5.1 Travel-related Infections Flashcards
Why are infections from other parts of the world dangerous when back in the UK?
May be resistant to antibiotics
May have different antigens
Patients will have little exposure to those types of infections
Where in the world are concern areas for travel infections?
Sub-Saharan Africa
S.E. Asia
S/C America
When does a travel infection become:
i. ) sub-acute?
ii. ) acute?
iii. ) chronic?
i.) 21 days
List 4 ways people can catch travel infections?
Sexual intercourse
Contaminated food/water
Insect bites
Recreational activities
What class of infection is Malaria?
Protozoal infection
What is the vector for malaria?
Female mosquitos
What is the pathogen that causes high mortality malaria?
Plasmodium falciparum
How long is the malarial incubation period?
1-3 weeks after bite
What are the symptoms of malaria?
Fever, splenomegaly, dry cough, headache, back pain, nausea, vomiting, muscle pain
What are the symptoms of severe falciparum malaria?
Tachycardia, AKI, metabolic acidosis, hypotension, arrhythmias
What investigations should be done with suspected malaria?
Blood smear Full blood count Urea and electrolytes Liver function test Glucose and coagulation test Chest xray
What antibiotics should be given if the patient has Plasmodium falciparum malaria?
Quinine or Artemisinin
What antibiotics should be given if the patient has Plasmodium virax, ovale or malariae malaria?
Chloroquine +/- primaquine
How can malaria be prevented?
Be aware of at risk areas
Wear repellant, nets, protective clothing
Have travel vaccines
Chemoprophylaxis (if required)
How does the typhoid pathogen enter the body?
Faecal-oral route from contaminated food or water
