptococcus pyogenes. Spread person to person through respiratory droplets when an infected person sneezes, or by touching a surface with the bacteria on it. |
No, but treatable with antibiotics. |
Yes, if left untreated. |
Septicemia (blood poisoning) |
Yes. Bacterial infections from wounds, injuries, surgery, infections in other parts of the body. May also be caused by fungi and viruses. |
No, but treatable with antibiotics. |
Yes, if not detected and treated promptly. |
Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) infection |
Yes. Bacteria Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) E. coli O157:H7. Foodborne/Waterborne; Spread person to person through poor hygiene. |
No. Treated by supportive care to manage symptoms and prevent/treat complications. |
No. But complications, like hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), can be fatal. |
Shingles (herpes zoster) |
Yes, reactivation of the virus varicella-zoster (VZV) virus that causes chickenpox; possibly triggered by aging, weakened immune system, stress. |
No. Treated to reduce symptoms. |
No, but severe complications possible. |
Sjogren’s Syndrome |
No, but possibly combination of genetic and environmental factors (viral or bacterial infections) |
No. Treatement focuses on relieving symptoms and preventing complications |
No. |
Smallpox = variola |
Yes, virus ariola poxvirus [Variola Major & Variola Minor] Spread person to person through respiratory droplets when an infected person sneezes, or by touching a rash surface with the virus on it. |
No. |
Yes, and could lead to severe complications, including: secondary bacterial infections (pneumonia or septicemia), permanent scars on the skin, damage to internal organs. |
Staphylococcus aureus / Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) |
Yes, bacteria Staphylococcus aureus infection when bacteria enter the body through cuts, abrasions, or other breaches in the skin. |
Yes, with antibiotics the bacteria is not resistant to. |
Yes, depending on type of infection and patient’s health; severe complications include sepsis, pneumonia, endocarditis. |
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) |
No, but possibly immature development of baby’s brainstem, sleeping on stomach or side, soft bedding, overheating, maternal smoking during pregnancy, premature birth, low birth weight, family history |
No. |
Yes. |
Syphilis |
Yes, bacterium Treponema pallidum; sexually transmitted infection (STI) spread through direct contact with a syphilitic sore (chancre) during sex |
Yes, with antibiotics |
Yes, if left untreated. |
Tetanus (Lockjaw) |
Yes, bacterium Clostridium tetani; infection occurs when the bacterium enters the body through a wound or a break in the skin—puncture wounds, burns, surgical wounds, even minor injuries like cuts or scratches. |
No. Treated with antibiotics and immunoglobulin and focus on relief from symptoms. |
Yes, if not detected and treated promptly. |
Thrush |
Yes, fungus Candida; when illnesses, stress or medications disturb the amount of Candida, the fungus grows out of control and causes thrush |
Yes, treatment is antifungal medications |
No. |
Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) |
Yes, bacteria Staphylococcus aureus (staph) and Streptococcus pyogenes (group A strep). Can also be caused by toxins produced by bacterium Clostridium sordellii. |
Yes, in-patient care including IV fluids, antibiotics, medication to control blood pressure, with close monitoring of vital signs. |
Yes, depending on type of bacteria, speed of diagnosis, and health of patient. Clostridium sordellii infections are usually fatal. |
Trachoma |
Yes, bacteria Chlamydia trachomatis; transmitted through direct or indirect contact with eye and nose discharges of infected people |
No, but treatable with antibiotics. |
No, but may cause blindness |
Trichomoniasis |
Yes, sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the single-celled parasite Trichomonas vaginalis. |
Yes. |
No. |
Tuberculosis (TB) |
Yes, bacteria Mycobacterium tuberculosis; transmitted through coughing, sneezing, or saliva discharge of infected people |
Yes, treated with a combination of antibiotics |
Yes, if not detected and treated promptly. |
Typhoid fever and paratyphoid fever |
Yes, bacteria—Typhoid fever is caused by Salmonella serotype Typhi. Paratyphoid fever is caused by Salmonella serotype Paratyphi. Waterborne: contaminated drinking water; Foodborne: poor food handling hygiene |
Yes, treated with antibiotics |
Yes, if not detected and treated early on. |
Typhus - Arbovirus |
Yes, bacteria: Rickettsia prowazekii {epidemic typhus} and Rickettsia typhi {murine typhus}. Spread to humans through the bites of fleas, lice, or ticks |
No. |
Yes, if not detected and treated early on and can become an epidemic. |
Vibrio illness [Vibriosis] |
Yes, bacteria Vibrio parahaemolyticus, Vibrio vulnificus, Vibrio alginolyticus; Foodborne in raw/undercooked shellfish or from open wound. |
No, treated with antibiotics depending on severity of symptoms. Note: Vibrio cholerae (causes cholera) and Vibrio parahaemolyticus (causes gastroenteritis) |
Yes, Vibrio vulnificus can be fatal. Note: Vibrio cholerae causes cholera. |
West Nile Virus (WNV) - Arbovirus |
Yes, RNA virus of the Flaviviridae family. It is transmitted to humans by the bite of a Culex mosquito. |
