Epidemiology Of Diseases Flashcards
What are the 3 stages of AIDS
- Acute primary infection (glandular fever like illness)
- Symptomless (latent) period
- Symptomatic stage
Name 5 sources of the HIV virus
Blood Semen Vaginal secretions Breastmilk Saliva
Name 3 ways the HIV virus can be transmitted
Sexually
Needle sharing
In utero from mother to child via great milk
Name 2 ways HIV can be diagnosed
Serology (study of blood serum and its constituents)
ELISA- screen for antibodies
What is the definition of aids
The presence of one of the 25 conditions indicative of SEVERE IMMUNOSUPPRESSION
Name 4 ways AIDS can be prevented
Safe sex
Needle exchange schemes
Voluntary testing for high risk categories
SICPs
How is the Hep A virus transmitted
Faecal to oral route
Person to person, food borne, water borne
What are clinical features of Hep A
Incubation period : 2-7 weeks
Many sub clinical infections
Patients experiences fatigue, anorexia, nausea, fever, possibly jaundice
No chronic disease
How is Hep A diagnosed
Demonstration of Hep A virus (HAV) antigen in faeces
Serology- detection of IgM anti-HAV
Name 3 ways Hep C is diagnosed
- Detection of antibodies to HCV
- screening test: ELISA
- supplementary test: RIBA - Detection of viral genome
- PCR for HCV RNA - Histological features on liver biopsy
How can HCV be treated
Interferon alpha
In Combination with ribavirin
What virus does Hep D require and why
Requires Hep B for replication
Because the virus is surrounded by Hep B antigen ‘coat’
What 3 ways are drugs used in inflammation and give and example for each
- Used to reduce (generation of) inflammatory mediators
- non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) - Used to reduce inflammation process (reduce inflammation by reducing the triggers)
- corticosteroids - Block nerve transmissions
- LA
How do NSAIDs works
True action unknown
INHIBIT prostaglandin synthesis (hormone, inflammation mediator)
How does aspirin work? And what is its dosage?
Inhibits COX 1
- decreases synthesis of prostaglandins
- decreases production of inflammatory mediators
- anti-pyrexic (decreases temp.)
300-600mg, upto 4x a day
Name 5 aspirin side effects
- Gastric irritation (with long term use)
- erosions, ulceration
- worse with alcohol - Inhibition of platelet function
- enhanced bleeding - Bronchospasm
- exuberate asthma - Allergic reactions (rash)
- Drug interactions
- significant protein binding- WARFARIN potentiation (enhancement)
What type of drug is ibuprofen? What’s its dosage?
NSAID
200-600mg, 3x a day
Describe diclofenac and give its dosage
Prescription only, anti-inflammatory
More potent than ibuprofen
50mg, 3x a day
Describe COX 2 inhibition
Better for long term use (e.g. Arthritis)
Decreased gastric side effects compared to COX 1
Much more expansive
Increased incidence of cardiac death
What 4 ways does corticosteroids reduce inflammation?
Inhibit: Capillary permeability Formation of bradykinin (vasodilator) Migrations of WBCs Reduce eicosanoid synthesis
What 2 ways can corticosteroids be administered?
Topically (on surface of desired tissue)
Systemically (given to whole organism)
Name 3 types of topical corticosteroids and what they are for
Steroid inhalers in asthma
- beclometasone
Hydrocortisone cream for eczema
Steroid pastes for mouth ulcers
- triamcinolone
Name 2 types of systemic corticosteroids and what they’re used for
Prednisolone
- prevent transplant rejection
- treat ‘auto-immune’ diseases e.g. Rheumatoid arthritis
Dexamethasone
- decrease swelling after surgery e.g. Wisdom tooth removal
Name 7 side effects of prednisolone
High blood pressure Weight gain (fluid) Fat distribution change Gastric ulceration Adrenal suppression Osteoporosis Diabetes
