Fever Flashcards
What happens if the body temperature is too high?
there may be abnormal neuronal function, or even brain seizures
When is the body temperature the lowest throughout the day
in the morning (highest in afternoon)
Where is the regulatory centre for body temperature
anterior hypothalamus
T/F Oral temperature is more accurate than ear temperature
False
How does fever cause weight loss
Fever takes a lot of energy, so long period of fever will burn fat and muscles, leading to weight loss
How is fever a survival mechanism?
Some enzymes work better at high temperature. We put up temperature to combat infection s
Briefly describe the fever pathogenesis
inflammation => release of TNFa, IL-1, INY => cause local release of PGE2 => reset temperature set-point
What is rigor
feeling of intense cold and uncontrollable shivering
How does rigor occur with fever?
Because the temp set-point is raised. Body achieves it by peripheral vasoconstriction, so the body gets cold
How does meningococcus lead to septacaemia?
they are normal flora of the nose and throat, and can get into the bloodstream through mucosa to cause overwhelming sepsis
Fever at the start, followed by severe hypotension
T/F Falciparum malaria can present days after initial infection
False, it has a short liver phase
How does sphenoectomy sepsis occur?
remove the spleen = unable to deal with encapsulated organisms = sepsis
What’s toxic shock syndrome?
staph and strep release toxin that act as superantigens to over-stimulate T cells. Patients get overwhelming T cell response
Which organism causes necrotising soft tissue infections
Group A strep
how can staph aureus endocarditis be fatal?
the bacteria chew up the valves, leading to embolism and acute heart failure
