Opportunistic Infx Flashcards
list the 3 types of defects in the compromised host and give an example of each ?
1- defects or injury to physical barrier
ex- serious burns
2- deficiency in innate immunity
ex- reduced # or function of PMN (leukemia, chemotherapy, cong. immune def.)
3- deficiency in adaptive immunity
ex- t cells (HIV/AIDS) ; B cell and Ab (congen. immune def)
What organisms are the MCC of burn infections (4) which of these are on skin?
Pseudomonas, Staph aureus (skin), Strep (skin), Candida (skin)
Where is psuedomonas likely to grow within a hospital?
In moist/ wet areas : sinks etc,
In the case of a servere burn patient what factors increase risk of infection?
1- burn itself- loss of protective skin
2- severe burns decrease in PMN function
3- hospitalization- at risk for nosocomial infection
Where could aspergillus be found in a hospital?
potted plants (soil) , air ducts etc. transmitted to skin via spores
A serverely burned child has multiple nosocomial infections one of which is aspergillus- what is the preferred treatment and what are possible side effects
amphotericin - TOXIC TO KIDNEYS
list several possible drug treatments for a pseudomonas infection
extended spectrum PCN +/- beta-lactamase inhibitors; carbapenems, aztreonam, fluoroquinolones, ceftazidime, cefepime, aminoglycoside
what are ways a neonate can become infected with Listeria from the mother?
transplacental transmission
ascending infx through ruptured amniotic membranes
during birth through infx birth canal
what is the DOC for infant with Listeria infx?
Ampicillin + Gentamycin
what is the DOC for mother if showing sx of Listeria
Ampicillin
severe asthmatic patient dx with pneumonia. the origin is Nocardia sp. - what made this patient suceptible to this infx?
long term cortico steroid therapy !!!!
What are common sources of nocardia bacteria?
soil!
What are some KEY buzzwords/characteristics regarding Nocardia?
aerobic, G+ bacilli tends to form CHAINS OR FILAMENTS, weakly acid fast
What is the DOC for Nocardia infx?
TMP/SMX - folic acid inhibitor
Pt w/ h/o AIDS presents w/ fever, night sweats, fatigue, diarrhea past 3 mo. Dx Mycobacterium avium. GROWING IN MACROPHAGES-
A- how would it be killed?
B- where does it come from?
A- normally T cells will kill infx Macrophages
B- soil
When T cell count gets below 50 in AIDS pt what is DOC for Mycobacterium avium tx? CAN USE EVEN AS PREVENTION!
Macrolide + Ethambutol
What are some causes of neurologic signs in AIDS patient suspect???
AIDS dementia; Toxoplasmosis; EBV- B cell lymphoma; CMV; Coccidiodes/ Cryptococcus; JCV (polyoma virus)
AIDS pt c/o slow onset of progressive confusion/forgetful past 6 weeks; develops hemiparesis on one side of body. CSF fluid PCR dx JCV. What is the dz caused by this
PML - progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy
What are sx of PML associated with JCV
slow onset of focal sx includes behavior/speech/cognitive behavior/motor/visual impairment; aphasia, hemiparesis, ataxia, cortical blindness,
how can you make a definitive dx of PML due to JCV
PCR of CSF sample
23 y/o AIDS pt develops fever, nuchal rigidity, severe HA - what is the MCC of meningitis in AIDS pt? What is one of the virulence factors associated with this organism
Crytococcus meningitis - CAPSULE
Where is Cryptococcus meningitis commonly found?
soil- bird droppings
What is missing in the immune response why AIDS pt gets cryptococcus
macrophage cant be activated bc T cell counts very low and if no T cells no IFN-gamma to activate Macrophage!
How would you diagnose cryptococcus ?
India Ink stain CSF- yeast w/ capsule
Confirm with growth on Sabouraud’s agar, Heart Brain infusion agar
