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.
