Microbiology Flashcards
which age groups are more susceptible to acute throat infections?
5-10 years
15-25 years
if a patient presents with pain at the back of the mouth it could be?
acute pharyngitis
tonsilitis
what is acute pharyngitis?
inflammation of the part of the throat behind the soft palate (oropharynx)
what is tonsillitis?
inflammation of the tonsils
what are the causes of throat pain?
viral or bacterial infection
what are the common causes of a sore throat in primary care?
usually no life threatening
common cold, influenza, streptococcal
when should infectious mononucleosis be suspected?
if sore throat and lethargy persists into the second week, patient aged 15-25 years
what are the less common causes of sore throats?
HIV (esp. seroconversion), gonococcal pharyngitis, diphtheria - according to patient history
what should be considered in a patient aged 15-25 years old with a persistent sore throat into its second week?
infectious mononucleosis/glandular fever (caused by ebstain Barr virus)
what are non-infectious causes of sore throats?
GORD, chronic irritation from cigarette smoke, alcohol or hay fever
look for red flags if persistent
how should sore throats be diagnosed?
history and clinical examination
throat swabs should not be carried out routinely in primary care management
what is an indication for admission to hospital if presented with a sore throat?
stridor or respiratory difficult and attempts to examine the throat should be avoided
sore throats are usually:
self- limiting
resolve in 3 days in 40% of people
within 1 week in 85% of people
irrespective of whether due to streptococcus
what other conditions are associated with a sore throat?
otitis media (most common)
peri-tonsillar abscess (quinsy)
para-pharyngeal abscess
mastoiditis
how to manage sore throats?
self-care advice: giving simple advice
prescribing antibiotics ONLY where appropriate
identify and manage immunosuppressed people
and those who need admission/referral
when is throat cancer suspected?
persistent sore throat , esp if there is a neck mass
which patients with sore throats need admission or referral?
suspected throat cancer patients
sore/painful throat lasts for 3-4 weeks, pain on swallowing or dysphagia for more than 3 weeks
red, or red and white patches or ulceration or swelling of the oral/pharyngeal mucosa persists for more than 3 weeks
how can one self-care when having a sore throat?
regular analgesia (paracetamol or ibuprofen to relieve pain and fever) Medicated lozenges (local anaesthetic , analgesia or antiseptic) (avoidance of hot drinks adequate fluid intake to avoid dehydration Mouthwashes / gargles/ spray – less evidence)
does everyone with a sore throat need antibiotics?
vast majority don’t as they are viral infections
what is the most common bacterial cause of a sore throat?
streptococcus pyogenes aka group A streptococcus or group A Beta hemolytic Strep
what is the clinical presentation of bacterial sore throats?
acute follicular tonsillitis
what is the treatment of bacterial sore throats?
penicillin
streptococcus pyogenes:
gram positive cocci chains
complete beta-hemolysis
what complications are seen 3 weeks post strep pyogenes infection?
rheumatic fever: fever, arthritis and pancarditis
what complications are seen 1-3 weeks post strep pyogenes infection?
glomerulonephritis: hematuria, albuminuria and edema
what is the centor score of 0,1,2 mean?
17% risk of getting GAS
what is the center score of 3 or 4 mean?
32 to 56% of getting GAS
what determines who is likely to get GAS?
age, local prevalence and seasonal variation
most likely in 5-15 year olds
progressively less likely in younger/older patients
developed in US Eds for adults but used widely
what is the criteria for calculating the score likelihood of getting GAS?
center criteria: tonsillar exudate tender anterior cervical lymph nodes history of fever (>38) absence of cough
One point each
Out of 4 points
what is another criteria for calculating risk of getting GAS?
Fever PAIN criteria:
Fever (Last 24 hours) Purulence Attend rapidly (w/in 3/7) V. Inflammed tonsils No cough/ corryza
One point each
a 0 or 1 score in the fever pain criteria =
13 to 18% risk