Clinical gems....Infectious Diseases

We'll continue with the "exciting" material from the field of Infectious Diseases.



Q: What are the common communicable diseases causes by Deer Ticks?


A: Lymes Disease / Ehrlichiosis / RMSF(Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever) / Q Fever
Babesiosis and Tularemia.
HINT: Each time you see a patient with a "tick bite" consider all of the above
not just Lyme's, which is the most notable and common.




Q: What disorder is the most common RISK FACTOR for native valve endocarditis?


A: Mitral Valve Prolapse (MVP). Remember, NATIVE valve.
HINT: Risk factors for prosthetic valve endocarditis are usually NOSOCOMIAL
infections.




Q: Which type of organism is most serious occuring from a DOG BITE?

A: CAPNOCYTOPHAGA CANIMORSUS infection. This can be lethal in patients who are
immunocompromised, such as Splenectomized, HIV, Chemotherapy patients, etc.
Sepsis treatment requires: 2 wks. of IV PCN-G antibiotic.





Q: What is the BEST lab test to determine need for continued antibiotic treatment
in a patient with Osteomyelitis?


A: C-REATIVE PROTEIN. Is the single BEST lab test, to determine the "success"
of the antibiotic regimen....not he Sed Rate.





Q: What is the HALLMARK physical symptom of Whooping Cough.

A: PAROXYSMAL cough! Repetitive BURSTS of 5-10 episodes of cough. frequently
followed by post-tussive vomiting. The other symptom is the audible "whoop".
(The organism responsible is Bordatella Pertussis. A Gram negative bacilli).




Q: What is the treatment of a PREGNANT patient with Syphilis?

A: Same as the non-pregnant. PCN-G is the ONLY treatment, whether pregnant or not.
HINT: If patient is allergic to PCN....must DESENSITIZE and still use PCN. This applies
to all patients!!!





We'll continue next week. Study hard.