Microbiology Flashcards
How is herpes simplex virus transmitted?
Saliva
Who often gets herpes simplex virus?
Pre-school children
How does gingivostomatitis present?
Vesicles and ulcers may have systemic upset and lymphadenopathy if it spreads beyond the mouth
How is herpes simplex virus treated?
Acyclovir
Name the investigation that can be used to diagnose herpes
PCR for viral DNA
Where does herpes virus sit inactive?
In sensory nerve cells
What is herpangina?
Vesicles/ulcers on the soft palate due to coxsakie virus
Who usually gets herpangina?
Young children
How is herpangina diagnosed?
PCR swab
How does primary syphilis present?
Painless indurated ulcer at site of entry of bacterium can be genital or oral lesions
What is apthous disease?
Non-viral self limiting recurrent painful ulcers of the mouth
Describe apthous ulcers
Round of ovoid with inflammatory halos confined to the mouth
How long do apthous ulcers generally last?
3 weeks
What diseases are associated with recurrent ulcers?
- bechet’s
- coeliac/IBD
- reiter’s disease
- drug reactions
- skin diseases
Describe bechet’s disease
Recurrent oral/genital ulcers, uveitis may also involve visceral organs
Where is bechet’s disease most commonly found?
Middle east/asia
When should infectious mononucleosis be considered?
In a 15-25 year old patient with a sore throat persisting for 2 weeks
What causes infectious mononucleosis?
Epstein Barr Virus
State the complications of a sore throat
- otitis media
- peri-tonsillar abscess
- para-pharyngeal abscess
- mastoiditis
When is admission for a sore throat required?
- suspected throat cancer
- > 3/4 weeks of dysphagia
- Red/white patches, ulceration or swelling
- stridor or respiratory problems
What portion of sore throats are viral?
2/3
What is the most common cause of a bacterial tonsillitis?
Strep pyogenes