...HERPES ZOSTER Herpes zoster (shingles) is a relatively common neurological disorder. Its estimated annual incidence is 3-4 per 1,000 of the general population. The incidence is significantly higher in older people and immunocompromised subjects (irrespective of their age). Herpes zoster is caused by the varicella zoster virus and, typically, develops many years after the patient had recovered from chickenpox. It is thought that at the time of infection with chickenpox the virus migrates from the skin to the sensory ganglia via the axons of peripheral nerves and remains dormant in the ganglia, usually for many years. Activation of the virus occurs when the subject’s cell immunity is reduced. The activated virus travels along the sensory nerve...
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...Genital Herpes Virus In this world today there are many viruses that effects the human population. Herpes is one of these diseases. It is no less then a self-limited communicable disease. Yet its "victims" describe it as devastating, and society treats those with it like lepers. Until recently most people had never heard of herpes virus. Even doctors were familiar with the virus, yet in the past few years , it has become an epidemic. Why I chose to study this topic is more on how herpes affects a person emotionally. Why should a disease like this which rarely causes great physical problems, be such trouble to many people? It is not as devastating as tuberculosis. Its not a killer like cancer. And it is not as disabling as the flu. It isn't as bad a smoking is to your health, so why should so many people care about it. I think that the main reason is that herpes affects the persons personality. To many, there is nothing more important then that persons genitals. One's genitals gives one the ability to love and to be loved. Another reason is that this virus, unlike many in today's society, is incurable. With todays fast food restaurants, great health insurance, and one hour prescriptions, people have a hard time dealing with herpes being incurable. The incurability and recurrent nature of herpes makes it a control issue and no one likes to lose control. There is an unbuilding factor in this issue. There...
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...For example, the data on measles is overwhelmingly clear, but this has not stopped vaccine deniers from distorting the data to argue that measles just happened to decline all on its own. A recent study published in Pediatrics reviews the evidence for the effect of the varicella (chicken pox) vaccine on varicella-related deaths. The worst case scenario is that the older generation will experience an increase in herpes zoster, but this will be a temporary effect as the next generation will never have had chicken pox due to the vaccine. All of this data is also with the single doses vaccine, which was found not to produce adequate antibody levels in some children. Vaccines are an important public health intervention, and we need to watch the vaccine program closely....
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...Bell's palsy is a form of facial paralysis resulting from a dysfunction of the cranial nerve VII (the facial nerve) causing an inability to control facial muscles on the affected side. Often the eye in the affected side cannot be closed. The eye must be protected from drying up, or the cornea may be permanently damaged, resulting in impaired vision. In some cases denture wearers experience some discomfort. The common presentation of this condition is a rapid onset of partial or complete paralysis that often occurs overnight. In rare cases, it can occur on both sides resulting in total facial paralysis. Bell’s palsy is defined as a one-sided facial nerve paralysis of unknown cause. Several other conditions can also cause facial paralysis, e.g., brain tumor, stroke, myasthenia gravis, and Lyme disease; however, if no specific cause can be identified, the condition is known as Bell's palsy. It is thought that an inflammatory condition leads to swelling of the facial nerve. The nerve travels through the skull in a narrow bone canal beneath the ear. Nerve swelling and compression in the narrow bone canal are thought to lead to nerve inhibition or damage. Usually it gets better on its own with most people achieving normal or near-normal function. Corticosteroids have been found to improve outcomes, when used early, while anti-viral drugs have not.[3][4] Many show signs of improvement as early as 10 days after the onset, even without treatment. Bell's palsy is the most common acute...
