Mosby’s Color Atlas Infectious Diseases, Term Paper Example

Part 1. Cardiovascular System

Endocarditis is the result of bacteria and fungus infecting the heart valves. It can affect either natural or prosthetic valves. Native-valve infections are attributed in 80% of cases to already existing lesions on the valves. Sepsis is a common symptom of endocarsis, as is fever. Heart murmurs are another possible symptom. Antibiotics may be employed to treat the infection, such as benzylpenicillin, ampicillin, and vancomycin, depending on the specific type of endocarditis. For prevention, prophylactic antibiotics may be used, however only during the preoperative period, to prevent microbial resistance. (Conlon and Snydman, 38)

Myocarditis refers to the damage or inflammation of the heart. It differs from a heart attack insofar as there is no blockage of coronary arteries. The myocardium experiences difficulty in contracting. It is generally caused by bacteria or fungal infections. Common symptoms include chest pain, fever and arrhythmias. Treatment entails the desired prevention of arrhythmias and heart failure. Anti-inflammatory drugs also have been used to reduce inflammation. In extreme cases, a cardiac transplant may be required. No clear prevention strategies are of use, however hygiene and rest when experiencing flu-like symptoms are recommended. (Conlon and Snydman, 45)

Pericarditis is an inflammation of the fibrous sac around the heart. Causes of pericarditis are similar to those of myocarditis, such as fungal and bacterial infections, often related to entereoviruses. (Conlon and Snydman, 46) Viral Pericarditis is not accompanied with any significant illness and common symptoms include chest pain and fever, whereas bacterial pericarditis can cause severe illness. Anti-inflammatory drugs are a common treatment and in some cases surgery may be required. Prevention strategies include good hygiene and the receiving of immunizations.

Central Nervous System Infections

Bacetrial Meningitis is specifically caused by bacterial infection, as a result of colonization or infection. Symptoms such as headache, fever and stiff neck are common, while in other cases altered mental states, vomiting and seizures may be present. Treatment calls for immediate identification and therapy, generally using antibiotics. Antibiotics may be applied intravenously depending on the severity of the case. Prevention can include vaccinations and the avoidance of the sharing of saliva. (Conlon and Snydman, 77)

Chronic Meningitis results from infectious agents such as granulomatous and chronic fungal disease. It is generally a slow progression infection that may affect tissue and fluid of the spinal column. Common symptoms are thus prolonged and can include headache, fever, neck stiffness and altered states. Antibiotics can be used for treatment, whereas prevention may entail vaccinations. (Conlon and Snydman, 83)

Viral Encephalitis is a brain inflammation, which in humans is often caused by herpes simplex virus. Symptoms include altered mental states and personality, often accompanied by seizures and headaches. Acyclovir is a common antiviral agent used for herpes simplex virus causes of encephalitis. Corticosterosis may also be employed to minimize inflammation. Avoiding viruses that cause viral encephalitis such as herpes and immunizations are commonly cited prevention measures. (Conlon and Snydman, 84)

Respiratory Tract

Mouth Ulcers result from infections caused by herpes simplex virus and other variants of enterovrius. Symptoms are obvious inflammation of the gums. Prevention can be related to various hygienic steps taken to avoid the transmission of infection. Mouth ulcers can be treated with antiviral remedies and intravenous fluids. (Conlon and Snydman, 54)

Acute Epiglottitis is the inflammation of the epiglottis, which covers the trachea. It is perceived by fever and dysphagia and is commonly the result of haemophilus influenzae type b. (Conlon and Snydman, 54) The H influenzae type b conjugate vaccine (Conlon and Snydman, 54) is an effective means of treatment.

Ludwig’s Angina or Angina Ludovici is a cellulitis infection that affects tissues at the base of the mouth. It is generally the result of bacterial infection such as streptococcus. Symptoms include fever, malaise, and dysphagia, usually without abscesses. Antibiotics are a common treatment form, and in desperate cases surgery may be employed. (Conlon and Snydman, 54)

Urinary Tract

Renal Abscess are absecess in the renal cortex. (Conlon and Snydman, 130) They can be caused from the proliferation of bacteria carried in the blood. Symptoms include fever, pus in urine, and chills. Treatment is abscess drainage and removal of dead tissues, alongside antibiotics. Prevention is related to common hygienic procedures.

Perinephric Abcess are abscesses in the perinephric fat. They can be caused by dehiscence of intrarenal abscess. They are therefore caused by other abscesses or fungus. They can be treated with antibiotics and removal of abscess. Prevention is largely hygienic in nature. (Conlon and Snydman, 130)

Xanthrogranulomatous Pyelonephritis can refer to constant urinary tract infections or “obstructive uropathy.” (Conlon and Snydman, 130) as abscess cavities become hardened. Fever and pain are common symptoms. Treatment can include antibiotics and the removal of abscess, while prevention is hygienic in nature.

