309 - infections, immunological products and vaccines Flashcards
Which type of pathogen causes tuberculosis?
A bacterium causes tuberculosis.
What is the name of the bacterium that causes tuberculosis?
The bacterium which causes tuberculosis is called Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
What are the common symptoms of tuberculosis?
- cough (lasting 3 weeks or more) - might produce phlegm, may be bloody
- weight loss
- night sweats
- high temperature
- tiredness
- fatigue
- loss of appetite
- swelling of neck
How is tuberculosis spread?
Tuberculosis is spread by inhaling droplets.
Which area of the body does tuberculosis affect?
Tuberculosis usually affects the lungs (pulmonary TB) however other organs may be affected.
What is the treatment plan for tuberculosis
6 months: rifampicin + isoniazid
the first two months also - pyrazinamide + ethambutol
if TB is MDR, may need to take a longer course
Who is most at risk of contracting TB?
- from countries with high levels of TB
- prolonged close contact with infected
- living in crowded conditions
- compromised immune system (HIV, chemo, arthritis, Chrohns, diabetes)
- elderly
- poor health (homelessness, alcoholism, drug misuse)
What is the mode of action of rifampicin?
Rifampicin inhibits DNA dependent RNA polymerase leading to suppression of RNA synthesis & cell death.
What are the counselling points to consider for rifampicin?
- effectiveness of hormonal contraceptives (ie the pill) reduced so use alternative contraception (condoms)
- complete the course /take exactly as directed
- can discolour urine/tears/sweat (yellow through red)
- take on an empty stomach
- how to spot symptoms of liver disorder –> if get them seek immediate help
- if struggling to take medication as directed, speak to your TB team
What are the two strains of herpes called?
HSV-1 and HSV-2
What does HSV-1 cause?
HSV-1 causes oral herpes, however can be transmitted to genitals
What does HSV-2 cause?
HSV-2 is a sexually transmitted infection that causes genital herpes.
What type of pathogen causes herpes?
A virus causes herpes.
What is the name of the virus that causes herpes?
The herpes simplex virus causes herpes.
What are the common symptoms of oral herpes?
- cold sores
- fever
- muscle aches
What are the symptoms of genital herpes?
- small blisters that burst leaving open red sores around genitals/bottom/thighs/groin
- tingling/burning/itching genitals
- pain when urinating
- unusual discharge (women)
When is herpes most contagious?
Herpes is most contagious when a person is symptomatic.
How can genital herpes be spread?
- penetrative sex (PIV/anal)
- oral sex
- sharing sex toys
- via hands-genitals-mouths
What is the treatment for herpes?
Antivirals, such as aciclovir (or valaciclovir or famciclovir)
What is the mode of action of aciclovir?
Aciclovir is converted to aciclovir triphosphate in the body. The aciclovir triphosphate has a higher affinity for the viral DNA polymerase than the cellular DNA polymerase. Binds to the viral DNA polymerase causing chain termination so new viruses cannot be produced. Or binds to the viral DNA polymerase so strongly that other bases cannot associate with it, inactiviting it, preventing viral replication.
What are the counselling points for taking aciclovir?
- avoid sunlight if this causes a worsening of condition
- cold sores - don’t kiss whilst symptomatic
- genital herpes - use condoms + condoms on sex toys, advise that if sores are not covered by condoms then there is still a risk
- avoid sex whilst symptomatic
- space doses evenly
- complete the course of treatment
What type of pathogen causes thrush?
Thursh is caused by a yeast/fungus.
What are the symptoms for vaginal thrush?
- white discharge (like cottage cheese) not smelly
- itching and irritation around the vagina
- soreness and stinging during sex and when urinating
What are the symptoms of thrush in men?
- irritation burning and redness around the head of the penis and underneath the foreskin
- white discharge (cottage cheese)
- unpleasant smell
- difficulty retracting foreskin
What are the symptoms of oral thrush?
- white patches/plaques
- loss of taste
- red mouth
- cracks in corner of mouth
- painful burning sensation
- sore throat
What is the name of the pathogen that causes thrush?
Candida albicans causes thrush