Diagnosing viral infections Flashcards
What are the two main approaches to diagnosing viral infections
Detection (PCR and E-Microscope)
Serology (ELISA)
In viral detection why is PCR preferred over Electron microscope
Faster
Cheaper
More sensitive = Risk of false negative
Can test multiple virus together
What does viral serology do
Detects Ig against the virus
What colour is a viral swab, black or green
Green
What virus causes shingles and how does it present
VZV
Red painful rash on one dermatome
Which virus causes glandular fever (Infectious mononucleosis)
EBV
Which infection presents similar to EBV and how is it excluded
S Pyogenes
Black charcoal swab = S Pyogenes
ASOT antibody
Latex Agglutination test
How is EBV Diagnosed
Blood tests -FBC = Atypical lymphocytes -Serology = Ig against EBV IgM = Acute IgG = Chronic
What are the main symptoms of EBV
cough
fever
splenomegaly
NO TONSILITIS
What is the treatment plan for EBV
Supportive therapy
Avoid contact sports 6wks
What is CMV Colitis characterised by
Owl eye inclusion bodies
What are the 4 main AIDS defining illnesses
Pneumocystis Pneumonia
CMV Colitis
Oral Candida
Lymphoma
How is CMV Colitis treated
IV Ganciclovir (Antivral)
What are the 3 HIV Blood markers
HIV Immunoglobulin
HIV RNA
p24 Antigen
What must the doctor do if a patient has a positive HIV ELISA
Explain result to patient
Repeat with 2n blood sample
What is the next steps of a negative HIV ELISA
Test with Different ELISA
What are the clinical presentations of Meningitis
Headache
Photophobia
Neck Stiffness
What samples should be taken for suspected Meningitis
CSF Sample
Stool sample
Throat swab
What would be found in the CSF of a patient with meningitis
Raised White cells
Protein
