Issues with Inflammation and Infection Flashcards
(12 cards)
Cellulitis
a common, potentially serious bacterial skin infection
Swelling
Tenderness
Pain
Warmth
Fever
Chills
Spots
Blisters
Skin dimpling
Sepsis
Progression of an existing infection to tissue damage, this is a life threatening condition which requires antibiotics and IV fluids to improve chances of survival.
Existing infection and change in mental status
Systolic blood pressure less than or equal to 100
Respiratory rate higher than or equal to 22 breaths a minute
All wounds by their nature are contaminated
Potentially becoming infected. Appropriate hygiene and wound management will prevent this in most cases, but if infectious organisms (especially Staphylococcus aureus) proliferate then infection will occur
Pain
Redness
Warmth
Increased exudation from the wound
Spreading erythema
Host-pathogen infection: Bacteria
Not all bacteria are pathogenic, but when bacteria ARE pathogenic
Production of exotoxins that directly damage cells and tissues
Promotion of release of endotoxins causing systemic disease – the endotoxin is part of the bacterial cell wall and its release can cause a significant response in the body (Gram-negative bacteria are the main endotoxic microorganisms)
Production of toxins that cause functional impairment to cells rather than cell death
Excitation of acute inflammatory reaction
Stimulation of Type III or Type IV hypersensitivity reaction
Host-pathogen infection: Fungi
Very few pathogenic fungi, but those which are infect via skin, mucosa, lung, systemic blood borne
Minimal – usually in response to dermatophytic fungi such as athletes foot and ringworm
Acute inflammatory – this is seen often in infection with Candida 3
Granulomatous inflammatory – seen usually in systemic infection with a granulomatous reaction surrounding a purulent core, an example fungus causing this is soil-borne blastomycosis
Host-pathogen infection: Viruses
Just three main responses to viral infection – cell necrosis, cell proliferation and latent infection. Cells will either be damaged and die, or overgrow in an abnormal fashion, or the virus will become dormant in order to re-emerge at a later date
Cell necrosis Most common, influenza, poliovirus
Cell overgrowth Caused by HPV, warty growths
Latent infection Herpes zoster, herpes simplex
Lyme disease
A multisystem illness caused by infection with Borrelia spp. transmitted through bites from the Ixodes tick species. Tick attachment needs to exceed 36 hours for transmission of disease causing Borrelia. The incubation period is 3-30 days, after which time the bacteria migrate systemically beginning with the rash.
Covid and Long Covid
Acute
Pneumonia and trouble breathing
Organ failure in several organs
Heart problems
A severe lung condition that causes a low amount of oxygen to go through your bloodstream to your organs (acute respiratory distress syndrome)
Blood clots
Acute kidney injury
Additional viral and bacterial infections
Chronic
The long term complications of Covid 19 are usually grouped now under the heading of post-Covid syndrome or long Covid. 1 in 5 (increasing to 1 in 4 over the age of 65) individuals who have suffered Covid 19 may have one or more medical symptoms linked to Covid between one month and one year after having the infection. The unknown prognosis for long Covid makes the potential impact on future wellbeing significant.
Long covid symptoms:
Severe fatigue
Shortness of breath
‘Brain fog’
Neuralgia and myalgia
GIT symptoms
Circulatory issues
Cardiovascular symptoms
Childhood Illnesses - Chickenpox:
Caused by Varicella zoster, Spread by inhaled droplets or contact, Incubation period 10-21 days, Viral proliferation occurs in regional lymph nodes of URT 2-4 days after initial infection, followed by primary viremia on days 4-6
Childhood Illnesses - Glandular fever/Mononucleosis
Caused by Epstein-Barr virus, Spread directly or indirectly by saliva , Incubation period 4-6 weeks, Humoral and cellular immune responses are triggered – inadequate T cell response raises risk of B cell malignancies
Measles:
Caused by virus from genus Morbillivirus
Spread by respiratory droplets or contact
Incubation period 10-14 days
Initial viral replication occurs locally in tracheal and bronchial epithelial cells, spreading to local lymphatic tissues
Mumps
Caused by Rubulavirus, Spread by saliva, inhaled droplets, human contact or contact with infected items (clothes, utensils etc.).Incubation period 16-18 days. Viral proliferation occurs locally and then disseminates to parotid glands (salivary glands)
