Infectious Disease

TERMINOLOGYCommunicable Disease: An infectious disease that can be transmitted from one person to another.Infection: The condition resulting from the invasion of pathogens such as viruses, bacteria, fungi, or protozoa.Host: A living organism on which or in which a pathogen lives.Aseptic: Free of microorganisms or infectious agents.

PUBLIC HEALTH PRINCIPLESInfectious diseases can affect entire populations.Spanish Flu of 1918: Killed 20-50 million people, stopping WWI.Black Plague: Killed 30-60% of Europe's population (~100 million).H1N1: 1,380 hospitalizations with 168 deaths as of CDC data on 9/11/09.

INFECTIOUS AGENTSVIRUS: Non-cellular disease-causing particles (e.g., common cold, Hepatitis).BACTERIA: Single-cell organisms; self-reproducing (e.g., strep, pneumonia).FUNGUS: Single-cell, eukaryotic organisms (e.g., ringworm).Helminths: Pinworms, roundworms, tapeworms.PROTOZOA: More complex single-cell microorganisms (e.g., amoeba).

VRE RECOVERYUp to 41% healthcare worker hands sampled had VRE after patient care.VRE can survive on surfaces for up to 7 days.

SPECIFIC DISEASES

HUMAN IMMUNODEFICIENCY VIRUS (HIV)Fragile in room air, can easily die.Nature: A retrovirus that depresses the immune system.HIV is the virus that causes AIDS, not AIDS itself.

HIV STATISTICS40 million infected, approx 20 million deaths since its emergence.Transmission occurs through bodily fluids (blood, semen, vaginal fluids, breast milk).Main routes: unprotected sex, shared needles.

HIV STAGESAverage 8-10 years for HIV to destroy immune system (T-helper cells) to lead to AIDS.

HIV/AIDS AND IMMUNITYHIV attacks T-helper cells, leading to inability to fight infections.Opportunistic diseases can occur (e.g., pneumonia, TB).

HIV PATIENT LIFESPANWith treatment, HIV+ lifespan in the U.S. approaches normal; in impoverished areas, much shorter.

HIV/AIDS SIGNS AND SYMPTOMSInitial: none during HIV stage.Other symptoms: fatigue, swollen glands, fever, diarrhea, night sweats, weight loss, lethargy, yeast infections.

KAPOSI'S SARCOMACharacterized by purplish skin blotches, associated with advanced AIDS.

POST-EXPOSURE PROTOCOL FOR HIVDelayed system exposure allows for window of opportunity for treatment.Baseline testing followed by more tests at various intervals.

HIV/AIDS TREATMENT OPTIONSNo cure exists; new medications prevent progression to AIDS.Supportive prehospital treatment, adequate hydration is crucial.

HEPATITIS OVERVIEWLiver inflammation caused by viruses, drugs, toxins, etc.Can result in decreased liver function and cellular damage.

HEPATITIS STAGESStages: Preicteric (fatigue, malaise), Icteric (jaundice, light stools), Posticteric (recovery).

HEPATITIS CHRONIC STAGESChronic cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma may occur due to prolonged infection.

HEPATITIS - BILIRUBINIncreased bilirubin in urine indicates impaired liver function.

VIRAL HEPATITIS TREATMENTNo specific prehospital treatment; may require IV fluids for dehydration.Vaccines are available for some types.

VIRAL TYPES OF HEPATITISTypes: A, B, C, D, E, G.

HEPATITIS A (HAV)Most common form, transmitted through oral-fecal route.Symptoms last 2-6 weeks.

HEPATITIS B (HBV)Transmitted through blood, needles, and sexual contact, vaccine available.

HEPATITIS C (HCV)Can be chronic; primarily transmitted through shared needles and unprotected sex.

CHRONIC CARRIERS OF HEPATITISMany chronic carriers may not show symptoms but risk liver complications.

HEPATITIS DSimultaneous infection with HBV increases severity and risk of liver disease.

HEPATITIS E AND GHep E: Rare in U.S., spread through contaminated water.Hep G is newly identified.

SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASES

SYPHILISCaused by Treponema pallidum, enters through skin/mucosa defects.

