Special Sense Infections Quiz

Special Sense Infections

• Presented by Dr. Dina Abdallah Elnady
• Pathology team

Learning Objectives

• Understand different types of otitis
• Identify otitis media types
• Clarify pathological aspects of keratitis and conjunctivitis
• Differentiate between Blepharitis, chalazion, and stye

Otitis

• Otitis media
• Otitis externa
• Otitis interna

Otitis Media

• Definition: Inflammation of the middle ear (most common type)
• Causes:
  • S. pneumoniae: 30-35%
  • H. influenzae
  • M. catarrhalis
  • Others (e.g., group A strep, Mycobacterium Tuberculosis, Rhinovirus, Parainfluenza virus, Influenza virus)

Routes of Otitis Media Infection

• Eustachian tube: Most common route
• External ear: Traumatic perforation of the tympanic membrane
• Direct spread: From mastoiditis
• Blood-borne: Uncommon

Risk Factors of Otitis Media

• Age:
  • First peak in children aged 6-24 months
  • Second peak in children aged 4-5 years
  • Shorter, wider, and more horizontal Eustachian tubes in infants and young children
• Sex: More common in males
• Anatomical abnormalities: Cleft palate, cleft lip, narrow Eustachian tubes
• Breastfeeding: Breastfeeding for at least six months may offer protection; breast and bottle feeding in the supine position increases the risk
• Seasons: Upper respiratory tract infections are more common in autumn and winter, leading to acute otitis media
• Overcrowded homes/siblings: Due to close contact
• Passive smoking exposure
• Air pollutants

Types of Otitis Media

• Acute otitis media (AOM): Acute inflammation and effusion of the middle ear, common in younger children
• Otitis media with effusion (OME): Middle ear effusion, no symptoms of acute infection
• Chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM): Chronic inflammation of the middle ear and mastoid cavity, with otorrhea (discharge) through perforated tympanic membrane

Acute Otitis Media (AOM)

• Mostly caused by bacterial infection (rarely viral)
• Presents with severe earache and fever
• Erythema (redness), bulging tympanic membrane, and loss of light reflex

Otitis Media with Effusion (OME)

• Fluid in the middle ear (no active infection signs)
• Pressure on the tympanic membrane disrupts proper vibration, leading to decreased hearing
• Fluid can become thick, glue-like (glue ear) over weeks or months

Chronic Suppurative Otitis Media (CSOM)

• Chronic inflammation of the middle ear and mastoid cavity
• Recurrent ear discharge (otorrhea) through a perforated tympanic membrane
• Spontaneous tympanic membrane perforation from acute otitis media (AOM)
• Sequel to less severe forms of otitis media (e.g., secretory otitis media (OM)

Keratitis

• Definition: Inflammation of the cornea
• Infectious Keratitis:
  • Bacterial: Common in contact lens wearers due to contaminated eye drops/lens solutions
  • Viral: Triggered by stress, impaired immune system, herpes simplex virus
  • Parasitic (Acanthamoeba): Poor contact lens hygiene, exposure to water (e.g., swimming)
  • Fungal:
• Non-infectious Keratitis:
  • Injury:
  • Exposure to intense ultraviolet (UV) light (photokeratitis):
  • Dry eye syndrome:
  • Eyelid disorders: Preventing proper eyelid function

Symptoms of Keratitis

• Eye pain
• Eye redness
• Excess tears or discharge
• Difficulty opening eyes due to pain/irritation
• Decreased vision
• Sensitivity to light (photophobia)

Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye)

• Definition: Inflammation or infection of the transparent membrane lining the eyelids and eyeballs
• Causes:
  • Viral (Adenovirus, Herpes simplex, Herpes zoster)
  • Bacterial
  • Allergic reaction
• Symptoms:
  • Redness
  • Crust formation during the night (impeding eye opening)
  • Gritty feeling
  • Itchiness
  • Tearing
  • Photophobia

Blepharitis

• Definition: Inflammation of the eyelids
• Causes:
  • Acne rosacea
  • Allergies
  • Dandruff
  • Dry eyes
  • Eyelash lice or mites
  • Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD)

Sties and Chalazia

• Stye (Hordeolum): Painful infected lesion on the eyelid's edge (eyelash follicles), may drain
• Chalazion: Less painful, small swelling on the eyelid's inside (conjunctival side), caused by a blocked oil gland

Otitis Interna

• Definition: Inflammation located in the inner ear, commonly known as labyrinthitis affect hearing & balance,
• Stages:
  • Serous
  • Purulent
  • Fibrous
  • Osseous

Test your understanding of otitis types, including otitis media, and the pathological aspects of keratitis and conjunctivitis. Differentiate between conditions like Blepharitis, chalazion, and stye through this informative quiz.