Introduction to Infections 1

Question 1

What is the difference between active & passive immunity?

Answer 1

Active: antibodies are formed when an antigen is present, & can occur via infection or a vaccine.

Passive: transfer of antibodies from one individual to another, e.g. across the placenta during pregnancy, or via a blood transfusion.

Question 2

What are the stain colours of a gram positive & gram negative bacteria?

Answer 2

GRAM POSITIVE: BLUE STAIN

GRAM NEGATIVE: PINK STAIN

Question 3

What are some possible shapes of bacteria?

Answer 3

Cocci, bacillus, or spiral.

Question 4

What is the difference between anaerobes & aerobes?

Answer 4

Anaerobes: organisms that live in the absence of oxygen.

Aerobes: organisms that live in the presence of oxygen, & can be from certain bacteria, fungi, yeast & algae.

Question 5

What infection is caused by a gram positive bacteria in some foods, and should be avoided in pregnancy?

Answer 5

Listeria

Question 6

What type of bacteria causes MRSA?

Answer 6

Staphylococcus.

Question 7

Which type of bacteria is normally harmless, but can also be opportunistic?

Answer 7

Streptococcus.

Question 8

What type of infections can gram negative bacteria be responsible for?

Answer 8

• E. coli (food poisoning)
• H. Pylori
• Salmonella
• UTIs

Question 9

What does a virion’s cell structure look like?

Answer 9

A envelope containing envelope proteins, then a matrix layer underneath. Inside, the DNA or RNA is encapsulated in a capsid (protein-like shell)

Question 10

How does a virion infect a host cell?

Answer 10

The virion infects its genome into the DNA of the host cell & disrupts its regulatory genes.

Question 11

What are opportunistic fungal infections?

Answer 11

They are fungal infections which can be seen in patients with overwhelmed immune systems, e.g. HIV, AIDS, cancer, immunosuppressive patients.

Limited anti-fungal agents are available.

Question 12

What is acute sepsis?

Answer 12

It is an extreme response to an infection.

Question 13

What is the most common parasitic infection?

Answer 13

Malaria.

Question 14

What is the goal of the antibiotic stewardship?

Answer 14

Its goal of strategy is to slow the development & spread of antimicrobial resistance (AMR).

Question 15

What 3 things does the antibiotic stewardship focus on?

Answer 15

1. Improving knowledge & understanding of antimicrobial resistance (AMR)
2. Conserving existing treatment
3. Stimulate development of new antibiotics

Question 16

What are some examples of objective signs during an infection?

Answer 16

They are biochemical/measurable markers.

• WBC
• RBC
• Neutrophils
• Platelets
• CURB-65
• HR/RR
• Renal/liver function

Question 17

What are some examples of subjective observations during an infection?

Answer 17

They are physical signs present.

• Confusion
• Fever/pain/aches
• Localised site of infection
• Temperature

Question 18

What are some patient factors you can consider before giving a patient an antibiotic?

Answer 18

1. If the correct antibiotic is given to them
2. Drug safety - allergies, renal/liver function
3. Consider patient group - elderly, child, pregnant
4. Consider absorption/bioavailability issues
5. When they should take the antibiotic
6. Consider patient adherence & preference

Question 19

What is Start Smart?

Answer 19

It is a strategy to improve antimicrobial prescribing & reduce anti-microbial resistance (AMR) as much as possible.

Question 20

What points are involved in the Start Smart strategy?

Answer 20

1. Start antibiotic within 1h of diagnosis in urgent patients without prescribing guidelines
2. Obtain cultures before treatments
3. Document process - dose/route/duration/indication
4. Do not start antibiotic therapy unless there is a clear sign of infection

Question 21

What are some possible options to consider after diagnosing a patient who has undergone the Start Smart strategy?

Answer 21

1. Stop the antibiotic
2. Switch the formula
3. Change the drug
4. Continue the drug
5. Document the next review date