5.1 Travel-related Infections Flashcards
(24 cards)
Why are infections from other parts of the world dangerous when back in the UK?
May be resistant to antibiotics
May have different antigens
Patients will have little exposure to those types of infections
Where in the world are concern areas for travel infections?
Sub-Saharan Africa
S.E. Asia
S/C America
When does a travel infection become:
i. ) sub-acute?
ii. ) acute?
iii. ) chronic?
i.) 21 days
List 4 ways people can catch travel infections?
Sexual intercourse
Contaminated food/water
Insect bites
Recreational activities
What class of infection is Malaria?
Protozoal infection
What is the vector for malaria?
Female mosquitos
What is the pathogen that causes high mortality malaria?
Plasmodium falciparum
How long is the malarial incubation period?
1-3 weeks after bite
What are the symptoms of malaria?
Fever, splenomegaly, dry cough, headache, back pain, nausea, vomiting, muscle pain
What are the symptoms of severe falciparum malaria?
Tachycardia, AKI, metabolic acidosis, hypotension, arrhythmias
What investigations should be done with suspected malaria?
Blood smear Full blood count Urea and electrolytes Liver function test Glucose and coagulation test Chest xray
What antibiotics should be given if the patient has Plasmodium falciparum malaria?
Quinine or Artemisinin
What antibiotics should be given if the patient has Plasmodium virax, ovale or malariae malaria?
Chloroquine +/- primaquine
How can malaria be prevented?
Be aware of at risk areas
Wear repellant, nets, protective clothing
Have travel vaccines
Chemoprophylaxis (if required)
How does the typhoid pathogen enter the body?
Faecal-oral route from contaminated food or water
What are the names of the pathogens that cause Typhoid and Paratyphoid?
Salmonella enterica serovar typhi/paratyphi A,B or C
Describe the pathogen that causes Typhoid
Enterobacteriaceae
Aerobic
Gram negative
Rod
What are the symptoms of Enteric Fever?
Fever, headache, abdominal discomfort, dry cough, constipation, relative bradycardia
What investigations would be required to confirm Enteric fever?
Liver function test
Blood and faeces culture
Blood test- check for anaemia
What antibiotics are given for Enteric fever?
Ceftriaxone or Azithromycin
What is the main organism behind food poisoning in the UK?
Salmonella enteritidis
What are the symptoms of food poisoning?
Diarrhoea, fever, vomiting, abdominal pain
What type of pathogen causes Dengue Fever?
Arbovirus
What are 2 common bacteria present in travel infections?
Rickettsia
Spirochaete
