Infectious Diseases Flashcards
Kawasaki Disease
Mucocutaneous, lymph node syndrome - a systemic medium-sized vessels vasculitis
Who does Kawasaki Disease typically present in?
Typically affects young children under 5 years with no clear cause or trigger
Who is Kawasaki Disease more common in?
More common in boys, usually Japanese and Korean children + Afrocarribean children
Symptoms of Kawasaki Disease
Persistent high fever for more than 5 days - Child will be unwell and unhappy -Widespread erythematous maculopapular rash and desquamation on the palms
and soles
- Strawberry tongue
- Cracked lips
- Cervical lymphadenopathy
- Bilateral conjunctivitis
CRASH + BURN for Kawasaki Disease
Conjunctivitis, Rash, Adenopathy, Strawberry tongue, Hands (palmar erythema, swelling), fever (>5 days)
Ix for Kawasaki Disease
FBC + LFTs + ESR + Urinanalysis + Echo
What does FBC show for Kawasaki Disease
anaemia, leukocytosis and thrombocytosis
What do LFTs show for Kawasaki Disease
hypoalbuminemia
How is ESR effected in Kawasaki Disease
Raised
What does urinanalysis show in Kawasaki Disease
Raised WBC
Why is an Echo done for Kawasaki Disease
rule out major complication: coronary artery aneurysms
Acute phase of Kawasaki Disease
child will be unwell with fever, rash and lymphadenopathy - 1-2 weeks
Subacute phase of Kawasaki Disease
- acute symptoms will settle but the arthralgia and risk of coronary artery aneurysms form - 2-4 weeks
Convalescent stage of Kawasaki Disease
remaining symptoms return back to normal and blood tests return to normal - 2-4 weeks
Management of Kawasaki Disease
High dose aspirin to reduce the risk of thrombosis - IV immunoglobulins - Public health should be informed
Complication of Kawasaki Disease
Coronary Artery Aneurysm
Measles
Despite significant vaccination, this is still a major cause of morbidity and death worldwide. - Initial exposure occurs through droplet spread and it is highly infectious during viral shedding
What causes measles?
RNA Paramyxovirus
Symptoms of Measles
- Fever - Koplik spots (blue, white spots on the inside of the cheek) - Conjunctivitis - Coryza - Cough - Rash which spreads downwards from behind the ears to the whole of the body - maculopapular rash. ; Infectious from prodome till 4 days after rash starts.
Ix for Measles
IgM ab, raised LFTs, Measles RNA PCR on oral fluid specimen
Management of Measles
- Supportive treatment depending on symptoms - Avoid school for at least 5 days after initial development of rash
How long does a child need to isolate with measles?
4 days after their symptoms resolve
Who should be notified with Measles cases
Notify Public Health
Complications of Measles
Otitis media (most common) - Pneumonia - Febrile convulsions - Encephalitis/Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis
Chickenpox
This is a common virus which is spread by respiratory droplets and is very infectious during viral shedding.
What causes Chicken pox?
Varicella Zoster Virus (VZV)
Symptoms of Chickenpox
Fever - Vesicular rash beginning on head and trunk which spreads to peripheries - Itching can lead to permanent scars/secondary infection
Managment of Chickenpox
Symptomatic treatment - Immunocompromised children/higher risk groups can be given aciclovir - Avoid school until lesions have crusted over (at least 5 days)
Complications of Chickenpox
Bacterial superinfection - Pneumonitis - DIC - Virus reactivation : Shingles
Rubella
A generally mild disease in childhood which occurs in winter and spring
What causes Rubella?
Togavirus , Rubella Virus
How long is the incubation period for Rubella?
Incubation period is 15-20 days
How is Rubella spread?
it is spread through respiratory contact.
Symptoms of Rubella
Symptoms start 2 weeks after exposure. Low grade fever - Maculopapular rash on the face which then spreads across the whole body.
Management of Rubella
No treatment necessary - Diagnosis should be confirmed serologically if there is any risk of exposure for non-immune pregnant women
How long should a child stay off school if they have Rubella?
5 days after the rash appears
Complications of Rubella
Arthritis - Encephalitis - Myocarditis
Congenital Rubella
•Foetal rubella syndrome can occur if a non-immune mother is infected in her 1st trimester of pregnancy → teratogenic, sensorineural deafness, congenital cataracts, CHD, cerebral palsy, microcephaly
What should you do if you suspect congenital rubella?
•If suspected: discuss with local health protection unit
Can you offer the MMR vaccine to preganant women?
