Infection

Question 1

What are the 2 main types of abscess?

Answer 1

Skin or internal

Question 2

What sort of investigation should be done for internal ulcers?

Answer 2

Ultrasound

Question 3

What is the most common form of candidiasis?

Answer 3

Candida albicans

Question 4

Describe the appearance of a candidiasis skin infection

Answer 4

Erythematous, moist, rugged + peeling edges

Question 5

What is the first-line of treatment for candidiasis?

Answer 5

Fluconazole

Question 6

Define cellulitis

Answer 6

Acute non-purulent spreading infection of subcutaneous tissue

Question 7

What are the 2 most commonly implicated pathogens in cellulitis?

Answer 7

Staphylococcus aureus

Streptococcus pyogenes

Question 8

Differentiate the signs that would indicate periorbital or orbital cellulitis

Answer 8

Periorbital: swollen eyelid and conjunctivitis
Orbital: proptosis and decreased acuity

Question 9

What are the existing forms of herpes simplex virus?

Answer 9

HSV1 and HSV2

Question 10

Why does HSV infection often have a precipitating event to trigger symptoms?

Answer 10

Primary infection usually asymptomatic, and virus remains dormant in cells
Precipitating factor such as stress can cause cell lysis, releasing the virus

Question 11

Recall 3 diseases that can be caused by herpes simplex

Answer 11

Cold sores
Gingovostomatitis
Pharyngitis

Question 12

Which virus causes gingivostomatitis?

Answer 12

HSV1

Question 13

Which virus causes genital herpes?

Answer 13

HSV2

Question 14

Recall the pathophysiology of HIV infection

Answer 14

Virus binds to GP120 allowing entry to CD4+ T cells

CD4 cell transcribes HIV genome, allowing replication

Question 15

Recall and describe the stages of HIV infection

Answer 15

1. SEROCONVERSION: self-limiting, may cause fever, night sweats, lymphadenopathy and sore throat
2. Early stage: pt apparently well, some lymphadenopathy
3. AIDS: syndrome of secondary diseases

Question 16

Which respiratory condition are HIV patients particularly at risk of contracting?

Answer 16

Lymphocytic interstitial pneumonitis

Question 17

Recall 2 tumours that HIV patients are at high risk of developing

Answer 17

Kaposi sarcoma

Lymphoma

Question 18

Which virus causes infectious mononucleosis?

Answer 18

EBV

Question 19

Recall the pathophysiology of infectious mononucleosis

Answer 19

EBV infects B cells and disseminates across the body (hence atypical lymphocytes will be seen on blood film)

Question 20

Recall the 3 key non-systemic symptoms of infectious mononucleosis

Answer 20

Sore throat
Abdominal pain
Anorexia

Question 21

What would be seen on examination of the pharynx in infectious mononcleosis?

Answer 21

White exudate on tonsils

Question 22

Recall one blood test result in infectious mononucleosis that isn’t necessarily intuitive to remember

Answer 22

LFTs deranged: high AST and ALT

Question 23

What would be found upon serological testing in infectious mononucleosis?

Answer 23

IgG directed against nuclear and capsid antigens of EBV

Question 24

Which drug is contra-indicated in infectious mononucleosis management and why?

Answer 24

Ampicillin and amoxicillin

They cause maculopapular rash

Question 25

In what sort of cells does plasmodium proliferate?

Answer 25

Erythrocytes

Question 26

Which pathogen is responsible for causing malaria?

Answer 26

Plasmodium

Question 27

Which form of plasmodium is the most dangerous?

Answer 27

Plasmodium falciparum

Question 28

For how long can the plasmodium parasite be incubated?

Answer 28

1 year

Question 29

Exactly describe the symptoms of malaria

Answer 29

CYCLICAL symptoms of: high fever, flu-like symptoms, hyperhidrosis (excess sweating) and rigors

Question 30

What symptoms present alongside fevers in cerebral malaria?

Answer 30

Headache Disorientation Coma

Question 31

Recall the 3 key signs of malaria

Answer 31

Haemolytic anaemia Pyrexia Hepatosplenomegaly

Question 32

Recall the investigations required to confirm a malaria diagnosis

Answer 32

Thick and thin blood films

Question 33

For how long is varicella zoster contagious?

Answer 33

From 48 hours before the rash appears until it disappears

Question 34

What is "zoster" another name for?

Answer 34

Shingles

Question 35

What is "varicella" commonly known as?

Answer 35

Chickenpox

Question 36

How long is the recovery period from shingles?

Answer 36

10-14 days

Question 37

Recall the symptoms of zoster

Answer 37

Painful tingling and skin lesions in dermatomal distribution

Question 38

Describe the rash caused by varicella

Answer 38

Erythematous macropapular

Question 39

What is the first-line medical management for shingles?

Answer 39

Acyclovir

Question 40

Recall 2 possible complications of shingles

Answer 40

Post-hepatic neuralgia is the key one | Ophthalmicus