Chapter 4 - Infectious & Communicable Diseases

What is an infectious disease?

A disease caused by pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, or parasites, that can transfer to new individuals

What is a communicable disease?

A disease that can be transmitted from one person to another.

Reportable Disease

any illness that healthcare providers are legally required to report on to either local, state or national public health authorities such as the CDC

What does 'nosocomial' refer to?

Infections acquired in a hospital setting.

What is sepsis?

A life-threatening condition caused by the body's response to infection, leading to tissue damage and organ failure.

methicilin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)

a strain of the bacterium Staphylococcus aureus that has become resistant to the antibacterial action of the antibiotic methicillin, a form of penicillin

Etiology of MRSA

is staph infection that is resistant to methicillin antibiotics- caused by overuse and noncompliance with antibiotic therapy-

Signs and symptoms of MRSA

depends on where infection is located- can be skin, wound, lung, urine, bloodstream (dangerous). 

Diagnostics for MRSA

blood test

culture and sensitivity (main dx tool, preferred method).

Treatment of MRSA

Antibiotics- intravenous vancomycin is first-line tx.  May also need to drain wound.

Complementary therapy of MRSA

NONE

Prognosis of MRSA

difficult to treat, can progress to life-threatening condition.  Depends on patient.

Prevention of MRSA

difficult to treat, can progress to life-threatening condition.  Depends on patient.

What is bacteremia?

The presence of bacteria in the bloodstream.

What are the key components to break the chain of infection?

Hand hygiene, use of personal protective equipment (PPE), and proper sanitation.

What is H1N1?

A subtype of the influenza virus that caused a pandemic in 2009.

What are common symptoms of H1N1?

Fever, cough, body aches, and fatigue.

How is Lyme Disease transmitted?

Through bites from infected blacklegged ticks.

What are the signs and symptoms of Lyme Disease?

Erythema chronicum migrans (ECM) BULLS EYE rash

flu-like symptoms.

more severe cases: meningitis, nerve damage, neuroglial issues etc.

Diagnostics of Lyme Disease

Bullseye rash

tick bite

Blood test to find the presence of antibodies

What is the treatment for Lyme Disease?

Antibiotics such as doxycycline or amoxicillin.

Complementary therapy of Lyme Disease

Antibiotic therapy

Avoidance of sugar and alcohol

proper nutrition

Do things to boost your immune system

Prognosis of Lyme disease

Complete recovery with proper treatment

Prevention of Lyme disease

Cover yourself while in the woods

remove tick asap

What is COVID-19?

A disease caused by the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2.

Who is at greatest risk for severe illness from COVID-19?

Individuals with pre-existing conditions and older adults.

Etiology of COVID-19

infection with SARS-CoV-2, a coronavirus

There is suspicion that the Covid-19 virus came from bats, but the exact source is still unknown.

Signs and Symptoms COVID-19?

Fever

cough

difficulty breathing

shortness of breath

fatigue

loss of taste or smell

vomiting

diarrhea

What is the primary mode of transmission for COVID-19?

Through respiratory secretions and close contact.

Diagnostics for COVID-19

Contact your PCP

Covid test

Treatment of COVID-19

No specific treatment

Depending on the severity of the symptoms

Complementary therapy covid 19

Hydration

Bed Rest

social distancing and isolation precautions

Prognosis of COVID-19

Guarded when the illness is severe and hospitalization is required

Those at serious risk are those with underlying medical conditions such as diabetes heart or lung disease, cancer or immunosuppressed

Prevention of COVID-19

Wear masks and PPE

Isolate yourself is symptoms occur

What are the three forms of anthrax?

Cutaneous, inhalation, and intestinal.

What virus causes smallpox?

Variola poxvirus.

What are the symptoms of smallpox?

Fever, headache, malaise, vomiting, and a rash.

What are viral hemorrhagic fevers?

A group of viral illnesses that cause severe multi-system effects and bleeding.

Description of West Nile virus

infectious disease caused by bite from infected mosquito, causes infection in a person’s blood and crosses the blood-brain barrier causing encephalitis.

