Throat and Pharynx; Bacterial Sore Throat

Question 1

what is the most common bacterial cause of sore throat

Answer 1

strep pyogenes

gram +ve cocci chains

Question 2

describe the haemolysis of strep pyogenes

Answer 2

beta-haemolysis (complete)

Question 3

what is the treatment for strep pyogenes

Answer 3

penicillin

Question 4

what is the clinical presentation of strep pyogenes sore throat

Answer 4

acute follicular tonsillitis

Question 5

what infection control measures are put in place for patients with strep pyogenes infection

Answer 5

if in hospital first 48 hours of isolation, can be longer if severe
plus standard infection control measures

Question 6

what complications are associated with strep pyogenes sore throat

Answer 6

rheumatic fever(arthritis, pancarditis), glomerulonephritis(haematuria, albuminuria, oedema) 
(both occur post sore throat)

Question 7

what criteria are associated with strep pyogenes being the cause of acute sore throat

Answer 7

tonsillar exudate, tender anterior cervical lymph nodes, history of fever(>38), absence of cough

Question 8

what is diphtheria caused by

Answer 8

gram +ve bacillus Corynebacterium Diphtheriae

Question 9

what can diphtheria infection lead to

Answer 9

respiratory disease, cutaneous disease, or an asymptomatic carrier state

Question 10

what are the most common presenting features of diphtheria

Answer 10

sore throat, malaise, cervical lymphadenopathy, and low-grade fever
(typically gradual onset)

Question 11

describe the appearance of diphtheria in the throat

Answer 11

grey-white membrane across the pharynx

Question 12

what is produced by the organism that causes diphtheria

Answer 12

potent exotoxin, which is cardiotoxic and neurotoxic

Question 13

how is diphtheria preventable

Answer 13

it is vaccine preventable

Question 14

describe how diphtheria is diagnosed

Answer 14

culture from respiratory tract secretions or from cutaneous lesion, and a +ve toxin assay

Question 15

what is used to treat diphtheria

Answer 15

diphtheria antitoxin and supportive(for severe)
penicillin/erythromycin
vaccine