Infection Flashcards
What are the 2 main types of abscess?
Skin or internal
What sort of investigation should be done for internal ulcers?
Ultrasound
What is the most common form of candidiasis?
Candida albicans
Describe the appearance of a candidiasis skin infection
Erythematous, moist, rugged + peeling edges
What is the first-line of treatment for candidiasis?
Fluconazole
Define cellulitis
Acute non-purulent spreading infection of subcutaneous tissue
What are the 2 most commonly implicated pathogens in cellulitis?
Staphylococcus aureus
Streptococcus pyogenes
Differentiate the signs that would indicate periorbital or orbital cellulitis
Periorbital: swollen eyelid and conjunctivitis
Orbital: proptosis and decreased acuity
What are the existing forms of herpes simplex virus?
HSV1 and HSV2
Why does HSV infection often have a precipitating event to trigger symptoms?
Primary infection usually asymptomatic, and virus remains dormant in cells
Precipitating factor such as stress can cause cell lysis, releasing the virus
Recall 3 diseases that can be caused by herpes simplex
Cold sores
Gingovostomatitis
Pharyngitis
Which virus causes gingivostomatitis?
HSV1
Which virus causes genital herpes?
HSV2
Recall the pathophysiology of HIV infection
Virus binds to GP120 allowing entry to CD4+ T cells
CD4 cell transcribes HIV genome, allowing replication
Recall and describe the stages of HIV infection
- SEROCONVERSION: self-limiting, may cause fever, night sweats, lymphadenopathy and sore throat
- Early stage: pt apparently well, some lymphadenopathy
- AIDS: syndrome of secondary diseases
Which respiratory condition are HIV patients particularly at risk of contracting?
Lymphocytic interstitial pneumonitis
Recall 2 tumours that HIV patients are at high risk of developing
Kaposi sarcoma
Lymphoma
Which virus causes infectious mononucleosis?
EBV
Recall the pathophysiology of infectious mononucleosis
EBV infects B cells and disseminates across the body (hence atypical lymphocytes will be seen on blood film)
Recall the 3 key non-systemic symptoms of infectious mononucleosis
Sore throat
Abdominal pain
Anorexia
What would be seen on examination of the pharynx in infectious mononcleosis?
White exudate on tonsils
Recall one blood test result in infectious mononucleosis that isn’t necessarily intuitive to remember
LFTs deranged: high AST and ALT
What would be found upon serological testing in infectious mononucleosis?
IgG directed against nuclear and capsid antigens of EBV
Which drug is contra-indicated in infectious mononucleosis management and why?
Ampicillin and amoxicillin
They cause maculopapular rash
In what sort of cells does plasmodium proliferate?
Erythrocytes
Which pathogen is responsible for causing malaria?
Plasmodium
Which form of plasmodium is the most dangerous?
Plasmodium falciparum
For how long can the plasmodium parasite be incubated?
1 year
Exactly describe the symptoms of malaria
CYCLICAL symptoms of: high fever, flu-like symptoms, hyperhidrosis (excess sweating) and rigors
What symptoms present alongside fevers in cerebral malaria?
Headache
Disorientation
Coma
Recall the 3 key signs of malaria
Haemolytic anaemia
Pyrexia
Hepatosplenomegaly
Recall the investigations required to confirm a malaria diagnosis
Thick and thin blood films
For how long is varicella zoster contagious?
From 48 hours before the rash appears until it disappears
What is “zoster” another name for?
Shingles
What is “varicella” commonly known as?
Chickenpox
How long is the recovery period from shingles?
10-14 days
Recall the symptoms of zoster
Painful tingling and skin lesions in dermatomal distribution
Describe the rash caused by varicella
Erythematous macropapular
What is the first-line medical management for shingles?
Acyclovir
Recall 2 possible complications of shingles
Post-hepatic neuralgia is the key one
Ophthalmicus