Etiology of west Nile virus

infected mosquito bite

incubation period 3-14 days

signs and symptoms of west nile virus

can be mild to severe flulike sxs,

fever, headache, body aches, skin rash, swollen lymph glands

With severe, also have stupor, disorientation, tremors, convulsions, coma, paralysis. 

80% ppl don’t show sxs

diagnostics of west Nile virus

Clinical picture

blood tests

treatment of west nile virus

no known therapy

no known cure

focus on alleviating sxs

analgesics

fluids

rest.

Complementary therapy for west Nile virus

help individuals feel better after their symptoms

prognosis for west Nile virus

mild sxs can last few days

severe can last a few weeks,

paralysis can be permanent,

only 2/10 ppl infected experience any illness.

What is the prevention method for West Nile Virus?

Avoiding mosquito bites through protective measures.

Description of Malaria

Found in persons who have traveled outside U.S. (mostly Africa and Sahara)

Etiology of malaria

infected mosquito bite

caused by protozoan. 

Parasite travels to liver where they multiply. Then infect RBCs, causing them to burst.

signs and symptoms of malaria

fever and flulike illness- aches, chills, malaise, n/v/d, anemia and jaundice d/t destruction of RBCs

Diagnostics of malaria

blood smear shows parasite, blood tests to detect antigens

What is the treatment for malaria?

Antimalarial medications.

differ depending on strain, age of person, and severity of illness

Complementary therapy for malaria

herbal meds to boost the immune system

Prognosis/complications of Malaria

when treated early= good prog. In many developing countries, malaria is leading cause of death

Prevention of Malaria

prevent mosquito bite (netting, deet), ppl traveling to endemic countries can take prophylactic meds

What is the common cold caused by?

Hundreds of different viruses.

Etiology of the common cold

hundreds of different viruses

most common rhinovirus (highly contagious),

airborne transmission through droplet, also hand-to-hand contact

Signs and Symptoms of common cold

nasal congestion

pharyngitis

headache

malaise, burning/watery eyes

low-grade fever, cough. Lasts 2-4 days or longer.

Diagnostics of the common cold

Non specific

Clinical presentation

Treatment for Common Cold

Symptomatic

analgesics

fluid intake

rest

Complementary therapy of the common cold

Rehydrate and boost the immune system- vitamin C, zinc, Echinacea

reduce stress

Prognosis of the common cold

Prognosis- self-limiting, can lead to secondary infection such as ear infection or asthma exacerbation.

Prevention of the common cold

no known, hand washing, avoiding crowds.

Description of influenza

Acute, contagious respiratory disease. Winter and spring months, children and elderly most susceptible

What is the main treatment for influenza?

Supportive care and antiviral medications like Tamiflu.

Etiology of influenza

RNA viral infection, frequently mutate, viruses are specifically within Orthomyxoviridae

Signs and Symptoms of influenza

fever, chills, myalgia, sore throat, cough, malaise, headache

Diagnostics of influenza

can be difficult because the s/s resemble other illnesses

Throat culture might be helpful

Treatment of Influenza

rest, fluids, analgesic

Complementary therapy of Influenza

avoid antibiotics

Prognosis and Prevention of Influenza

Prog: Good with care

Prevention of Influenza

Vaccines, proper disposal of contaminated tissue, proper hand washing frequently

What is HIV/AIDS?

A viral infection that destroys T4 lymphocytes and has no cure, but can be managed with antiviral medications.

How is HIV transmitted?

Through exchange of body fluids such as blood, semen, and breast milk.

Signs and Symptoms of HIV/AIDS

Flu-like symptoms including fever, headache, sore throat, swollen lymph glands, and a rash. The infected person can then be asymptomatic for years.

