Intra-Abdominal Infections Flashcards
What is cholecystitis?
Infection of biliary tree.
Common esp. with underlying gallstones.
Symptoms include fever, obstructive jaundice, right upper quadrant pain.
Signs - tender right upper quadrant.
What are the predominant symptoms of gastroenteritis?
Diarrhoea, vomiting, abdominal pain, fever.
What important histories should be considered in gastroenteritis?
Travel history, food history, and animal contacts.
Which organism causes bloody diarrhoea? (gastroenteritis)
Shigella, E.coli 0157.
Which organisms cause non-bloody diarrhoea? (gastroenteritis)
- Norovirus
- Campylobacter
- Salmonella spp
Is gastroenteritis a self-limiting illness?
Yes, no antibiotic treatment required.
What should be considered if abdominal pain, blood and mucus in stool, and fever occur in gastroenteritis?
Consider antibiotics, specifically ciprofloxacin.
Should antibiotics be given if E.coli 0157 is suspected or confirmed?
No, as it will increase the risk of haemolytic uraemic syndrome.
What is peritonitis?
Infection within the peritoneal cavity, most common following perforated intra-abdominal viscus (e.g. ruptured appendix).
What are the signs of peritonitis?
- Abdominal pain+++
- Vomiting
- Fever
- Rigid abdomen
- Rebound tenderness
- Guarding
What are common organisms involved in peritonitis?
- Gut coliforms (e.g. E. coli)
- Anaerobes (e.g. Bacteroides)
What is meningitis?
Infection of meninges lining brain. Symptoms include fever, headache, photophobia, vomiting, rash.
What is a typical rash associated with meningococcal meningitis?
Purpuric non-blanching rash (glass test).
What is meningism?
Neck stiffness observed on examination.
What is osteomyelitis?
Infection of bone.
What is septic arthritis?
Infection of joints.
What type of infections require long treatment with antibiotics?
Deep seated infections.
Why is it ideal to identify the organism in bone and joint infections?
To guide therapy.
e.g. osteomyelitis of the jaw, take around 5 intra-operative theatre samples
3 intra-abdominal infections focused on?
- Cholecystitis.
- Gastroenteritis.
- Peritonitis.
2 most common infections of the CNS?
Meningitis and sepsis?
common cause of sepsis
- bacteraemia and meningitis existing together, pt becomes septic without prompt tx