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...and malignancies that are called 'opportunistic infections' because they take advantage of the opportunity offered by a weakened immune system. A partial list of the world's most common HIV-related opportunistic infections and diseases includes: Bacterial diseases such as tuberculosis, MAC, bacterial pneumonia and septicaemia (blood poisoning) Protozoal diseases such as toxoplasmosis, microsporidiosis, cryptosporidiosis, isopsoriasis and leishmaniasis Fungal diseases such as PCP, candidiasis, cryptococcosis and penicilliosis Viral diseases such as those caused by cytomegalovirus, herpes simplex and herpes zoster virus HIV-associated malignancies such as Kaposi's sarcoma, lymphoma and squamous cell carcinoma. Different conditions typically occur at different stages of HIV infection. In early HIV disease people can develop tuberculosis, malaria, bacterial pneumonia, herpes zoster, staphylococcal skin infections and septicaemia. These are diseases that people with normal immune systems can also get, but with HIV they occur at a much higher rate. It also takes longer for a person with HIV to recover than it takes for someone with a healthy immune system. When the immune system is very weak due to advanced HIV disease or AIDS, opportunistic infections such as PCP, toxoplasmosis and cryptococcosis develop. Some infections can spread to a number of different organs, which is known as 'disseminated' or 'systemic' disease. Many of the opportunistic infections that occur...
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...by an outbreak of a rash or blisters on the skin, and symptoms that include burning or tingling pain, or sometimes numbness or itch. Those at risk for shingles are individuals who have recovered from a chickenpox infection and has the virus resting dormant in their body. Children can be affected by shingles, however, most cases appear in individuals over 60 years old. While there is a shingles vaccine available, and antiviral medications to treat shingles, aromatherapy can provide an alternative option to tackle the pain and stress of the condition. Here is a look at aromatherapy for shingles and how it can be beneficial in a therapeutic capacity. What is Aromatherapy? According to the National Association of Holistic Aromatherapy, aromatherapy is the art and science of putting to use naturally extracted essential oil “from plants to balance, harmonize and promote the health of body, mind and spirit.” Geranium Essential Oil...
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...Vaccinations protect from nasty diseases, but the antiimmunisation voice is getting louder. Introduction Whilst some, or all of us, hate getting needles jabbed in us, it is sometimes necessary so we don’t get sick, or worse, die. There are terrible diseases i.e. Rubella, Polio, Whooping Cough, out there which we try to avoid. Vaccinations may help prevent getting them. Though we get immunised, we still need to be careful in making a well informed decision on behalf of this we love and care about. It is still possible to contract the disease we were vaccinated against, as in the case of chicken pox, where a person can come down with a slight case of it. We will look at the pros and cons of the immunisation debate and understand the benefit of proper decision making when deciding to get immunised. Body It is thought that vaccinations can help stop, and even get rid of, nasty diseases. It is reported that “Polio, for example, was eliminated in the United States by 1979 after widespread vaccination efforts” - as quoted from historyofvaccines.org. But while some people vaccinate their children, others do not. (Research from the National Health Performance Authority has found 77,000 Australian children are not fully immunised. As reported by Amy Simmons for ABC News. April 2013) In numerous parts of the world, it is thought that people need vaccines to stop the spread of disease. While some countries aren’t plagued with deadly diseases, there are some countries that...
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...They will also perform a detailed head-to-toe neurologic examination evaluating for muscle strength, tone, sensation, balance, coordination, and reflexes. Close attention is normally made to the external ear to evaluate for vesicles (blisters) or scabbing, which may suggest herpes zoster infection. The parotid gland is also felt to evaluate for a parotid tumor. How is Bell palsy diagnosed? The diagnosis of Bell palsy is suggested based on symptoms and physical examination. If the diagnosis in unclear or the clinical presentation is atypical, your doctor may recommend magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) of the head and neck to rule out a stroke or tumor. Occasionally they will recommend a high resolution contrast-enhanced CT scan of the head. Sometimes, electrodiagnostic studies are requested to help determine prognosis. Your doctor will also frequently evaluate serologies for HIV infection and Lyme disease. How is Bell palsy...
