CBM - Parasitic & Fungal STIs Flashcards
1
Q
Crab Louse
A
- The crab louse or pubic louse (Pthirus pubis) is an insect that is an obligate ectoparasite of humans, feeding exclusively on blood.
- The crab louse usually is found in the person’s pubic hair. Although the louse cannot jump, it can also live in other areas of the body that are covered with coarse hair, such as the eyelashes.
- It is of the order Psocodea. Humans are the only known hosts of the crab louse, although a closely related species.
2
Q
Crab Louse
Treatment
A
- aqueous malathion 0.5% liquid or permethrin 5% dermal cream are recommended for application to the entire body and should be repeated after 7 days.
- if pubic lice infestation is unresponsive to initial insecticide, switch to the alternative insecticide (malathion or permethrin)
- advise the individual to avoid close body contact until they and any current sexual partner have been treated
- for infestation of the eyelashes, treat the eyelashes with Vaseline , or an inert occlusive ophthalmic ointment (eg simple eye ointment BP), twice a day for at least three weeks. Alternatively, use a topical insecticide (a cream rinse or shampoo). An inert occlusive ophthalmic ointment should be used for people under the age of 18 years and for those who are pregnant or breast-feeding.
3
Q
Candidiasis
A
- Candidiasis is a fungal infection due to any type of Candida(a type of yeast).
- When it affects the mouth, it is commonly called thrush. Signs and symptoms include white patches on the tongue or other areas of the mouth and throat.
- Other symptoms may include soreness and problems swallowing.
- When it affects the vagina, it is commonly called a yeast infection.
- Signs and symptoms include genital itching,burning, and sometimes a white “cottage cheese-like” discharge from the vagina.
- Less commonly the penis maybe affected, resulting in itchiness.
- Very rarely, the infection may become invasive, spreading to other parts of the body.
- This may result in fevers along with other symptoms depending on the parts involved.
- More than 20 types of Candida can cause infection with Candida albicans being the most common.
- Infections of the mouth are most common among children less than one month old, the elderly, and those with weak immune systems.
- Conditions that result in a weak immune system include HIV/AIDS, the medications used after organ transplantation, diabetes, and the use of corticosteroids. Other risks include dentures and following
- antibiotic therapy.
- Vaginal infections occur more commonly during pregnancy, in those with weak immune systems, and following antibiotic use.
- Risk factors for invasive candidiasis include being in an intensive care unit, following surgery, low birth weight infants, and those with weak immune systems.
4
Q
Candidiasis
Causes
A
- Candida yeasts are generally present in healthy humans, frequently part of the human body’s normal oral and intestinal flora, and particularly on the skin; however, their growth is normally limited by the human immune system and by competition of other microorganisms. Factors that increase the risk of candidiasis include HIV/AIDS,
- mononucleosis, cancer treatments, steroids, stress, antibiotic usage, diabetes, and nutrient deficiency. Hormone replacement therapy and infertility treatments may also be predisposing factors.
- Treatment with antibiotics can lead to eliminating the yeast’s natural competitors for resources in the oral and intestinal flora; thereby increasing the severity of the condition.
- A weakened or undeveloped immune system or metabolic illnesses are significant predisposing factors of candidiasis.
- Almost 15% of people with weakened immune systems develop a systemic illness caused by Candida species.
- Diets high in simple carbohydrates have been found to affect rates of oral candidiasis
5
Q
Candidiasis
Prevention
A
- A diet that supports the immune system and is not high in simple carbohydrates contributes to a healthy balance of the oral and intestinal flora.
- While yeast infections are associated with diabetes, the level of blood sugar control may not affect the risk.
- Wearing cotton underwear may help to reduce the risk of developing skin and vaginal yeast infections, along with not wearing wet clothes for extended periods of time.
- Oral hygiene can help prevent oral candidiasis when people have a weakened immune system.
- For people undergoing cancer treatment, chlorhexidine mouthwash can prevent or reduce thrush.
- People who use inhaled corticosteroids can reduce the risk of developing oral candidiasis by rinsing the mouth with water or mouthwash after using the inhaler.
6
Q
Candidiasis
Treatment
A
- Candidiasis is treated with antifungal medications; these include clotrimazole, nystatin, fluconazole, voriconazole, amphotericin B, and echinocandins.
- Intravenous fluconazole or an intravenous echinocandin such as caspofungin are commonly used to treat immunocompromised or critically ill individuals.
- The 2016 revision of the clinical practice guideline for the management of candidiasis lists many specific treatment regimens for Candida infections that involve different Candida species, forms of antifungal drug resistance, immune statuses, and infection localization and severity.
- Gastrointestinal candidiasis in immunocompetent individuals is treated with 100–200 mg fluconazole per day for 2–3 weeks