SYPHILIS STAGESStages: Primary (genital lesions), Secondary (skin eruptions), Tertiary (systemic complications).

NOTED INDIVIDUALS WITH SYPHILISHistorical figures allegedly diagnosed with syphilis include Hitler, Napoleon, and Lenin.

TERTIARY SYPHILISCharacterized by noduloulcerative lesions known as gummas.

GONORRHEACommon STD, caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Highly contagious.

GONORRHEA SYMPTOMSVaries by gender; women may experience delayed symptoms while men have rapid onset of dysuria and discharge.

GONORRHEA COMPLICATIONSPotential for systemic infections leading to serious conditions if untreated.

CHLAMYDIAMimics gonorrhea, often asymptomatic, potentially leading to severe complications.

HERPES SIMPLEXCaused by HSV types 1 and 2; recurring painful lesions.

HERPES TRANSMISSIONAcquired through HSV-1 (above waist) or HSV-2 (genital herpes).

HERPES COMPLICATIONSExtremely dangerous for newborns if mother has active lesions during birth.

MENINGITISInflammation of the meninges, can be bacterial or viral; linked to respiratory infections.

MENINGITIS OUTCOMESBacterial meningitis survivors may face long-term complications.

MENINGITIS PATHOPHYSIOLOGYInflammation caused by bacteria can lead to severe complications if untreated.

PATHOGENS IN MENINGITISPathogens circulate through cerebrospinal fluid, causing widespread inflammation.

MENINGITIS EXAUDATEPresence of pus/exudate during meningitis diagnosis.

MENINGITIS TRIAD OF SYMPTOMSClassic triad: fever, nuchal rigidity, and altered mental status.

MENINGITIS SYMPTOMS IN ADULTS/CHILDRENCommon signs include severe headache, vomiting, stiff neck.

MENINGITIS SYMPTOMS IN INFANTSSymptoms may present differently: irritability, poor feeding, and lethargy.

MENINGEAL IRRITATION SIGNSNuchal rigidity, Brudzinski sign, Kernig sign are indicators of meningitis.

NUCHAL RIGIDITYStiff neck painful when flexing towards chin indicated potential meningitis.

BRUDZINSKI'S SIGNIndicates meningeal irritation when flexing the neck leads to knee/hip flexion.

KERNIG'S SIGN EXAMINATIONProcedure for eliciting Kernig's sign to determine irritation of the meninges.

MENINGOCOCCEMIAAdvanced infection indicating sepsis, poor outcomes likely.

PETECHIAE AND PURPURALate signs of sepsis associated with meningitis; petechiae may develop into purpura.

PETECHIAEEarly symptom observed in meningococcal cases; may not blanch under pressure.

PETECHIAE/PURPURA DESCRIPTIONColor changes in relation to pressure demonstrate sepsis risk.

PROGRESSION TO SEPSISSevere vascular inflammation indicated by petechiae.

TUMBLER TESTUsed to assess the nature of the rash related to meningitis.

MENINGITIS TAKE HOME MESSAGEAny baby with fever (especially with seizures) should be assessed for meningitis risk.

HIGH-RISK GROUPS FOR MENINGITISThose in close living groups (schools, dorms), immunosuppressed individuals.

MONONUCLEOSISCaused by Epstein-Barr virus, mainly in teens and adolescents.

MONONUCLEOSIS COMPLICATIONSCan lead to upper airway obstruction, splenomegaly, with risk of spleen rupture.

MONONUCLEOSIS SYMPTOMSCharacterized by extreme fatigue, lymphadenopathy, sore throat.

SPLENOMEGALYEnlarged spleen detectable via sonogram; significant for mononucleosis management.

CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19)COVID-19 caused by SARS-CoV-2, emerged December 2019.

COVID-19 SPREADTransmission primarily through respiratory droplets among individuals.

TUBERCULOSISHighlighting an example from a noteworthy historical figure, Doc Holliday.

TUBERCULOSIS THREATOne of the leading threats to public health due to drug resistance.

OLD TERMINOLOGY FOR TBKnown as "consumption" due to its deadly effects consuming individuals from within.

PULMONARY TUBERCULOSISInhalation of infectious droplets leads to lung infection.