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...Epidemiology of Chickenpox Erica N. Huckaby Grand Canyon University: NRS-427V February 28, 2016 Epidemiology of Chickenpox Epidemiology is the study of the distribution and determinants of health related states or events in specified populations and the application of this study to control health problems (Farlex Partner Medical Dictionary, 2012). Epidemiology can be applied to any disease. It has helped to develop the methodology used in research and public health. For the purpose of this paper, we will explore the childhood illness chickenpox, the factors that contribute to it’s development, the epidemiological triangle, and the role of the community health nurse as related to reporting and follow-up of cases. Description of Chickenpox Chickenpox, also known as varicella, is a highly contagious viral illness caused by the herpes virus, HHV3.4 or varicella zoster virus (Lowth, 2013). Chickenpox is mainly considered a childhood illness but can affect anyone at any age. Symptoms In children the illness generally begins with fever and malaise followed by development of papules on the skin. The day following the first fever a rash often appears on the face and scalp. Within the next 24 hours more papules appear as the first ones turn into vesicles. The rash generally will spread to the trunk, abdomen and limbs. Vesicles can be so few that they go unnoticed and leave the virus undiagnosed or they can cover the entire body including the mucous membranes. The course...
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... Petruzelli (1991) states that Bell’s palsy is an acute paralysis of the facial nerve first described by the Scottish surgeon and anatomist, Sir Charles Bell . Niparko (1993) elaborates that it is a generally unilateral paralysis or weakness of facial musculature consistent with facial nerve damage and dysfunction. The anatomy of the facial nerve can be found in appendix two. Pietersen (2002) states that the cause is unknown, however, whilst the exact aetiology of Bell’s palsy is still debated, viral infections, vascular ischaemia, autoimmune inflammatory disorders and heredity have been postulated as causative. (Adour 1982, Burgess 1984, Lorber 1996). Murakami et al (1996) proposed that reactivation of herpes simplex virus in the geniculate ganglia was causative. A herpes simplex cause is corroborated by Stjernquist-Desatnik, Skoog, and Aurelius (2006). Whilst the exact aetiology is disputed, a greater consensus is reached when considering the pathophysiology. Tiemstra and Khatkhate (2007) state that Bell’s palsy is thought to be caused by inflammation at the geniculate ganglion. This appears corroborated by Fisch and Esslen (1972) who noted oedematous swelling proximal to the...
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...Microbiology Case Studies 1.1-1.8 Case 1.1 1. The fertility specialist recommended the rubella vaccine because if the rubella virus is contracted early in pregnancy there is an increased risk of miscarriage or birth defects such as deafness, cataracts, mental retardation, heart defects, liver and spleen damage. There are contraindications related to conceiving within four weeks of receiving the rubella vaccination because it is a “live” vaccine and could still cause complications. 2. In the United States it is recommended that children receive the first dose of the MMR (measles, mumps rubella) vaccination between 12-15 months (not earlier) and then to receive a second dose around 4-6 years of age. 3. The client’s description does not correlate with the rubella virus. Symptoms of the rubella infection typically only last 3 days and are often referred to as the “3 day measles”. 4. In order to check the immune status of the client the test would be checking for IgG antibodies. The absence of IgG rubella antibodies indicates that the person has likely not been exposed to the rubella virus or vaccine. IgG are also the only antibodies that can cross the placenta to protect the fetus. 5. To test for a current rubella infection using only the IgG antibody test the physician should order the initial IgG for a baseline and then perform the test again in 2-3 weeks to check if there was a significant increase (titer) present. An increase would indicate recent or current infection. Case 1.2 1...
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...HIV Human Immunodeficiency Virus HIV Human Immunodeficiency Virus Suanchirae Williams Devry Unviersity BIO 260 Professor Daudi Langat Suanchirae Williams Devry Unviersity BIO 260 Professor Daudi Langat INTRODUCTION Growing up my little brother was the man of our house, a household of seven with my little brother being the only boy, such a heavy burden on such small shoulders. It seemed to be a role that he just woke up one day and assumed he needed to fill. My mother was a single mother of six children so she worked long hours every day which left me, being the oldest, as the secondary mother. It seemed to become my role as caregiver and my little brother, who is almost 5 yrs. younger than me, the protector. As we all grew up and started branching off into our own little worlds my little brother became a more private person. It was a surprise in late 2005 when he brought home a girl and announced her as his girlfriend and that he loved her. She was a great girl we all took a shine to her and welcomed her into our family. After a few months this new girlfriend decided it was time for us all to have a family meeting, there was something that she felt she needed to share with us all before anything more happened with her and my brother. She sat us all down and started to explain her family to us ending with her...