No, treated with supportive care, rest, fluids, pain management |
Yes, if West Nile virus enters the brain, however, it can be life-threatening. |
Whooping cough / Pertussis |
Yes, bacterium Bordetella pertussis. It spreads through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. |
No, but antibiotics can reduce severity |
Yes, but extremely rare. |
Yellow Fever (Flavivirus) - Arbovirus |
Yes, virus Flavivirus or Yellow fever virus (YFV); transmitted to humans by the bite of Aedes aegypti or Haemagogus mosquito. |
No, treated with supportive care. |
Yes, but most cases are mild. |
Zika - Arbovirus |
Yes, virus Zika; transmitted to humans by the bite of Aedes aegypti mosquito. |
No, treated with supportive care. |
No, but complications can be dangerous for pregnant women and their infants, may possibly cause Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) |
Cardiovascular disease
I did not include Cardiovascular disease in the table. This category includes:
- Aneurysm
- Angina or angina pectoris
- Atherosclerosis = hardening of the arteries
- Atrioventricular block
- Arrhythmia
- Bacterial endocarditis
- Blood clot (A blood clot that forms inside one of your veins or arteries is called a thrombus. A thrombus may also form in your heart. A thrombus that breaks loose and travels from one location in the body to another is called an embolus)
- Coronary artery disease (CAD) - Hypertension (high blood pressure)
- Coronary heart disease (CHD)
- Heart and blood vessel disease
- Heart failure, congestive heart failure
- Heart Valve Disease - stenosis, regurgitation, prolapse
- Hemorrhagic stroke
- Ischemic stroke
- Myocardial Infarction = heart attack
More Dark Matter
Here are some other examples of the “dark matter” limitations of modern medicine:
Connections between Psychiatry and Medicine: The relationship between the mind and body is not fully understood. This complicates the treatment of conditions with both physiological and psychological components, such as chronic pain syndromes and psychosomatic disorders.
Understanding the Human Microbiome: The human microbiota consists of 10–100 trillion symbiotic microbial cells harbored by each person, primarily bacteria in the gut; the human microbiome consists of the genes these cells harbor. Microbiome projects work to understand the roles these symbionts play in human health. The human microbiome in our bodies is linked to health and disease. Reasearchers are looking at the specific mechanisms by which these microbiomes influence well-being and studying how they might be manipulated for therapeutic benefit. <https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3426293/>
Personalized, Precision Medicine: Personalized medicine uses an individual's genetic profile to guide decisions made regarding the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of disease. Personalized medicine is being advanced through data from the Human Genome Project. <https://www.genome.gov/genetics-glossary/Personalized-Medicine>
Aging (Gerontology) and Intervention Strategies: The aging process is a complex interplay of biological pathways. Despite significant advancements, a comprehensive understanding of cellular senescence and effective strategies to slow or reverse its effects remain elusive. Gerontology encompasses all avenues of the aging process from the cellular level to the social level. {Gerontology is the scientific study of aging, while the study of disease and illness in the elderly is geriatrics.} According to WebMD, “There are several subfields of gerontology that focus on all aspects of aging:
Biological Gerontology: The study of aging at both the molecular and cellular levels. Researchers are trying to understand changes in cells and tissues as the people age and to identify mechanisms that affect age-related illness. They try to develop ways to prevent, delay, or reverse the underlying aging processes.
Social Gerontology: This is the study of aging in a social context, focusing on the relationship between the elderly and their caregivers, families, and extended society. Researchers try to understand how aging affects social relationships and roles to develop policies and programs to improve the life quality for older adults.
Environmental Gerontology: This is the study of the interaction between people and their social and physical environments. Researchers try to identify environmental factors that aid in healthy aging and to find ways to improve the built environment [human-made conditions = architecture, landscaping, urban planning, public health] for the aging”. < https://www.webmd.com/healthy-aging/what-is-gerontology>
Lessons Learned from 135 Illnesses
- Cause known: Yes 97
- Curable: Yes 42
- Potentially Fatal: Yes 77
Follow the advice your parents gave you: wash your hands after you use the toilet, don’t smoke, use sunscreen and wear a hat, avoid mosquitos and ticks, go easy on the alcohol, get some exercise, cover your nose when you sneeze and your mouth when you cough, keep your vaccinations up to date, cook food thoroughly and watch what you eat, don’t drink raw milk, don’t pick food up off the floor and eat it (the “5-second rule” is nonsense), and, if you feel sick, don’t “wait and see” —go talk to a doctor!
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