Brainscape's Knowledge GenomeTM


Top Flashcards (Certified)
All Flashcards

Respiratory > Respiratory infections > Flashcards

Respiratory infections Flashcards

1
Q

What 3 things are required of a disease to cause successful infection?

A

Susceptible host
Virulent pathogen
Favourable environment

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

What are the 6 links in the chain of infection?

A

Pathogen
Reservoir
Portal of exit
Mode of transport
Portal of entry
Susceptible host

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

What is meant by colonisation?

A

The presence of a microbe in the human body without an inflammatory response

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

What is meant by infection?

A

Inflammation due to a microbe

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

What is meant by bacteraemia?

A

The presence of a viable bacteria in the blood

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

What is meant by sepsis?

A

The dysregulated host response to infection

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

What is meant by a differential diagnosis?

A

The process of differentiating between two or more conditions which share similar signs or symptoms

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

What are some examples of tests that can be carried out to diagnose infection?

A

Blood cultures
Stool cultures
Urine sampling
Cerebrospinal fluid
Sputum cultures
Serology
Antigen detection
PCR
Chest X-ray

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

What is tested for by an RNA PCR quad swab upon first admission with an upper respiratory infection?

A

Influenza A
Influenza B
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)
Coronavirus

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

What viruses will be tested for using RNA PCR swabbing, in case of a negative RNA PCR quad swab?

A

Metapneumovirus
Rhinovirus
Parainfluenza
Adenovirus
Enterovirus
Parechovirus

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

What are some bacteria that can be tested for using DNA PCR testing?

A

Mycoplasma pneumoniae
Haemophilus influenza
Streptococcus pneumoniae

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

What is strep throat?

A

An infection of the pharynx. usually with a viral aetiology, resulting in the formation of a characteristic pus exudate at the back of the throat

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

What are some symptoms of strep throat?

A

Pus exudate on the throat
Sore throat
Dysphonia (Hoarse voice)
Dysphagia (Difficulty swallowing)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

What is a recent, common bacterial aetiology of strep throat?

A

Group A Streptococcus

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

How is strep throat usually managed?

A

It is usually self limiting and so requires no treatment
Antibiotics can be given in cases of severe cases with a bacterial aetiology

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

What is tonsillitis?

A

The inflammation of the tonsils due to infection

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
17
Q

What are the most common viral causes of tonsillitis?

A

Epstein-Barr virus
Rhinovirus
Influenza A and B
Parainfluenza
Enterovirus
Adenovirus

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
18
Q

What percentage of tonsillitis cases are caused by bacteria?

A

5% - 30%

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
19
Q

What are the most common bacterial causes of tonsillitis?

A

Streptococcus progenies (GAS)
Haemophilus influenza
Staphylococcus aureus
Streptococcus pneumoniae

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
20
Q

What are some common symptoms of viral tonsillitis?

A

Malaise
Sore throat
Pyrexia
Possible lymphadenopathy

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
21
Q

How long does viral tonsillitis usually last?

A

3-4 days

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
22
Q

What are some common symptoms of bacterial tonsillitis?

A

Systemic upset
Fever
Odynophagia (Painful swallowing)
Halitosis
Lymphadenopathy
Erythematous swelling of tonsils
Dysphonia

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
23
Q

How long does bacterial tonsillitis usually last?

A

It lasts around a week and leads to much more prolific symptoms

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
24
Q

How can recurrent tonsillitis be treated?

