Microbiology Flashcards
Who is most likely to get an acute throat infection?
children aged 5–10 years
young adults aged 15–25 years
If sore throat and lethargy persist into the second week, especially if the person is 15-25years of age what should be suspected?
Glandular fever (infectious mononucleosis)
When would a sore throat be referred?
- Persistent sore throat, with neck mass (cancer)
- Sore throat lasts for 3 to 4 weeks
- pain on swallowing/dysphagia for >3 weeks
- Red or white patches/ulceration/swelling of the oral/pharyngeal mucosa persists for >3 weeks
- Stridor / respiratory difficulty is an emergency
What is the most common bacterial cause of acute follicular tonsillitis?
Streptococcus pyogenes
Group A Beta Haemolytic Strep)
What is bacterial tonsillitis treated with?
Penicillin
A patient with strep. pyogenes tonsillitis should be isolated until they have been on antibiotics for 48 hrs. TRUE/FALSE?
TRUE
Droplet precautions should also be taken as patient can spread infection by coughing
What are the late complications of strep. throat?
- Rheumatic fever (3 weeks after)
- Glomerulonephritis (1-3 weeks after)
How does diptheria present in the throat?
severe sore throat with a grey white pseudomembrane across the posterior pharynx
Why is the diptheria exotoxin particularly dangerous during infection?
cardiotoxic and neurotoxic
What complications can the diptheria pseudomembrane cause?
Can obstruct the airway
What is the diptheria vaccine made of?
cell-free purified toxin extracted from a strain of C. diphtheriae
=> a toxoid vaccine
What is the treatment for diptheria?
antitoxin and supportive and penicillin / erythromycin
antibiotics dont make much difference on their own - the anti-toxin is important in treatment
What microbe is known to cause oral thrush?
Candida albicans
How does oral thrush appear in the mouth
white patches on red, raw mucous membranes in throat/ mouth
How is oral thrush treated?
nystatin or fluconazole
What is otitis media?
upper respiratory infection involving the middle ear by extension of infection up the Eustachian tube
Who usually gets otitis media?
infants and children
Present with earache
What bacteria usually infect the middle ear?
Streptococcus pneumoniae
Haemophilus influenzae
Streptococcus pyogenes
Moraxella
Are middle ear infections usually bacterial or viral?
Viral but often with secondary bacterial infection
Can the middle ear be swabbed for culture?
Swab of pus taken if eardrum perforates to release it – otherwise samples can’t be obtained
What treatment is most commonly used for infections of the middle ear?
80% resolve in 4 days without antibiotics.
1st line – amoxicillin
2nd line – erythromycin
What is the most common presenting feature in acute sinusitis?
Mild discomfort over frontal or maxillary sinuses due to congestion
Severe pain and tenderness with purulent nasal discharge in acute sinusitis indicates what?
Secondary bacterial infection