Other infections Flashcards
1
Q
What are the Clostridia species, what diseases do they cause and how do they present?
A
G+ve, obligate anaerobic bacilli
C. perfringens:
- Gas gangrene in wound infections, from α-toxin, a lecithinase
- Tender, oedematous skin, haemorrhagic blebs/bullae; creptius on palpation
C. difficile:
- Pseudomembranous colitis, due to exotoxin and cytotoxin
- Typically after broad-spec Abx (or the ‘C’s’ e.g. clindamycin, cephalosporins, co-amoxiclav and ciprofloxacin)
C. botulinum:
- Flaccid paralysis including diaphragmatic involvement, from ACh inhibition
- Typically from canned foods and honey
- Used as treatment detrusor overactivity, cosmetic etc)
C. tetani:
- Spastic paralysis, from exotoxin prevention of glycine release from Renshaw cells in spinal cord
- Soils, rusty metal; offer vaccines post certain penetrating injuries
2
Q
What vaccines are live?
A
MI BOOTY:
- MMR
- (intranasal) Influenza
- BCG
- Oral rotavirus
- Oral polio
- Typhoid
- Yellow fever
3
Q
In what circumstances are live vaccines contraindicated?
A
Severe immunosuppression i.e. HIV, chemotherapy
Pregnancy
Allergy to component
(severe illness)
