Infectious Diseases Flashcards
What is infection?
Tissue invasion by microorganisms causing disease
How are infections classified?
Community acquired
Health-care associated
What are important factors in the medical history?
Foreign travel
Occupation
Pets
Sex
Drugs
Injections
HIV
What are the baseline investigations for an infection?
liver function tests
Urinalysis
Chest X ray
What are the most common viral infections?
Herpes
HIV
What is the difference between type 1 and type 2 herpes?
Type 1: transmitted through saliva
Type 2: transmitted through sex
What is the clinical significance of herpes?
Causes severe ulcers around the mouth, genitals, eyes
Mortality rate 80% if baby catches
What is herpes zoster and how does it present?
Viral infection
Reactivation of varicella-zoster virus
Painful self limited rash
What are the complications of herpes zoster?
Post hermetic neuralgia
Will feel itchy and area is sensitive
Hyperalgesia
How do we treat herpes zoster?
Acyclovir
What is the limitation of treatment of herpes zoster?
No effect on post hermetic neuralgia
What is the virus that causes infectious mononucleosis?
Epstein-Barr virus
What are the clinical features of mononucleosis?
Anorexia
Malaise
Fever
Sore throat
Cervical lymphadenopathy
Macular Rash
Tonsillitis
What are the long term complications of infectious mononucleosis?
Hepatitis
Respiratory obstruction
Ruptured spleen
How do we diagnose mononucleosis?
Mono spot test
What virus causes chickenpox?
Varicella zoster virus
What are the complications of chicken pox?
Pneumonia
Neurological
Cellulitis
How do we treat chicken pox?
Antihistamines
Acyclovir