deck_1547545 Flashcards
Why can it be hard to treat diseases caused by eukaryotes?
They are similar to humans, therefore treatment can be difficult.
Why do you always need to consider the patient when assessing the patient ?
Different people have different susceptibilities at different times in their lives.
What are the patient factors that you always need to consider?
AgeGenderPhysiological stateSocial factorsPathological state
At what age are children more susceptible to infections?
Three months– when mother antibodies have “run out” so the child does not have the same passive immunity
What are two factors other than patient that you need to take into account?
Place – current and recent e.g. have they travelledTime – calendar time and relative time (travelling)
What damage can the host response do?
Superoxide radical releaseNeutrophilsTumour necrosis factorLeukotrienes
What are the supportive treatments?
Symptom reliefPhysiological restoration e.g. maintain BP and oxygenation or septic shock
What are the specific treatments?
AntimicrobialsSurgery – for abscesses, debridement, dead space removal
What are the three main outcomes for infection?
CureChronic infectionDeath
What is meningitis?
An acute infection of the meninges– membrane that surround brain and spinal cord– consists of three layers– CSF helps protect brain
What are the main symptoms of meningitis?
FeverStiff Neck (meningism)Headache– non-blanching rash in late stages
How is meningitis diagnosed?
Lumbar puncture– will treat suspected meningitis before a confirmed diagnosis as the tests take time
What cell is the important mediator for viral infections?
Lymphocytes
What cell is the most important for bacterial infections?
Neutrophils
What cell is the most important for fungal infections?
Lymphocytes