A

Tonsillectomy (not common)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
25
What are some complications of tonsillitis?
Otitis media Quinsy Lemierre syndrome
26
What is quinsy?
Quinsy is a possible complication of tonsillitis, characterised by the formation of peritonsillar abscesses
27
What is Lemierre syndrome?
Lemierre syndrome is a possible complication of tonsillitis, characterised by suppurative inflammation of the jugular vein, leading to the formation of a thrombus
28
What are some possible complications of quinsy?
This can cause airway obstruction, sepsis, glomerulonephritis and rheumatic fever
29
How can quinsy be treated?
Drainage of peritonsillar abscesses
30
What is epiglottitis?
A possibly life-threatening infection, characterised by inflammation of the epiglottitis
31
What are the current, most common causes of epiglottitis?
Streptococcus pneumoniae Streptococcus pyogenes Staphylococcus aureus
32
Why is Haemophilus influenza no longer the most common cause of epiglottitis?
Most children now are vaccinated against Haemophilus influenza by the HiB vaccine
33
What are some common clinical presentations of epiglottitis?
Sore throat Odynophagia (Painful swallowing) Inability to swallow secretions, leading to drooling Muffled voice Pyrexia
34
What is the gold standard investigation in epiglottitis?
A laryngoscopy, but this should only be performed in an operating theatre, where an anaesthetist is ready to allow insertion of an endotracheal tube
35
What are some antibiotics used in the treatment of epiglottitis?
Ceftrioxone Vancomycin Clindamycin
36
What is coryza?
Coryza is anotehrname for the common cold, an acute viral infection of the nasal passages
37
What are the most common causes of coryza?
Adenovirus Rhinovirus Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Coronavirus (30%) - Mostly HK-01
38
What are some common symptoms of coryza?
Sore throat Rhinorrhoea Sneezing Cough Fever Malaise
39
What are some complications that can arise from coryza?
Sinusitis and acute bronchitis
40
How is coryza spread?
By droplets and foamites, expelled by coughing, sneezing and speaking
41
What is sinusitis?
Inflammation of the tissue lining the sinuses due to infection with a mostly viral aetiology
42
What are the risks of fungal sinusitis?
This can be life threatening as the fungus can erode through the sinus wall and skull, to enter the brain
43
Who is at risk of fungal sinusitis?
Those who are heavily immunosuppressed, including those on chemotherapy, those with HIV and those on heavy duty immunosuppressant drugs
44
What are some symptoms of sinusitis?
Frontal headache Retro-orbital pain Maxillary sinus pain Tooth ache Pus in sinus cavities
45
What is a rare complication of bacterial sinusitis?
Bacteria can move down the cavernous sinus and lead to a sub-dural empyema
46
How can acute sinusitis be treated?
This can be treated using nasal douching, nasal decongestants such as pseudoephedrine and oxymetazoline, and painkillers for pain management
47
What is diphtheria?
Diphtheria is a possibly life-threatening bacterial infection of the throat
48
How can diphtheria be life-threatening?
The bacteria present release toxins, which can cause death and causes a characteristic pseudo-membrane at the back of the throat
49
Why is diphtheria rarely seen in the UK?
It is mostly vaccinated against
50
What is croup?
Croup is a common childhood illness, characterised by inflammation of the URT and caused by viral infection
51
What are the most common viral causes of croup?
Parainfluenza virus I (Most common) Parainfluenza II, III and IV Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Adenovirus
52
What can occur in croup infection?
A viral URT infection causes nasopharyngeal inflammation, that may spread to the larynx or trachea, which can cause sub glottal inflammation, oedema and airway compromise
53
How does croup cause its characteristic cough?
Infection can impair the movement of the vocal cords
54
What is the use of FeverPAIN?
This is an antibiotic checklist used s guidance for antibiotic prescription in URT infections, especially tonsillitis
55
What does FeverPAIN stand for?
Fever - fever during past 24 hours P - Purulence/Pus on tonsils A - Attended rapidly within 3 days of symptom I - Inflamed tonsils N - No cough or coryza
56
What is the chance of streptococcus infection in someone with a feverPAIN score of 0-1?
18% chance of isolating streptococcus
57
What is the chance of streptococcus infection in someone with a feverPAIN score of 2-3?
40% chance of isolating streptococcus
58
What is the chance of streptococcus infection in someone with a feverPAIN score of 4-5?
65% chance of isolating streptococcus
59
What is the incubation time for Rhinovirus?
1-5 days
60
What is the incubation time for Group A Streptococcus?
1-5 days
61
What is the incubation time for influenza and parainfluenza?
1-4 days
62
What is the incubation time for Respiratory Syncytial Virus?
7 days
63
What is the incubation time for pertussis?
7-21 days
64
What is the incubation time for Diphtheria?
1-10 days
65
What is the incubation time for Epstein-Barr virus?
4-6 weeks
66
What is the incubation time for Covid?
5-7 days
67
What is whooping cough?
An acute trachea bronchitis caused by the bacteria Bordetella pertussis
68
What is the common clinical presentation of whooping cough?
Whooping cough causes cold-like symptoms for two weeks, followed by paroxysmal, characteristic coughing, with residual coughing for over a month Vomiting is also common
