Infectious Diseases

Question 1

What should be offered to all HIV patients with CD4 count <200/mm?

Answer 1

Prophylaxis against pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia - Co Trimoxazole

Question 2

What is the differential diagnosis for a false-positive VDRL test?

Answer 2

SomeTimes Mistakes Happen

• SLE
• TB
• Malaria
• HIV

Question 3

What staining technique is used to identify acid fast bacilli?

Answer 3

Ziehl-Neelsen

Question 4

What must happen before a patient is commenced on an anti-TNF-alpha agent (eg Infliximab)?

Answer 4

Testing for TB

Question 5

What constitutes a positive Mantoux test?

Answer 5

Induration after 2-3 days of 5mm or more

Question 6

What alternative to Mantoux testing is there for TB?

Answer 6

IFN-gamma release assay (IGRA)

Question 7

What is the treatment regimen for latent TB?

Answer 7

Either:
- 3 months Rifampicin and Isoniazid (with pyridoxine)
OR
- 6 months Isoniazid (with pyridoxine)

Question 8

What is the treatment regimen for active TB?

Answer 8

6 months of:

• Rifampicin
• Isoniazid (with Pyridoxine)

Supplemented in first 2 months by:

• Pyrazinamide
• Ethambutol

Question 9

Which type of viral meningitis is characteristically associated with low CSF glucose?

Answer 9

Mumps

Question 10

Which pathogen is most associated with causing haemolytic uraemic syndrome?

Answer 10

E. Coli

Question 11

What is the main function of IL-8?

Answer 11

Neutrophil chemotaxis

Question 12

Which cell predominantly secretes IL-1?

Answer 12

Macrophage

Question 13

Which virus is the cause of Kaposi’s sarcoma?

Answer 13

HHV-8

Human Herpes Virus 8