TB GRANULOMASGranulomas develop in lung tissue due to mycobacterium tuberculosis.

TB TRANSMISSION CONTEXTContracted in close contact situations; common in crowded environments.

HIGH-RISK POPULATION FOR TBIncludes homeless, alcoholics, the elderly, immunocompromised, etc.

TB INCUBATION PERIOD AND SYMPTOMSSymptoms may develop 2-4 weeks post-infection; cough and fevers notable.

TUBERCULOSIS SYMPTOMSPersistent cough, blood in sputum (hemoptysis), night sweats, fatigue.

TB TREATMENTTypically involves a lengthy regimen with multiple medications to prevent resistance.

LATENT TBAsymptomatic state where infection is contained; can later progress.

ACTIVE TBPresents with signs/symptoms, poses risk of transmission to others.

TB CONTROL MEASURESEmphasis on adherence to treatment regimens and protective equipment during care.

PNEUMONIAInflammatory condition in the lung with various pathogen causes.

PNEUMONIA AS A CAUSE OF DEATHSignificant number of hospital admissions, especially among vulnerable populations.

NORMAL ALVEOLI IN PNEUMONIAVisual representation of lung tissue to emphasize health versus infection.

PNEUMONIA COMPLICATIONSCan lead to atelectasis or sepsis, significant risk in hospital settings.

INFLUENZA TYPESBroad categories designated as A, B, and C based on genetic structure.

INFLUENZA TRANSMISSIONSpread through body fluids and contaminated surfaces, easily cross-contagious.

INFLUENZA SYMPTOMSClassic symptoms including fever, muscle pain, malaise, and respiratory discomfort.

INFLUENZA COMPLICATIONSSecondary infections like pneumonia can be severe; high-risk groups affected most.

INFLUENZA HISTORICAL CONTEXTHistorical example: Spanish flu of 1918 and its extensive impact on society.

INFLUENZA PREVENTIONPreventative measures include vaccinations, hygiene practices, and staying home when symptomatic.

FLU PRECAUTIONSReminders about flu's contagious nature and need for isolation when ill.

PERTUSSISOverview of pertussis reporting changes in the U.S. between 2011 and 2012.

PERTUSSIS DETAILSBordetella pertussis bacteria; critical to vaccination in childhood.

PERTUSSIS SYMPTOMSSevere cough episodes may lead to complications requiring hospitalization.

TETANUSCaused by Clostridium tetani; notable for muscle stiffness, also known as "lockjaw."

TETANUS INCUBATIONVaries from less than 24 hours to as long as 5 weeks; untreated leads to high mortality.

TETANUS SYMPTOMSSymptoms include pain and muscle stiffness progressing through various body regions.

TETANUS TREATMENTFocus on symptomatic relief; prevention is primarily through vaccination.

RABIESViral infection primarily affecting mammals; transmission occurs through bites.

RABIES INCUBATION AND PROGRESSIONVirus spreads via saliva; symptoms may progress rapidly once they occur.

RABIES EFFECTSAttacks on the nervous system, leading to encephalitis and significant mortality risk.

RABIES SYMPTOMSFlu-like symptoms progressing to neurological manifestations; almost always fatal if untreated.

RABIES POST-EXPOSURE PROTOCOLTimely immunization is crucial; follow post-exposure protocols for bites.

VIRUS FAMILIESIntroduction of several viral families with relevance to infectious diseases.

EBOLA VIRUS DISEASEFound in 1976 near the Ebola River; linked to fruit bats as primary hosts.

EBOLA VIRUS DISEASE MORTALITYExtremely lethal with little support available; recognition is key to prevention.

EBOLA SYMPTOMSInitial non-specific presentation evolves into severe gastrointestinal symptoms and hemorrhage.

EBOLA TRANSMISSIONTransmitted via direct contact with body fluids from symptomatic individuals.

EBOLA TRANSMISSION DETAILSEbola is not transmitted by casual contact; symptomatic individuals pose the risk.

EBOLA SYMPTOMS CONFIRMATIONAdditional symptoms aid in confirming potential Ebola infection in travelers.

EBOLA REPORTED COUNTRIESCurrent regions in West Africa where Ebola cases have been recorded.

