Infectious Diseases

Cards (74)

What is infection?
A process of tissue invasion by microorganisms, characterised by multiplication of these microorganisms in the body of the host to produce disease

Can be bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites, protozoa
What does cross-infection imply? 
The transmission of infection between patients as well as patients and health care professionals
What information should you obtain in order to make a diagnosis?
What investigations can you undertake after diagnosis?
What are the most common viral infections?
CMV
Hepatitis virus
HSV 1 and 2
HIV
Measles virus
Mumps virus
Rubella virus
Influenza virus
adenovirus
How is herpes simplex spread?
Type 1 spread by infected saliva
Type 2 spread by sexual contact
What is the incubation period for herpes simplex?
2-12 days
What are the clinical features of herpes simplex (1)?
What are the clinical features of herpes simplex (2)?
Can cause skin, eye and genital infections.
What are the complications of herpes simplex?
Encephalitis- affects temporal lobes
Neonatal- serious since mortality is 60%
^Due to transfer of HSV-2 during parturition
Indication for a caesarean section
Erythema multiforme
Eczema herpeticum
How can you treat herpes simplex?
Acyclovir, valacyclovir
What is herpes zoster?
Reactivation of varicella zoster virus
What are the clinical features of herpes zoster virus?
What are the complications of herpes zoster virus?
Post-herpetic neuralgia
Neurological e.g. meningitis (inflammation of lining of brain and spinal cord)
How do you treat herpes zoster virus?
Acyclovir
reduces pain/accelerates healing but no effect on post-herpetic neuralgia
What is the Epstein-Barr virus?
This is a member of the herpes group and causes infectious mononucleosis
What is the incubation period for Epstein-Barr virus?
4-14 days
What are the clinical features of infectious mononucleosis?
What are the possible complications of infectious mononucleosis?
Hepatitis
Respiratory obstruction
Ruptured spleen (rare-told to avoid sports)
How do you diagnose EBV?
Monospot testtreatment is supportive
What is chicken pox caused by?
Varicella zoster virus
What is the incubation period for varicella zoster virus?
14-16 days
What are the clinical features of chicken pox?
What are the possible complications of chicken pox?
They're rare but include:
Cellulitis or impetigo
Pneumonia
Neurological e.g. acute cerebellar ataxia, Reye's syndrome
Congenital abnormalities
What are the treatments for chicken pox?
Antihistamines
Acyclovir (severe cases/complications)
What is mumps caused by?
Paramyxovirus (RNA)
What is the incubation period for paramyxovirus in mumps?
16-21 days
How is mumps spread?
By droplets from saliva & nasopharyngeal secretions
What are the clinical features of mumps?
Asymptomatic in 40%
Fever, malaise, "angle pain"
Enlargement of one or both parotids
Earache and displacement of earlobe
Parotid papillae inflamed
Difficulty in swallowing
Submandibular glands may be affected
What are the possible complications of mumps?
Neurological: aseptic meningitis, encephalitis (inflammation of the brain)
Orchitis: 20-25% in post pubertal
Non-parotid mumps: ovaries, thyroid, pancreas, breasts
What are the treatments for mumps?
Good oral hygiene
Scrotal support
Bed rest in meningitis
What are childhood exanthemas (widespread rash)?
Measles
German measles
Enteroviral infection
Infectious mononucleosis
Scarlet fever
Erythema infectiosum
Roseola infantum
Drug eruption
What is measles caused by?
Paramyxovirus (RNA)
What is the incubation period for paramyxovirus in measles?
10 days
What are the clinical features of measles?
What are the possible complications of measles?
Gingivostomatitis (infection of the mouth and gums)
Describe the treatment of measles.
Treatment is supportive whilst any complications are treated as appropriate
What is German measles caused by?
Rubella virus (RNA)
What is the incubation period for rubella in German measles?
14-21 days
What are the clinical features of German measles?