NO !! Do NOT offer MMR vaccine to pregnant woman
offer non-immune mothers MMR vaccine in post-natal phase
Diphtheria
- Infection which causes local disease with membrane formation affecting the nose, pharynx or larynx or systemic disease with myocarditis and neurological manifestations. Diphtheria is a bacterial infection caused by Corynebacterium diphtheriae, primarily affecting the respiratory system but can also involve the skin
Is Diphtheria common in the UK?
It has generally been eradicated in the UK.
True or False: Diphtheria is a common disease in children today.
False. Diphtheria is rare in countries with high vaccination rates.
What are common symptoms of respiratory diphtheria in children?
Sore throat
Trouble breathing
Low fever
Husky voice
Stridor (a shrill sound caused when breathing in)
Enlarged lymph glands in the neck
Runny nose
Swelling of the roof of the mouth (palate
Which of the following is a common diagnostic method for diphtheria?
A) Blood culture
B) Throat culture
C) Chest X-ray
D) Skin biopsy
B) Throat culture
Explanation: A throat culture can confirm the presence of Corynebacterium diphtheriae.
What is the primary treatment for diphtheria in children?
A) Antiviral medication
B) Antibiotics and antitoxin
C) Antifungal medication
D) Surgery
B) Antibiotics and antitoxin
Explanation: Treatment includes antibiotics to eliminate the bacteria and antitoxin to neutralize the diphtheria toxin.
What are potential complications of diphtheria in children?
Damage to the heart, kidneys, and nervous system
Asphyxiation due to airway obstruction
True or False: Vaccination is the primary method of preventing diphtheria.
True. Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent diphtheria.
What is the typical mortality rate for diphtheria in children?
A) 1-2%
B) 5-10%
C) 15-20%
D) 25-30%
B) 5-10%
Explanation: The mortality rate for diphtheria is approximately 5-10%, but it can be higher in children under five years old.
How is diphtheria transmitted?
A) Airborne droplets
B) Direct contact with skin lesions
C) Both A and B
D) Contaminated food and water
C) Both A and B
Explanation: Diphtheria is transmitted through respiratory droplets and direct contact with skin lesions.
What is the recommended vaccination schedule for diphtheria in children?
DTaP vaccine at 2, 4, and 6 months
Booster doses at 15-18 months and 4-6 years
Td or Tdap booster every 10 years thereafter
Scaled Skin Syndrome is caused by ____
Caused by an exfoliative staphylococcal toxin which causes separation of the epidermal skin through the granular cell layers
Symptoms of Scaled Skin Syndrome
- Fever - Malaise - Purulent, crusting, localised infection around eyes/nose/mouth with widespread erythema and tenderness - Areas of epidermis separate on gentle pressure (Nikolsky sign) leaving denuded areas of skin which then dry and heal without scarring
Management of Scaled Skin Syndrome
IV anti-staph antibiotics such as flucloxacillin - Analgesia - Fluid balance
What is Staphylococcal Scalded Skin Syndrome (SSSS)?
SSSS is a bacterial skin infection caused by Staphylococcus aureus, leading to redness, blistering, and peeling of the skin.
True or False: SSSS is most common in adults.
False. SSSS primarily affects infants and young children.
What are common symptoms of SSSS in children?
Fussiness (irritability)
Tiredness (malaise)
Fever
Redness of the skin
Fluid-filled blisters that break easily
Large sheets of the top layer of skin that peel away
Which of the following is a common diagnostic method for SSSS?
A) Skin biopsy
B) Blood culture
C) Throat culture
D) Urine analysis
A) Skin biopsy
Explanation: A skin biopsy can confirm the diagnosis of SSSS.
What is the primary treatment for SSSS in children?
A) Oral antibiotics
B) Intravenous antibiotics
C) Topical steroids
D) Antifungal medication
B) Intravenous antibiotics
Explanation: Treatment typically involves intravenous antibiotics to combat the Staphylococcus aureus infection.
What are potential complications of SSSS in children?
Dehydration
Shock
Secondary bacterial infections
Scarring
True or False: SSSS is always fatal in children.
False. With prompt treatment, the prognosis is generally good, and most children recover without scarring.
Which of the following is a preventive measure for SSSS?
A) Regular handwashing
B) Vaccination
C) Avoiding sun exposure
D) Using moisturizers
A) Regular handwashing
Explanation: Regular handwashing can help prevent the spread of Staphylococcus aureus, thereby reducing the risk of SSSS.