69
What are some common investigations for whooping cough?
Investigation involves pernasal swab to carry out cultures, PCR and serology
70
How is whooping cough treated?
Antibiotics Vaccination to prevent
71
What is meant by a non-tuberculous mycobacteria?
This refers to mycobacterial species other than those that cause tuberculosis or leprosy
72
Where are non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) usually found?
They are found in infected water and soil, and are only contracted through the environment, they are not transmitted person to person
73
What are the main bacteria in pulmonary non-tuberculous mycobacteria infection?
Mycobacterium avium Mycobacterium intracellulare Mycobacterium chimerae
74
Who is more at risk of non-tuberculous mycobacteria?
Those with previous lung conditions such as COPD or bronchiectasis Those in hot, wet climates such as the swamplands of Florida
75
How is Non-Tuberculous Mycobacteria diagnosed?
An diagnosis of NTM requires respiratory symptoms and some red flag symptoms such as haemoptysis, as well as 2 positive sputum cultures, or a positive PCR or BAL Acid fast staining can also be performed for mycobacteria
76
What is the treatment regime for non-tuberculous mycobacteria?
Treatment entails 18 months of relevant antibiotics as per the severity Treatment usually consist of differing lengths and strengths of: - Rifampicin - Ethambutol - Azithromycin - Clarithromycin
77
Why can non-tuberculous mycobacteria not be treated with just 1 drug?
NTM can quickly become resistant to one drug, so many drugs are required at once to attempt to completely clear the infection
78
What are some examples of common fungal diseases?
Aspergillosis (Most common) Histoplasmosis Coccidiomycosis Cryptococcosis Mucomycosis Pneumocystis
79
How is Aspergillosis usually diagnosed?
Aspergillus PCR Cultures Galactomannan - Detects hyphal growth of aspergillum Aspergillus IgG and IgE CT scanning shows ground glass appearance
80
What are some examples of aspergillus related conditions?
Allergic broncho-pulmonary aspergillosis Aspergilloma Invasive aspergillosis Severe chronic pulmonary aspergillosis Aspergillus empyema
81
What is meant by allergic broncho-pulmonary aspergillosis?
This is an allergic response to aspergillum fungus in the lungs, causing mucus plugging and proximal bronchiectasis
82
How does allergic broncho-pulmonary aspergillosis present?
It presents with wheezing and high serum levels of IgE and eosinophils
83
How is allergic broncho-pulmonary aspergillosis treated?
It is usually treated with steroids and itraconazole (Anti-fungal)
84
What is an aspergilloma?
A thin walled, cavitating mass of fungus in the lungs
85
How can an aspergilloma be treated?
They can be treated using itraconazole or with surgery
86
What is meant by invasive aspergillosis?
The damaging and erosion of lung tissue by aspergillum fungus
87
What is the treatment for invasive aspergillosis?
Strong anti-fungal agent such as votriconazole or posaconazole
88
What is aspergillus empyema or sub-acute invasive aspergillosis?
Fungal erosion of the pleura, leading to the spread of fungus and pus into the pleural cavity
89
What are some complications of severe chronic pulmonary aspergillosis?
Fibrosis and cavity formation
90
What are some side effects associated with itraconazole?
Increased thirst Decreased urine output Dysrrhythmia
91
What are some side effects associated with votriconazole?
Visual disturbances and photosensitivity
92
What is meant be endemic?
A disease that occurs naturally in a population
93
What is meant by an epidemic?
An outbreak of disease of unexpected size (More than one area or country)
94
What is meany by a pandemic?
The global distribution of disease
95
What are the phases of a pandemic?
Phases 1-6 Post peak Post pandemic
96
What occurs in phases 1-3 of a pandemic?
The disease is predominantly animal infections, with few human interactions
97
What occurs in phase 4 of a pandemic?
The disease moves to sustained human to human transmission
98
What occurs in phase 5-6 of a pandemic?
Widespread human infection with the disease
99
What are some common presentations of influenza infection?
High, abrupt onset fever Malaise Myalgia Headache Cough Prostration (Wiped out feeling)
100
What are some common aetiologies of the classic flu?
Influenza A Influenza B
101
What are some common aetiologies of flu-like illnesses?
Parainfluenza Coronavirus Cold viruses
102
What are the 2 types of protein that most viruses express?
Hemagglutinin Neuraminidase
103
How is a virus named?
Virus type/Georgraphic origin/Strain number/year of isolation (Heagglutinin Neuraminidase)
104
What is an example of a virus name e.g. influenza A strain?
A/Fujian/411/2002 (H3N2)
105
What are some complications of influenza or influenza like illnesses?
Primary influenza pneumonia Secondary bacterial pneumonia
106
Describe the epidemiology of influenza
Influenza follows a pattern of winter epidemics, possibly because people spend more time indoors, with others over winter, as well as there being a possible vitamin D correlation
107
What is the usual cause of pandemics?
A very large antigenic shift, usually caused by an animal reservoir or mixing vessel, meaning a person with the flu also gets infected with an animal born virus, which mix and mutate together and then spreads

Respiratory (23 decks)

Brainscape helps you reach your goals faster, through stronger study habits.
© 2025 Bold Learning Solutions. Terms and Conditions