GI infection control Flashcards
In what population is rotavirus most common
kids under 3
how is rotavirus spread
person-person faecal oral
When does rotavirus usually occur
in winter
What are the symptoms for rotavirus
Mild water diarrhoea moderate fever vomiting diarrhoea Not bloody
How long does rotavirus last
A week
Where does the rotavirus survive
in the environment
How does the rotavirus produce its effects
Affects the absorption and secretion in the bowel
What can happen post rotavirus
post infection malabrosption which leads to more diarrhoea
Describe the symptoms of a repeat infection
Much milder
How can you diagnose rotavirus
PCR diagnosis on faeces
What is the treatment of rotavirus
Supportive - hydration is key - oral where possible
How can we prevent the rotavirus
The rotavirus vaccine
At what age do children get the vaccine?
2 and 3 months (2 vaccines)
Why do we not give 1st dose to babies over 15 wees
increased risk of intususseption
What is another name for the norovirus
Winter vomiting disease
Who can be affected by the norovirus?
All ages
How does the norovirus spread
Faecal-oral / droplet routes of spread
Describe the onset of norvirus
Abrupt and unpredictable onset
Describe the D & V of norovirus
Explosive and sudden
What can vomiting lead to
Widespread environmental contamination and onward transmission
How can we diagnose norovirus and how long does this take
PCR on stool takes 6 hours
PCR on vomit using red copan viral swabs
How can we treat norovirus
Hydration is key
How can we prevent the spread of norovirus
Early ward closure / isolation / cohorting required
What can cause Cl difficile
Side effect of antibiotic
What does Cl difficile do
Produce toxins and produces spores
Describe the symptoms of CDI
Mild, bloody, pseudomembanous colitis
Who is most likely to get CDI
Elderly females over 65
How much of CDI is community acquired
40%
How can we diagnose Cl difficile
Stool testing
sigmoidoscopy membranous lesions
ct scan
If the screening tests are positive and the toxin is positive, what does this mean
The patient is positive for c diff
If the screening tests are positive and the toxin is negative, what does this mean?
Indeterminate
What do we do for a patient who is indeterminate
Single room
contact precautions
close assessment
w
How can we control CDI
Good infection control
Strict control on antibiotic use types/ tonnage
handwashing
What are the contact precautions for?
To prevent the spread via contact with contaminated hands
Indirectly via contaminated equipment / environment
What are contact precautions for infectious diarrhoea
Single room cohort bay hand washing glove use apron/ gown if anticipate contamination ward closure (sometimes) limit movement single use items cleaning/ disinfection of items report all exposures to infective material
How can you protect you and patients from cross infection?
adherence to infection control precaustions
prudent antibiotic prescribing
stay off 48 hours post cessation of symptoms