EBOLA CASE PROTOCOLSImmediate isolation required upon detection of symptoms in potentially infected individuals.

EBOLA PPE REQUIREMENTSComprehensive PPE needed to prevent any skin exposure during care.

PPE PROTOCOLSSpecific methods for donning and doffing PPE; necessary for preventing exposure.

WEST NILE VIRUSTransmitted by mosquitoes; spread mainly occurs in warmer months.

WEST NILE SYMPTOMSMost cases asymptomatic; mild symptoms may develop but are self-resolving.

NEUROINVASIVE WEST NILELow percentage develop serious illness; high-risk patients experience severe outcomes.

SERIOUS INFECTION SYMPTOMSSevere symptoms warrant immediate medical intervention; risk factors clearly identified.

HANTAVIRUSSpread through exposure to rodent droppings; severe pneumonia can follow infection.

HANTAVIRUS EXPOSURE DETAILSPrimarily from inhaled particles; early recognition and supportive care are essential.

HANTAVIRUS SYMPTOMSInitial presentations often include fever and muscle pain; followed by respiratory distress.

EMERGING DISEASESOverview of yellow fever and its current epidemiological status.

SMALLPOXHistorical context, classified as eradicated but remains highly contagious.

DENGUE FEVERHighlights dengue fever's severe symptoms and ongoing risks in specific regions.

PARASITESOverview of parasite characteristics and their effects on hosts.

PARASITES INFESTATIONDistinction between infestation and infection relevant to parasite impacts.

DIAGNOSIS CASE STUDYCase discussing a young girl with suspected head lice infestation.

HEAD LICE DIAGNOSISLice are transmitted through close contact; nits indicate ongoing issues.

TYPES OF LICEOverview of three lice types: head, body, pubic lice and their specific characteristics.

PUBIC LICE DESCRIPTIONCharacterization and specific areas of infestation.

LICE LIFE CYCLEOutlines the phases of infestation progression.

LICE MANAGEMENTRecommendations for managing head lice, including treatment options.

SCABIES DESCRIPTIONDescription of scabies infestation and transmission pathways.

SCABIES LOCATIONSCommon body areas affected by scabies infestation.

SCABIES SYMPTOMSList of signs and symptoms associated with scabies infestation.

SCABIES SYMPTOMS FOR FEMALESSpecific areas affected compared to males and infants.

SCABIES INFANT SYMPTOMSAreas most commonly affected in infants demonstrating scabies.

SCABIES COMPLICATIONSRisks of bacterial infections secondary to scratching.

SCABIES MANAGEMENT PROTOCOLRecommendations for cleaning, treatment, and washing procedures.

LYME DISEASE CASE STUDYCase of a male with potential tick-borne disease exposure.

LYME DISEASE DESCRIPTIONBorrelia burgdorferi infection transmitted via Ixodes tick bites; high incidence noted.

LYME DISEASE TRANSMISSIONOverview of likely transmission pathways and susceptible populations.

LYME DISEASE SIGNS AND SYMPTOMSDescription of stages and symptoms associated with Lyme disease.

LYME DISEASE STAGESDetailed overview of early and late dissemination and their impacts.

EARLY LOCALIZED LYME DISEASEDescription of early symptoms and potential progression.

EARLY DISSEMINATION LYME DISEASEImpact on neurological and cardiac systems with discussion of symptomatology.

CHRONIC LYME DISEASEOverview of potential long-term impacts associated with untreated Lyme disease.

LYME DISEASE IMMUNIZATIONAvailability and potential side effects of immunization options for Lyme disease.

ROCKY MOUNTAIN SPOTTED FEVEROverview and transmission details of this tick-borne bacterial infection.

ROCKY MOUNTAIN SPOTTED FEVER COMPLICATIONSSevere long-term complications if infection is untreated early.

MRSA OVERVIEWDescription of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and its prevalence.

MRSA IN EMSPrevalence in EMS settings, highlighting risks for healthcare workers.

MRSA SYMPTOMSInitial signs of infection and progression in affected individuals.

MRSA TO NECROTIZING FASCIITISDescription of severe complication from MRSA infection.

VRSA AND VREOverview of vancomycin-resistant organisms emerging in clinical settings.