Session 6 - Travel Related Infections Flashcards
Why is increasing global travel an issue in terms of infection?
- More exotic destinations now common
- migration of populations
- ## emerging infections being easily and quickly spread
Why is taking a good travel history important?
- recognise important diseases that aren’t common in UK
- different strains of pathogens in different countries
- infection spread prevention
What are some of the most important general questions to ask when taking a travel history?
- Where have they been?
- When did the symptoms begin?
- What are the symptoms?
- How may they have acquired the infection? (Swimming, sexual contact, food, drink, bites, animal contact)
What are the four main species of malaria?
- Falciparum
- Vivax
- Ovale
- Malarie
List some symptoms of a malaria infection
- Fever and headache
- Muscle Fatigue
- Chills and Sweating
- Dry cough
- Potential Hepatosplenomegaly
What are some of the most severe consequences of falciparum malaria infection?
- Death
- Tachycardia and Hypotension
- Arrhythmias
- Diarhhoea
- Fits
- Kidney Injury and DIC
What investigations should be made to try and diagnose or disprove malaria?
- FBC
- Us + Es
- LFTs
- Glucose
- Coagulation
- Chest X-rays
What is the treatment for a Falciparum infection?
- Artesunate
- Quinine
And - Doxycycline
What is the treatment for Vivax, Ovale and Malariae infection?
- Cloroquine
- Primaquine
And - Hyponozoites
Why is it important to check for G6P dehydrogenase deficiency when prescribing Primaquine?
If primaquine is taken by a patient with G6P dehydrogenase deficiency it will cause them to undergo massive haemolysis. This is due to depletion of NADPH stores and Heinz body formation resulting in massive levels of lysis
How can we prevent the risk of malaria infections?
- Assess risk by having knowledge of high risk areas
- Bite prevention (repellant, correct clothing, nets)
- Chemoprophylaxis
Which micro-organism usually cause Enteric fever and describe its appearance?
Salmonella enterica
G -ve rods which release endotoxins which allow invasion into he lymph system
What would be the typical symptoms of someone with enteric fever?
- Fever
- Headache
- Abdominal Discomfort
- Constipation
- Dry cough
What are some of the complications of enteric fever?
Intestinal Haemorrhage and perforation
How can we prevent enteric fever from occuring?
- Food + hygiene precautions
- Typhoid vaccine (not great)
