Infectious diseases

Question 1

How would you interpret hepatitis serology results?

1. HBsAg
2. Anti - HBs
3. Anti - HBc
4. IgM anti - HBc
5. HBeAg
6. Anti - HBe

Answer 1

HBsAg - The presence of HBsAg indicates that the person is infectious.

Anti - HBs - indicating recovery and immunity from HBV infection. Anti-HBs also develops in a person who has been successfully vaccinated against hepatitis B.

Anti - HBc - The presence of anti-HBc indicates previous or ongoing infection with HBV in an undefined time frame.

IgM anti - HBc - Positivity indicates recent infection with HBV (≤6 months). Its presence usually indicates acute infection.

HBeAg - Its presence indicates that the virus is replicating and the infected person has high levels of HBV.

Anti - HBe - predictor of long-term clearance of HBV in patients undergoing antiviral therapy and indicates lower levels of HBV.

Question 2

What are the presenting features of Botulism?

Answer 2

Remember 5 Ds 
D - Diplopia 
D - Dysarthria 
D - Dysphonia
D - Dysphagia 
D - Descending flaccid paralysis