HLTB21H3 Chapter 1: Study Notes -- the Power of Plagues, Chapter 1

Bacteria that cause sexually transmitted diseases are generally only found in fluid environments (particularly body fluids), and are often gram-negative. Such infections are not transmitted through casual contact. Bacteria that cause respiratory infections and sore throats are commonly transmitted through casual contact, and are often gram-positive. Explain both of these situations using cell wall structure.

Case History 2 The patient is an 18 – day – old female who at presentation was brought to the emergency department by her mother after a three – day bout of coughing. Her mother also reported that her daughter had been “spitting up” more than usual and had episodes of tachypnea. During the initial exam, a rapid respiratory syncytial (RSV) test was obtained with negative results. A review of systems was notable only for a nonproductive cough. Her pulse was 168 beats/min, her respiratory rate was 32 inspirations per minute, and oxygen saturation was 92-95% on room air. Her complete blood count was significant for a white blood cell count of 15,300 cells/µl with an absolute lymphocyte count of 10,900 cells/µl. The mother had a chronic cough of 4 weeks duration but had been afebrile. Six weeks before the patient’s admission, her 10 – year – old brother also had a prolonged coughing illness that responded to breathing treatments and inhaled steroids. After initial examination, the child was admitted to the hospital. Her initial hospital course was uneventful, and she was discharged after 2 days. However, she was readmitted the following day with worsening respiratory symptoms. Over the next several days, she had increasing difficulty breathing, tachypnea up to 100 breaths per minute, and oxygen saturations in the low 80s during coughing episodes. She was admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit for respiratory support. She had an extremely complicated and prolonged intensive care unit course that included pulmonary hypertension, acute respiratory distress syndrome, and health care – associated pneumonia. After a 10 – week hospital stay, she was eventually discharged to return home, where her recovery was uneventful.

A vaccine exists to prevent infections of this pathogen. Explain why and how this patient was infected. What does this case tell you about the vaccine?

Vaccine strategies for preventing infections with this organism have recently changed. What changes in the vaccine are making better prevention possible? What groups of individuals should receive this new vaccine?

What type of isolation precautions should have been used while the patient was in the hospital?

.1 List the signs and symptoms of sepsis, and explain the most common types of infections that develop in to septic shock. Make sure to include information to differentiate between gram-positive sepsis and gram-negative sepsis. Lastly, describe what the two conditions are that define the systemic inflammatory response syndrome of sepsis.

2)

. List a viral, bacterial, and fungal microbe that can cause a respiratory infection. With these three microbes, include the following for each (16 points):

a. mode of transmission

b. disease symptoms

c. preferred treatment

d. a laboratory test that could be done to determine a patient has the microbe