Western-Infectious Pathologies Flashcards
Herpes Zoster (shingles)
Produces painful skin eruption of fluid-filled blisters. Caused by varicella zoster virus (same as chicken pox). Lays dormant in the dorsal root ganglia of the spinal cord.
Sx: pain, tingling, itching w/ general malaise followed by clusters of small, fluid-filled blisters.
Cyclomegalovirus
Viral inflammation of the retina. Caused by herpes type virus.
Sx: blind spots, blurred vision, floaters & loss of peripheral vision.
Tx: Foscarnet (Foscavir), Ganciclovir (has more serious side effect)
Genital Warts
Human papilloma virus. Small, soft, moist, pink or red swelling, one or a group looking like cauliflower.
Meningitis
Infection of the meninges (tissues around brain), recent onset of severe whole-head HA & pain traveling down the neck.
Sx: stiff neck (Brudzinski’s Sign), Kernig Sign. The classic meningitis triad of fever, HA and nuchal rigidity develop over hours or days.
Encephalitis
Acute inflammation of the brain.
Sx: fever, HA, inflammation of the parenchyma of the brain, altered mental status, often accompanied by seizures & focal neurological deficits.
Conjunctivitis
Inflammation of the conjunctiva. Can be caused by allergies, make-up, viruses, bacteria, contact lens solution. Very contagious infection & can be spread from one eye to the next.
Sty
Bacterial infection w/in an oil gland on the edge of the eyelid. Looks like a small pimple and will gradually come to a head, open & drain.
Malaria
Results from asexual erythrocytic or blood stage parasites (mosquitos).
Symptoms: fever, chills, sweats, HA, nausea, vomiting, body aches.
Diagnosis: high bilirubin, mild anemia, mild decrease in blood platelets & elevation of aminotransferases.
Toxoplasmosis
Infection caused by single-celled parasite called toxoplasma gondii. Most commonly acquired from contact w/ cats & their feces or w/ raw or undercooked meat. Pregnant woman can transmit the infection to her baby.
Sx: flu-like symptoms, swollen lymph nodes, muscle aches/pains that last from a few days to several weeks.
Typhoid fever
Caused by bacterium Salmonella Typhi. Most cases occur after international travel.
Sx: high fever, weakness, ST pains, HA, loss of appetite, rashes of flat rose-colored spots.
Cat scratch fever
Caused by Bartonella Disease. Transmitted by cat scratches, bites or cat saliva.
Symptoms: fatgue, fever, HA, lymph node swelling, blisters or bumps at the site of attack
Listeriosis
Bacterial infection found in person of comprised immune system or pregnant women.
Route of infection: soft cheeses (feta, brie), raw meat, unpasteurized milk
Pseudomonas Aeruginosa
Common bacterium causing disease in animals & humans. Can be found in hot tubs, medical equipment.
Sx: inflammation, sepsis, urinary diffiuclty, fruity odor.
It is antibiotic resistant.
Vibrio Vulnificus
Gram negative, bacterium found in marine & fresh water environments that contaminates seafood.
Sx: vomiting, diarrhea, ab pain.
Ringworm (aka Tinea)
Fungal skin infection affecting feet, groin, scalp, nails or trunk. Marked by ring-shaped, itchy, reddened, scaly or blistery patches. Can be acquired from another person, animal, soil, shower stall or carpeting.
Scabies
Skin infection that causes small itchy bumps & blisters d/t tiny mites that burrow into the top layer of human skin to lay their eggs.
Areas most affected: hands & feet (especially the webs of skin between the fingers & toes). A common sign: line going up the finger.
Impetigo
Caused by bacterial infections (streptococcal & straphylococcal). Shows up as a rash that may occur anywhere on the body & affects the face, nose & mouth. Rash starts as red sore, quickly ruptures, oozes & develops a yellowish-brown crust (honey-crusted). Minor infections clear up in 2 or 3 weeks.
Cellulitis
Serious infection affecting tissues underlying the skin. Commonly comes from staph.
Staphylococcus
Bacteria that lives harmlessly on the skin until the skin is broken then entering the wound causing infection. MRSA.
