Infectious Diseases Flashcards
Which antiviral is used for HIV?
Zidovudine
Which antiviral is used for VZV (varicella zooster virus, aka chicken pox)?
Acyclovir
Which antiviral is used for influenza?
Oseltamivir
What are the complications of chicken pox (VZV) in immunocompromised / at risk patients?
Most severe - Pneumonitis
Other
- Encephalitis / other neurological issues
- Hepatitis
- Myocarditis
- Dermatitis
Following primary infection, herperviruses are able to become latent and establish lifelong infection. They can periodically reactivate, often when a patient’s immunity is low.
Name some important herpes viruses
HSV 1 and 2
CMV
EBV
VZV
What are the typical symptoms of HSV?
Oral, Occular and Genital Ulcers
Rarely encephalitis
What are the typical symptoms of EBV?
Which cancer is it associated with? What are the symptoms of this cancer?
Fever
Swollen glands
Associated with Burkitt’s Lymphoma (*eBv = Burkitts)
Burkitt’s lymphoma presents with aBdominal symptoms
- N&V
- LoA
- GI Bleed
- Acute abdomen
- Renal failure due to tumour-lysis syndrome
How may you provide immunity to a pregnant mother with -ve VSV IgG?
When is the risk greatest to the mother, and greatest to the fetus?
VSV immunoglobulins (antibodies) = Passive Immunity
Mother = 3rd trimester at most risk due to greatest immunocrompomisation
Fetus = first 12 weeks
What is the typical progression of signs and symptoms caused by a measles infection?
Initially fever, malaise, conjunctivitis, cough.
Rash presents on buccal mucosa –“Koplik Spots”– blue/grey
Begins in face, moving down the body, becoming confluent (merging together)
What are some complications of measles infection?
Bacterial Pneumonia
Encephalitis
Otitis media
What criteria is used to diagnose infective endocarditis?
Dukes Criteria for enDocarditis
What investigations would you order in a patient suspected of meningitis? State why for each
Blood cultures - antibiotic sensitivity
Pneumococcal urinary antigen - Dx pneumococcal meningitis
Meningococcal PCR - Dx meningococcal infection
Viral & Bacterial throat swab - assess colonisation
What tests would you order for CSF obtained on LP in a patient suspected of meningitis? State why for each
CSF PCR - Check for viral (HSV, enterovirus, parechovirus)
CSF microscopy and gram stain - assess RBC and WCC of CSF to help distinguish between bacterial, TB and viral meningitis
CSF culture and sensitivity - assess bacterial growth and provide specific antibiotic for eradication
What are the elements of CURB65 and what scores indicate what management plan?
C - mental state <=8 U - urea >7 R - RR >30 B - SBP <90 or DBP <=60 65 - Age
0-1 Manage at home
2 Consider hospital supervised treatment
3+ Admit and manage in hospital as severe pneumonia (admit to ICU if 4 or 5)
What is the purpose of a Beta-D-Glucan test?
Diagnostic investigation of invasive fungal infection, best used for ruling out.
BDG is a component of the cell wall of most fungi