Post-exposure prophylaxis for HIV: oral antiretroviral therapy for 4 weeks Post-exposure prophylaxis Hepatitis A Human Normal Immunoglobulin (HNIG) or hepatitis A vaccine may be used depending on the clinical situation Hepatitis B HBsAg positive source: if the person exposed is …
Differentiating between toxoplasmosis and lymphoma is an important aspect of managing neurocomplications relating to HIV. Given the more limited availablity of SPECT compared to CT many patients are treated empirically on the basis of scoring systems, for example there is …
Post-exposure prophylaxis Hepatitis A Human Normal Immunoglobulin (HNIG) or hepatitis A vaccine may be used depending on the clinical situation Hepatitis B HBsAg positive source: if the person exposed is a known responder to HBV vaccine then a booster dose …
Tuberculin skin tests are an example of type IV (delayed) hypersensitivity reactions. These are largely mediated by interferon-γ secreted by Th1 cells which in turn stimulates macrophage activity. Tuberculosis: screening The Mantoux test is the main technique used to screen …
Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli infections do not usually cause bloody diarrhoea. A differential diagnosis would be amoebic dysentery, enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli and possibly Campylobacter. Gastroenteritis Gastroenteritis may either occur whilst at home or whilst travelling abroad (travellers’ diarrhoea) Travellers’ diarrhoea may …
Hepatitis B Hepatitis B is a double-stranded DNA virus and is spread through exposure to infected blood or body fluids, including vertical transmission from mother to child. The incubation period is 6-20 weeks. Immunisation against hepatitis B (please see the …
Vaginal discharge Vaginal discharge is a common presenting symptom and is not always pathological Common causes physiological Candida Trichomonas vaginalis bacterial vaginosis Less common causes whilst cervical infections such as Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea can cause a vaginal discharge this is …
The CSF lymphocytosis combined with a glucose greater than half the serum level points towards a viral meningitis. TB meningitis is associated with a low CSF glucose Meningitis: CSF analysis The table below summarises the characteristic cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) findings …
Congenital rubella sensorineural deafness congenital cataracts Congenital infections The major congenital infections encountered in examinations are rubella, toxoplasmosis and cytomegalovirus Cytomegalovirus is the most common congenital infection in the UK. Maternal infection is usually asymptomatic Rubella Toxoplasmosis Cytomegalovirus Characteristic features …
Meningitis: management Investigations suggested by NICE full blood count CRP coagulation screen blood culture whole-blood PCR blood glucose blood gas Lumbar puncture if no signs of raised intracranial pressure Management All patients should be transferred to hospital urgently. If patients …