Respiratory Infections and Mononucleosis: Diagnosis and Treatment
Respiratory Infections: A Comprehensive Overview
Upper Respiratory Tract Infections
Pharyngoamigdalitis
Most cases are viral, so antibiotics should only be administered when the patient has a fever > 38°C, exudate, anterior cervical lymphadenopathy, and absence of cough. The preferred treatment is Amoxicillin 500mg/8h for 10 days.
Rhinitis
Most cases are mucopurulent and viral. Antibiotics are only indicated when symptoms persist for more than 7 days, often involving sinus involvement.
Sinusitis
Common
Read MoreCommon Infectious Diseases: Malaria, Diarrhea, TB, AIDS, Flu & More
Common Infectious Diseases
Malaria
Malaria is caused by protozoan microorganisms of the genus Plasmodium, transmitted by Anopheles mosquitoes. These parasites infect liver cells and erythrocytes (red blood cells), where they reproduce. This cellular exploitation leads to episodes of intense fever, chills, anemia, and spleen inflammation due to the proliferation of defensive cells.
Malaria can be treated with medication, but reinfection is possible. A fully effective vaccine is not yet available.
Diarrheal
Read More22 Key Pathogens: Diseases, Symptoms, and Prevention
Salmonella enteritidis
- Genus/Species: Salmonella enteritidis
- Disease: Salmonellosis (food poisoning)
- Symptoms: Fever, stomach cramps, diarrhea
- Virulence Factors: Invades intestinal cells, produces enterotoxins
- Mechanism: Enterotoxins disrupt ion transport, causing diarrhea
- Treatment: Rehydration; Ciprofloxacin or Azithromycin in severe cases
- Prevention: Cook poultry thoroughly, practice good hand hygiene
- Break Chain: Destroy animal reservoirs, inspect food products
Geobacillus stearothermophilus
- Genus/Species:
Anthrax, Bacillus Cereus, and Listeria: Characteristics, Pathogenesis, and Prevention
Bacillus anthracis:
Bacillus anthracis can enter through the skin, gastrointestinal tract, and the airway (less frequent but more lethal).
- Gram-positive bacilli
- Facultative anaerobe
- Forms spores that can survive for years
- Undemanding growth
- Presents a polypeptide capsule (poly-D-glutamic acid)
- Coded by 3 genes: capB, capC (Plasmid 1)
- Plasmid 2 (B. anthracis virulence)
Encodes 3 Exotoxins:
- Protective antigen (binds to the host cell)
- Edema factor
- Lethal factor
Edema Toxin:
Edema factor + protective antigen = responsible
Read MoreAnthrax, Tetanus, Staphylococcus, and Cholera: Identification, Transmission, and Prevention
Bacillus anthracis (Anthrax)
Identification: The first infectious disease, Anthrax, is caused by Bacillus anthracis, a gram-positive, aerobic bacterium that forms endospores and is encapsulated. It can be found in ordinary cultivars.
Transmission: Transmission of Anthrax typically occurs through contact with animals, inhalation, or ingestion of contaminated, uncooked meat.
Manifestations: Initially, cutaneous anthrax presents as a superficial, itchy lesion at the site of entry. This lesion becomes
Read MoreUnderstanding Diseases: Types, Causes, and Transmission
Diseases: An Overview
A disease is a disturbance of health, caused by physical or mental impairment, characterized by symptoms observed by the patient and doctor.
Infectious Diseases
Infectious diseases originate from the colonization of the body by pathogenic agents or vermin infestation.
Routes of Transmission
Infection spreads from sick to healthy individuals through direct or indirect transmission. Common routes include:
- Air: Talking, coughing, or sneezing (e.g., tuberculosis).
- Water: Contaminated