Skeletal System

Septic Arthritis is a joint infection that is commonly the result of bacteria. It is normally caused by S. Aureus. Symptoms include swollen joints. Intravenous Antibiotics treatment is a standard approach to treatment. Prevention can include the stopping of self-injected drugs and monogamy or abstinence. (Conlon and Snydman, 180)

Vertebral Osteomyelitis infects vertebrae such as those of the lower thoracic spine and the lumbar. Pain is a common symptom. Antibiotics over a long period of time and also surgery may be used in treatment. Artificial joints can be susceptible for those who have surgery, as there is an increased risk of infection: accordingly, antibiotics may be needed to to prevent infection.  (Conlon and Snydman, 180)

Haematogenous Ostemolyelitis are commonly the result of bacteria such as staphylococcus aureus. Treatment can include antibiotics. The most common symptom is pain. Prevention can include taking preventive antibiotics before surgery and the maintenance of good hygiene. (Conlon and Snydman, 180)

Part 2 Reproductive System

Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease that is the result of the spirochete Treponema pallidum. (Robboy et al., 48)  Lesions are common symptoms, as are fever. Penicillin is the most common form of treatment. Prevention includes abstinence and monogamy.

Gonorrhea is an infection of the urethra that can also eventually infringe on the vagina and cervix. It results commonly from the bacterium Neseeria gonorrhoeae. Various antibiotics such as amoxicillin are used in treatment. Many women do not show gonorrhea symptoms, such as pain of urinating, which is a symptom irrespective of gender. Prevention means are abstinence, monogamy or the practice of safe sex. (Robboy et al., 47)

Chancroid are genitalia sores caused by a sexually transmitted infection of bacteria such as haemophiluls ducreyi. It is manifested in symptoms such as ulcers. Treatment employs antibiotics such as azithromycin. Prevention is tied to safe sex, monogamy and abstinence. (Robboy et al., 47)

Candidiasis affects the genital region. It is the result of the candida species of yeasts. Itchiness and itching are normal symptoms. Antinfungal drugs are used in treatment. The maintenance of good oral health can help prevent infection. (Robboy et al., 49)

Bacterial Vaginosis is the result of a disproportionate number of the natural bacterial flora. Symptoms include abnormally colored discharged and odor. Antibiotics are a common treatment. Abstinence, monogamy and safe sex are recommended prevention measures. (Robboy et al., 49)

Part 3: H1n1 Virus is an influenza virus. According to the World Health Organization, it has originated from forms of animal influenza. (WHO) The pathogenesis of H1N1 is determined through the identification of the isolate, while looking for pathogenesis inheritance. The H1N1 virus is also known as swine flu, because it is a strain of influenza that is natural to pigs. It is still largely unknown as to how the H1N1 virus became present in humans, although RNA viral fragments have been sequenced “to determine the genomic structure of the causative influenza virus.” (Magnus, 23)

Symptoms are commonly similar to flu-like symptoms. “Malaise, fever, cough, headache, muscle and join pain, sore throat and runny nose” have all been symptoms of H1N1. (WHO) Less common symptoms are nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Mild illnesses is thus generally expected.

The treatment of H1N1 has included the utilization of antiviral drugs, in oral form, such as oseltamivir and inhaled form, zanamavir. Treatment is urged to be begun immediately upon correct diagnosis of symptoms. This can be supplemented by definitive diagnostic tests. (WHO)

Because of H1N1’s novelty, prevention includes keeping track of areas where H1N1 may be present. Websites such as the H1N1 information page monitor presence of the virus and potential sites for outbreaks. (WHO) Hygiene, such as washing hands, is urged to prevent transmission. The sanitation of living places can also be a recommended prevention method. In addition, maintaining a healthy life style can lessen the possibility of infection.

Works Cited

Conlon, Christopher P. and Snydman, David. R. Mosby’s Color Atlas and Text of Infectious Diseases. London, UK: Elsevier Health Sciences, 2000.

Magnus, Manya. Essential Readings in Infectious Disease Epidemiology. Sudbury, MA: Jones & Bartlett Learning, 2008.

Robboy, Stanley J. et al. Robboy’s Pathology of the Female Reproductive Tract. London: Elsevier Health Sciences, 2008.

World Health Organization. “What is the Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 Virus?” Accessed at: http://www.who.int/csr/disease/swineflu/frequently_asked_questions/about_disease/en/index.html, June 20, 2010.