Infection conditions Flashcards
What symptoms will someone with meningitis classically present with?
Headache Neck stiffness Photophobia Confusion Fever Lethargy Drowsiness Lack of appetite
Who is more at risk of meningitis? Why?
Old people (over 60) Young people (under 2) Due to immune system compromise
What are the first line investigations you should do if you suspect someone has meningitis? Explain why they are done
Bloods: FBC, PCR meningitis screen, WCC
Lumbar puncture- don’t do this if someone is hypotensive or has raised ICP
Venous blood gas- to check for lactate to see if they are septic
How is meningitis managed?
Hospitalise the patient and give antibiotics
Supportive treatment eg IV fluids, oxygen
Possibly give corticosteroids but not if they are under 3
What are other names for infectious mononucleosis?
Glandular fever, EBV (epstein barr virus), kissing disease, mono
What symptoms will some with glandular fever present with?
Sore throat Fever Swollen tonsils White exudate on tonsils Chills Sweats Rash- may be macropapular after treatment with amoxicillin Splenomegaly
What age group is glandular fever common in?
15-24 years old
How is glandular fever spread?
Via contact or sexual contact eg kissing, sharing utensils/ food and drink
What is the first line investigation for glandular fever? What will they show to confirm diagnosis
Bloods- check FBC (WCC- lymphocytes will make up more than 50% total or there will be 10-20% that are atypical)
Monospot test
What symptoms will someone with herpes simplex virus classically present with?
Oral/ mouth/ genital ulcers Lymphadenopathy Fever Malaise Dysuria in women
What is the first line investigation for herpes simplex virus?
Viral screen or PCR (done by taking a swab)
Ideally done in a GUM clinic
How is herpes simplex virus infection managed?
First line antibiotics:
Start them as as soon as possible
Aciclovir, if not valciclovir or famciclovir
200mg 5 times daily
If they have neurological symptoms admit them and give these abx via IV
Topical lidocaine can be given to reduce pain from ulcers
The antibiotics will be needed again when they have flare ups
Who is more at risk of herpes simplex virus infection?
Immunocompromised patients
Those who have HIV
Those who undertake high risk sexual behaviour
What are the main strains of herpes simplex virus? Describe how they are transmitted and how they differ in terms of symptoms etc
HSV1- transmitted through vaginal or anal intercourse
HSV2- transmitted through oro-genital sex, is usually more severe in terms of number of flare ups after first exposure
How is herpes simplex virus transmitted? What are some things it is important to tell the patient?
It is transmitted via shedding- this can be though lesions or mucosal surfaces
The person will always have the virus so they should know they can transmit it if they have sex- for advice on how to not transmit tell them this is possible with correct use of condoms however they can still spread it during foreplay or from other mucosal linings and lesions so the condoms won;t prevent transmission completely
What symptoms will someone with oral candida classically present with?
White/ creamy/ yellow plaques on the mucosal surfaces of their mouth
Lesions anywhere in the mouth
Burning oral pain
What is the first line investigation for oral candidiasis?
None, diagnosis is clinical and after examination
Swabs are not useful and most people have candidiasis in their mouth already
How is oral candidiasis managed?
Topical antifungals first line eg miconazole
If severe or genital then oral flucazone
They may also need topical corticosteroids if particularly complicated
What is gangrene?
A complication of necrosis
What are the 2 types of gangrene?
Ischaemic and infectious
What is wet gangrene?
Infectious gangrene
What is dry gangrene?
Ischaemic gangrene
What are the 2 types of infectious gangrene?
Gas gangrene
Necrotising fasciitis
Why does ischaemic gangrene arise?
Due to compromised arterial or venous supply
What symptoms will someone with gangrene present with?
A painful joint/area- if the pain is acute then it suggests infectious gangrene
Crepitus may be heard on light palpation if there is gas gangrene (crunching or crackling noises)
Oedema
Heaviness of the joint
Who is more likely to get gangrene?
Diabetes mellitus Alcohol misuse Athersclerosis Malignancy Long term smokers Renal disease
What investigations would you do if you suspect gangrene? What will you expect to see
Full set of bloods- LFTs, U+Es, FBC (look for leukocytosis and anaemia)
Blood culture- look for infectious organism
Metabolic profile- look for acidosis etc
CRP- raised
X ray of joint- high specificity for gas gangrene but will not usually be visible on admission
CT- look for abcess/ oedema etc
How is gangrene managed?
IV antibiotics (vancomycin plus one more), surgical debridement (completely remove the necrotic area and the incision should extend past it)