Infection session 2 - Lecture 2 - Infection model

Question 1

What are the 3 aspects to take into account when considering the patient (within the framework of the infection model)

Answer 1

• Person: age, gender, physiological state, pathological state, social factors
• Time: calendar time, relative time
• Place: current, recent

Question 2

Name 7 possible mechanisms of infection within the framework of the infection model

Answer 2

• Contiguous (direct spread)
• inoculation
• haematogenous: (abscess on skin with S. aureus, might spread to tissue if squeezed/S aureus on knee, graze –> endocarditis)
• Ingestion
• Inhalation
• vector
• vertical

Question 3

Describe the infection model:

Answer 3

Infection –> attachment: can lead to to either/or both toxin production and interaction with host defences

• Interaction with host defences can lead to inflammation and/or host damage
• Host damage: caused by toxin production, interaction with host defences and inflammation

Question 4

What are the 3 steps for diagnosis

Answer 4

• History
• Examination
• Investigation

Question 5

Describe the steps for management

Answer 5

• History, examination, investigations (as part of diagnosis)
• Treatment: specific and/or supportive
• Infection prevention (who has they been in contact with/is there a risk of infection to others? Hospitals and community wise)

Question 6

Describe specific treatment in more detail

Answer 6

• Antimicrobials

- Surgery: drainage, debridement, dead space removal

Question 7

Describe supportive treatment in more detail

Answer 7

• Symptom relief

- Physiological restauration