Diagnostics of HIV/AIDS

- Made by testing for HIV antibodies and / or antigens in blood

- HIV screening tests detect HIV-specific antibodies or antigens

- Can take several weeks after initial infection before evidence of HIV can be detected

Treatment of HIV/AIDS

No cure but antiviral drugs can slow down affects

Complementary therapy of HIV/AIDS

Prevention of opportunistic pathogens and enhancing overall health

- vitamins

-mind-body therapies

Prognosis of HIV/AIDS

Prog: Early diagnosis and treatment can really extend the number of years a person has

Prevention of HIV/AIDS

-Sex education, condom use, abstinence

-Clean needle use

-Testing of blood products

-Treatment of newborns of HIV+ mothers

Description of e. coli 157:H7

Most strains are harmless and live in the intestines of health humans and animals

This strain produces a powerful toxin that can cause serious illness - specifically food borne illness

What is the etiology of E. coli?

found on some cattle living in the intestine of healthy cattle - meat can become contaminated during slaughter

Signs and Symptoms of E. coli

Bloody/mucous stools

abdominal cramps

nausea

can be asymptomatic

Diagnostics of E. Coli

lab tests to find bacteria in stool

stool specimen

Treatment of E. coli

those with only diarrhea recover w/in 5-10 days hospitalization may be necessary for others

Comp Therapy of E. Coli

rest,

balanced diet

drinking ample fluids

Prognosis of E. Coli

prog: people with only diarrhea recover quickly, others the prog is guarded

Prevention of E. coli

cook food thoroughly

avoid unpasteurized dairy

prevent cross contamination

Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS)

Individuals suffer from debilitating chronic fatigue that does not improve with rest and a host of other symptoms.

Another name for the illness is benign myalgic encephalomyelitis.

Etiology of chronic fatigue syndrome

It is most likely multifactorial. It was once thought to be attributed to the Epstein-Barr virus

Other predisposing factors that may be partly responsible include the state of a person’s immune system, genetic makeup, age, hormonal balance, sex, environment, and previous illness.

signs and symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome

persistent/relapsing fatigue (1) for at least 6 months that does not resolve with bedrest and (2) that is severe enough to reduce daily activity by at least 50%. In addition, at least four of the nine following minor criteria must be present:

• Fever or chills

• Sore throat; nonexudative pharyngitis

• Painful cervical or axillary lymph nodes

• Unexplained generalized muscle weakness

• Muscle discomfort and myalgia

• Migratory arthralgia or joint pain without joint swelling or redness

• Neuropsychological symptoms, including photophobia, forgetfulness, transient visual scotomata (an islandlike blind spot on the visual field of the eye), irritability, confusion, depression, inability to concentrate, difficulty thinking, brain fog

• Sleep disturbance

• Acute or subacute initial onset

Diagnostics of chronic fatigue syndrome

remains a syndrome of symptoms and a diagnosis that comes from exclusion. A complete history and physical examination are essential for diagnosis. Laboratory testing—including complete blood cell count, ESR, electrolytes, thyroid-stimulating hormone, and urinalysis—is used to rule out other possible causes.

Treatment for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Treatment is supportive.

The PCP will want to reassess the disease process frequently so that new symptoms can be treated.

NSAIDs may be beneficial in the treatment of headache, pain, and fever.

Complementary Therapy for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

diet to help immmune system - high-nutrition, high-protein, and complex carbohydrate foods.

Prognosis of chronic fatigue syndrome

debilitating and lengthy in duration. Some individuals respond to a variety of treatment protocols based on symptoms.

Prevention of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

None

Coronaviruses

SARS is caused by a virus known as SARS-associated coronavirus (ICD-10: B97.21). Studies showed the virus survived for at least 24 hours on a plastic surface at room temperature and that the microbe remained viable for as long as 4 days in human waste.

Coronaviruses Etiology

It is not known where the virus comes from

thought to be an animal source—perhaps camels or bats.

Seemingly, all reported cases have been linked to the Arabian Peninsula.

Coronaviruses sign and symptoms

Overall feeling of discomfort

body aches

dry cough

trouble breathing

fever

headache

Coronaviruses Diagnostics

Chest x ray

pulse oximetry

blood and sputum cultures

Coronaviruses treatment

persons infected receive the same treatment used for anyone with a community-acquired atypical pneumonia.