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...Integumentary Disorders Anatomy of the skin The skin consists of 3 layers: 1. Epidermis- non vascular outermost layer, continuously dividing cells 2. Dermis- takes the largest portion of the skin and provides strength and structure. It consists of glands (sebaceous, sweat), hair follicle, blood vessels, and nerve endings 3. Subcutaneous tissue (hypodermis)- the inner most layer. contains major vascular networks, fat, nerves, and lymphatics Function of the skin • Protection- protection of underlying structures from invasion by bacteria, noxious chemicals and foreign matter. • Sensory perception- transmits pain, touch, pressure, temperature, itching, etc • Fluid balance (excretion)- absorption of fluids and evaporation of excess. • Temperature regulation- produced heat released through skin by radiation, conduction, and convection 1|Page • Vitamin synthesis- skin exposed to ultra violet light can convert substances necessary for synthesizing vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol). • Aesthetic- affects appearance Factors influencing skin integrity • Immoblity is the major factor leading to pressure sore development . • The pt who is confined to bed & unable to change position is at greatest risk . • Trauma most likely occur – over the prominent areas – weight bearing areas • • Prolonged pressure impairs blood flow to tissue & resulfs in ischemia & inferction The extent of pressure necessary to cause tisue damage...
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...ntroduction The Aloe vera plant has been known and used for centuries for its health, beauty, medicinal and skin care properties. The name Aloe vera derives from the Arabic word “Alloeh” meaning “shining bitter substance,” while “vera” in Latin means “true.” 2000 years ago, the Greek scientists regarded Aloe vera as the universal panacea. The Egyptians called Aloe “the plant of immortality.” Today, the Aloe vera plant has been used for various purposes in dermatology. History Aloe vera has been used for medicinal purposes in several cultures for millennia: Greece, Egypt, India, Mexico, Japan and China.1 Egyptian queens Nefertiti and Cleopatra used it as part of their regular beauty regimes. Alexander the Great, and Christopher Columbus used it to treat soldiers’ wounds. The first reference to Aloe vera in English was a translation by John Goodyew in A.D. 1655 of Dioscorides’ Medical treatise De Materia Medica.2 By the early 1800s, Aloe vera was in use as a laxative in the United States, but in the mid-1930s, a turning point occurred when it was successfully used to treat chronic and severe radiation dermatitis.2 Plant The botanical name of Aloe vera is Aloe barbadensis miller. It belongs to Asphodelaceae (Liliaceae) family, and is a shrubby or arborescent, perennial, xerophytic, succulent, pea- green color plant. It grows mainly in the dry regions of Africa, Asia, Europe and America. In India, it is found in Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Maharashtra and Tamil...
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...broader sense, it sometimes includes injuries, disabilities, disorders, syndromes, infections, isolated symptoms, deviant behaviors, and atypical variations of structure and function, while in other contexts and for other purposes these may be considered distinguishable categories. Diseases usually affect people not only physically, but also emotionally, as contracting and living with many diseases can alter one's perspective on life, and their personality. Death due to disease is called death by natural causes. There are four main types of disease: pathogenic disease, deficiency disease, hereditary disease, and physiological disease. Diseases can also be classified as communicable and non-communicable disease. Terminology In many cases, the terms disease, disorder, morbidity and illness are used interchangeably.[2] In some situations, specific terms are considered preferable. [edit]Disease The term disease broadly refers to any condition that impairs normal function. Commonly, this term is used to refer specifically to infectious diseases, which are clinically evident diseases that result from the presence of pathogenic microbial agents, including viruses, bacteria, fungi, protozoa, multicellular organisms, and aberrant proteins known as prions. An infection that does not and will not produce clinically evident impairment of...
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