How is SSSS transmitted?
A) Airborne droplets
B) Direct contact with infected skin
C) Contaminated food
D) Insect bites
B) Direct contact with infected skin
Explanation: SSSS is transmitted through direct contact with infected skin or mucous membranes
Which condition should be considered in the differential diagnosis of SSSS?
A) Chickenpox
B) Impetigo
C) Measles
D) Eczema
B) Impetigo
Explanation: Impetigo is a superficial skin infection that can present with similar symptoms to SSSS
Whooping Cough
Bacterial URTI (bronchitis)
What causes Whooping Cough ?
Bordetella Pertussis - Gram -ve bacillus (highly contagious)
How long can Whooping Cough last for without treatment?
6-8 weeks
Incidence of Whooping Cough is reduced nowadays due to ___
Vaccination programme
When are the Whooping Cough Vaccines administered
: 2,3,4 months, booster at 3 years 4 months
What are the 2 phases of Whooping Cough
Catarrhal Phase: Lasts 1-2 weeks: coryzal symptoms - Paroxysmal Phase: Occurs week 3-6: characteristic ‘inspiratory whoop - Convalescent phase - downgrade of cough, may last up to 3 months
Symptoms of Whooping Cough
Cough worse at night - Spasmodic coughing episodes - can lead to vomiting - Low grade fever - Sore throat
Ix for Whooping Cough
Nasal-pharyngeal swab with pertussis - FBC - Antibody test
Tx for Whooping Cough
Macrolide e.g. Clarithromycin - Prophylactic Abx given to close contacts who are in higher risk health groups - Isolation for 21 days after symptom onset or 5 days after antibiotics
Complications of Whooping Cough
Seizures - Pneumonia - Bronchiectasis - Encephalopathy - Otitis Media
What is polio, and what causes it?
Polio, or poliomyelitis, is an infectious disease caused by the poliovirus, which is a member of the enterovirus group.
How is the poliovirus transmitted?
It is transmitted via the fecal-oral route or through respiratory droplets from infected individuals.
What are the three main serotypes of poliovirus?
Types 1, 2, and 3.
What are the clinical stages of polio infection?
Asymptomatic infection
Abortive poliomyelitis (minor illness)
Non-paralytic poliomyelitis (aseptic meningitis)
Paralytic poliomyelitis
What is the hallmark feature of paralytic poliomyelitis?
Acute onset of asymmetric flaccid paralysis without sensory loss.
Which part of the nervous system does poliovirus primarily affect?
The anterior horn cells of the spinal cord and brainstem motor nuclei.
Poliovirus primarily spreads through the - route.
Fecal-oral
The __________ vaccine is an inactivated polio vaccine administered by injection.
Salk
The __________ vaccine is a live attenuated oral polio vaccine.
Sabin
Paralytic poliomyelitis is characterized by __________ paralysis without sensory involvement.
Flaccid
The eradication of polio requires maintaining __________% immunization coverage globally.
95
Which vaccine is used in the global polio eradication program?
A. BCG vaccine
B. Oral polio vaccine (OPV)
C. DTaP vaccine
D. Rotavirus vaccine
B. Oral polio vaccine (OPV)
What is the most common outcome of poliovirus infection?
A. Paralytic disease
B. Non-paralytic aseptic meningitis
C. Asymptomatic infection
D. Abortive poliomyelitis
C. Asymptomatic infection
Which serotype of poliovirus is most frequently associated with outbreaks?
A. Type 1
B. Type 2
C. Type 3
D. All types equally
A. Type 1
Scenario: A 6-year-old child presents with fever, headache, stiff neck, and muscle weakness. The child has not been fully immunized against polio.
Q: What is the likely diagnosis, and how would you confirm it?
Likely diagnosis: Poliomyelitis (non-paralytic or paralytic). Confirmation: Stool or throat swab for poliovirus PCR and serology.
Scenario: A patient who recovered from polio 20 years ago presents with new muscle weakness and fatigue.
Q: What is the likely diagnosis, and how is it managed?
Likely diagnosis: Post-polio syndrome. Management: Supportive care, physical therapy, and symptom management.
Place these steps in the progression of poliovirus infection in the correct order:
A. Infection of the oropharynx and gastrointestinal tract
B. Viremia
C. Spread to the central nervous system
D. Destruction of anterior horn cells
A → B → C → D
Abortive poliomyelitis
Mild febrile illness with no CNS involvement
Non-paralytic poliomyelitis
Aseptic meningitis with headache and stiff neck
Paralytic poliomyelitis
Acute flaccid paralysis with asymmetric motor involvement
Post-polio syndrome
Late-onset muscle weakness in previously affected individuals
What are the pros and cons of using the oral polio vaccine (OPV)?
