Travel Related Infection Flashcards
What specific details are important when taking a patient’s travel history?
The calendar time The relative time The current and RECENT places of travel
Why is travel history important?
Recognise important diseases Prevent infection Different strains of pathogens
Give 4 key aspects of taking a travel history
Unwell travel companions/contactsPre-travel vaccinations/preventative measuresRecreational activitiesHealthcare exposure (hospital admittance)
Which disease must be top of the differential list for someone with potential tropical disease?
Malaria
What are the 4 main species of Malaria Plasmodium?
Falciparum Vivas Avale Malariae
How is malaria spread?
Using mosquitoes as a vector
What are some of the symptoms of malaria?
Headache, fever, fatigue, pain, chills, sweating, splenomegaly, vomiting
What is the minimum incubation period for malaria?
6 days
What is the incubation period of the malaria causing parasite “Plasmodium falciparum”?
Up to 6/12 weeks
What is the incubation period of the malaria causing parasites P.vivax and P.ovale?
Up to 1 year
What stage of the malaria life cycle are we most likely to see in clinic?
Blood stage “erythrocytic”
What investigations and treatments are required for someone with malaria?
Blood smear x3 FBC, U&Es, LFT, glucose, coagulation Head CT/CXR/AXRTreatment depends on the species
What are the “ABCs” of malaria prevention?
Assess risk Bite prevention Chemoprophylaxis
What are some differential diagnoses for the symptoms shown by malaria?
Typhoid Dengue Rickettsial infection Non-travel related infection
What is typhoid/paratyphoid otherwise known as?
Enteric fever
What is the mechanism of infection of typhoid and parathyroid?
Faecal-oral from contaminated food/water
What bacteria is responsible for enteric fever?
Salmonella Paratyphoid A,B or C
What are the signs and symptoms of enteric fever?
Bacteraemia (sepsis,septic shock)Fever, headache, abdominal discomfort, constipation, dry cough Relative bradycardia Intestinal haemorrhage & perforation
What investigations might you carry out on someone who is suspected to have enteric fever?
Anaemia (moderate in cases) Lymphocyte count (lymphopenia) LFT (raised) Culture- blood,faeces Serology (not reliable)
How would you describe a “macular papular rash”?
Flat slightly raised rash
