Wilson: Infectious Diseases and Their Implications

Question 1

Which diseases have the highest R0 (coefficienct of infectivity)?

Answer 1

pertussis

measles

Question 2

Describe the Polio epidemic that began in 1934?

Answer 2

basically, there was an outbreak in 1932 with 100 cases
overwhelmed the hospitals, leading to physicians and nurses being infected
at the end 1000 cases, 15 fatalities

Question 3

How is measles transmitted? What is the Ro? What are the symptoms?

Answer 3

aerosol
Ro: 18
high fever, cough, runny nose, conjunctivitis, Koplick spots (2-3 days after becoming ill)

Question 4

Most common cause of death by measles?

Answer 4

pneumonia

Question 5

How is botulinum toxin transmitted in infants?

Answer 5

ingesting honey!

Question 6

Symptoms of infant botulism?

What is the major complication of botulism in infants?

Answer 6

constipation
flat facial expression
weak suck/cry
decreased movement
breathing difficulties;
respiratory failure --> death

Question 7

What are some countermeasures for infant botulism?

Answer 7

no honey for infants less than 5
breastfeed!
supportive care
IVIG (passive immunity)

Question 8

Mostly caused by Strep pyogenes

Transmitted via bacterial translocation into skin

Answer 8

erysipelas

Question 9

What are the symptoms of erysipelas?

Answer 9

occasional history of preceding pharyngitis or trauma

Pruritis, burning, tenderness, swelling, tracking red erythema (defined borders)

Question 10

What are some countermeasures for erysipelas?

Answer 10

hospitalize infants, give IV abx

give outpatient abx/supportive care

Question 11

Why treat group A strep pharyngitis?

Answer 11

to prevent rheumatic fever

Question 12

What do you need to think about with cat bites?

Answer 12

pasteurella

bartonella (scratch)