Podcast Beta
Questions and Answers
What is the causative agent of the condition described?
Which of the following clinical manifestations is commonly seen in neonates suffering from this condition?
What is the role of Tetanolysin in this condition?
How is the infection transmitted?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following symptoms is NOT associated with the systemic manifestations in older children and adults?
Signup and view all the answers
What characterizes the paroxysmal stage of pertussis?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the primary causative agent of whooping cough?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following symptoms is NOT typically observed in the catarrhal stage of pertussis?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the incubation period for pertussis?
Signup and view all the answers
What is a common complication of whooping cough?
Signup and view all the answers
Which treatment is not typically used for pertussis?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the recommended prevention method for whooping cough?
Signup and view all the answers
During which stage of pertussis is the patient most contagious?
Signup and view all the answers
Study Notes
Pertussis (Whooping Cough)
- Highly contagious respiratory illness caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis.
- Characterized by severe coughing fits often ending with a high-pitched "whoop" sound.
- Incubation period: 7 to 14 days
- Communicable period: 7 days after exposure to 3 weeks after typical coughing spasms.
- Mode of transmission: Direct contact, indirect contact, contaminated linens, and respiratory secretions.
-
Clinical Manifestations:
- Catarrhal stage: Mild, cold-like symptoms such as runny nose, sneezing, and a dry cough.
- Paroxysmal stage: Characterized by violent coughing spasms ending in a "whoop" sound, often followed by vomiting, and sometimes cyanosis.
- Convalescent stage: Gradual decrease in coughing frequency and severity.
- Complications: Pneumonia, atelectasis, convulsions, umbilical hernia, otitis media, malnutrition, and starvation.
- Diagnosis: Nasopharyngeal swab, sputum culture, and blood tests.
- Treatment: Supportive therapy including fluids, nutrition, oxygen, and antibiotics such as erythromycin and ampicillin.
- Prevention: Isolation of infected individuals, DPT immunization, and booster shots.
Tetanus (Lockjaw)
- A serious bacterial infection that affects the nervous system, leading to severe muscle spasms.
- Caused by the bacterium Clostridium tetani.
- Fatal in up to 60% of unimmunized persons, especially within 10 days of symptom onset.
- Source of infection: Animal and human feces, soil, dust, rusty materials, contaminated medical equipment.
- Mode of transmission: Punctured wounds contaminated with C. tetani, traumatic wounds, burns, umbilical stump infections in newborns, and unrecognized injuries.
-
Clinical Manifestations:
- Neonatal tetanus: Feeding and sucking difficulties, excessive crying, muscle spasms, fever, cyanosis, and exhaustion.
- Older children and adults: Localized spasms near the wound, muscle stiffness, hyperreflexia, tachycardia, painful muscle contractions, trismus (jaw stiffness), facial muscle spasms (risus sardonicus), abdominal rigidity, and opisthotonos (back arching).
- Treatment: Supportive care including wound treatment, antibiotics, muscle relaxants, and antitoxins.
- Prevention: Tetanus toxoid immunization, booster shots, and wound care.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Related Documents
Description
Test your knowledge on pertussis, also known as whooping cough, a highly contagious respiratory illness caused by Bordetella pertussis. This quiz covers its symptoms, incubation period, transmission methods, stages, complications, and diagnosis. Perfect for students in health sciences or medical training.