Pros:
Provides intestinal immunity
Easy to administer
Effective in halting community transmission
Cons:
Risk of vaccine-derived poliovirus (VDPV)
Requires careful cold chain storage
Why is polio considered a good candidate for eradication, and what challenges remain?
Reasons for eradication feasibility:
No animal reservoirs
Effective vaccines available
Clear clinical diagnosis in paralytic cases
Challenges:
Vaccine-derived poliovirus (VDPV) in poorly immunized areas
Political and logistical barriers in endemic regions
Describe how the introduction of the global polio eradication initiative has impacted poliovirus cases worldwide.
Since the initiative began in 1988, global cases of polio have decreased by over 99%, with endemic transmission confined to a few regions.
Is Tuberculosis common ?
TB had a real decline however there is increased incidence in patients with HIV infection and the emergency of drug resistant strains
How is Tuberculosis spread?
It is spread through respiratory droplets.
Tuberculosis Infection
TB infection is latent TB and is more likely to progress to TB disease in infants and young children however children will generally not be infectious compared to adults
Symptoms of TB in children
Asymptomatic children will have minimal signs of infection as a local inflammatory reaction limits the progression of the disease however it remains latent and so a Mantoux test may become positive.
How does TB spread throughout the body?
If the local infection response fails, it can spread through the lymphatic system causing fever, anorexia and weight loss, cough and chest x-ray changes such as hilar lymphadenopathy. There may be enlargement of the peribronchial lymph nodes which can cause consolidation, bronchial obstruction and pleural effusions.
- There may also be other organ involvement including the gut, skin and superficial lymph nodes.
What happens in the dormant stage of TB?
A dormant stage occurs and this can be reactivated and present as post-primary TB where the infection can be local or spread across systems including bones, joints, kidneys and CNS (can lead to TB meningitis)
Ix for TB
Given the difficulty in obtaining sputum samples, gastric washings on 3 consecutive mornings can be obtained to culture acid-fast bacilli through an NG tube. - Mantoux tests can be performed however this can be positive due to past vaccination rather than infection. - IGRA is a new blood test which is used to assess the response of T cells to antigens found in TB but not the BCG vaccine.
Tx for Tuberculosis
Rifampicin, Isoniazid, Pyrazinamide, Ethambutol therapy initially and then reduced to just Rifampicin and Isoniazid after 2 months. This whole therapy normally lasts around 6 months.
How do you change TB tx after puberty
After puberty, pyridoxine is given weekly to minimise the peripheral neuropathy side effects of isoniazid
Why is contact tracing essential for TB?
Contact tracing is essential as children often pick up the infection from adults
HIV prevalence in children + main route of transmission
Affecting over 2 million children a year, the main route of transmission is mother-children transmission during pregnancy, at delivery or through breast feeding.
Ix for HIV in children > 18 months
In children over 18 months, presence of antibodies is diagnostic.
Ix for HIV in children < 18 months
In those under 18 months, a HIV DNA PCR is needed as antibodies may be present from merely exposure not active infection.
Presentation of HIV in children
A proportion of HIV infected infants progress rapidly to symptomatic disease and AIDS in the first year of life however most children will remain asymptomatic for several years.
HIV presentation in children with mild immunosuppression
may present with lymphadenopathy, those with moderate may have recurrent bacterial infections, chronic diarrhoea and lymphocytic interstitial pneumonitis.
Severe AIDS diagnosis can be indicated with ____
pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia, severe faltering growth and encephalopathy.
Tx for HIV
Antiretroviral therapy, Immunisations, MDT approach, Regular follow up including weight, development and clinical signs of disease.
- Antiretroviral therapy should be started in all infants and some older children depending on _____
clinical status, HIV load and CD4 count
Why are immunisations important for HIV treatment?
Immunisations are important due to the higher risk of other infections
Mothers who test positive for HIV, should be on _____ to reduce viral load at time of delivery.
Antiretroviral drugs
Mothers who have HIV should also avoid ___
They should also avoid breastfeeding and active management of labour and delivery to prevent prolonged rupture of membranes
If breastfeeding cannot be avoided (in women who have HIV) then what should be given to both the mother + the baby?
Antiretroviral drugs