...Diagnosis of an Infected Patient Infection is the invasion and growth of microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, and parasites that are not normally present within the body. A prokaryotic cell is a simple cell that does not have a nucleus. One of the most common types of prokaryotic cells is a bacterium. Bacteria are differentiated by many factors including shape, chemical composition, nutritional requirements, biochemical activities, and sources of energy (Tortora 76). A patient with an infection in the upper respiratory system will need to have a sputum sample sent to the lab for further evaluation to determine the cause in order to accurately treat the infection. While many microorganisms can be the cause of infection, this essay will focus on the following genera: Bacillus, Escherichia, and Mycoplasma as the cause of the patient’s infection. Bacillus is a rod-shaped, endospore-forming, facultatively anaerobic and gram-positive bacterium (Tortora G2). The gram stain is fundamental to identify the characteristics of bacteria as this process differentiates organisms according to the cell wall structure. Gram-positive cells have a thick cell wall layer and will stain blue to purple. The Gram stain process requires four steps which include applying a primary stain, usually crystal violet, to a heat-fixed smear, then adding a mordant, usually Iodine, followed by rapid decolorization with alcohol or acetone and finally counterstaining with safranin (Hussey). At...
Words: 1074 - Pages: 5
...Lewis, RN Grand Canyon University: Concepts in Community and Public Health January 29, 2014 HIV, or human immunodeficiency virus, is a life threatening global pandemic that has claimed the lives of millions worldwide. HIV is primarily a sexually transmitted infection, but has a host of additional vectors. This virus is also be transmitted via contact with blood that contains the virus, transferred during pregnancy from mother to fetus, during childbirth, and breast-feeding. The virus can also be transmitted via intravenous needle sharing (Mayo; 2012). HIV damages the host’s immune system, ultimately interfering with the body’s natural defenses to fight infections that cause disease. In many cases, the infected individual goes years without the knowledge of being infected. Populations at higher risk for acquiring/transmitting HIV are primarily men who have sexual intercourse with other men (MSM). The group most seriously affected by the disease are young black/African American MSM. Left untreated, HIV will progress into AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome), in which complete failure of the immune system occurs, placing the host at fatally high risk for infection. Most recent statistics on HIV are staggering at best, with an estimated 1.144m persons in America alone age thirteen and older are currently living with HIV, including an estimated 181k who are unaware of the presence of infection (CDC; 2013). In the most recent decade, there has been a significant increase...
Words: 1640 - Pages: 7
...Paper Disclosure of information by patients about HIV/AIDS infection in Northeastern Thailand Jaruwan Kownaklai1*, Darunee Rujkorakarn2, Weena Tanwattananon3 and Phoebe D. Williams4 1 Faculty of Nursing, Division of Family Nursing, Mahasarakham University, Mahasarakham, Thailand, 44150. 2 Faculty of Nursing, Mahasarakham University, Mahasarakham, Thailand, 44150. 3 Infection Clinic, Roi Et Hospital, Roi Et Province, Thailand, 45000. 4 University of Kansas School of Nursing, Kansas City, Kansas, USA, 66160. Accepted 6 July, 2011 Few studies have focused on the processes in which patients reveal their HIV infection to others. This study sought to understand these processes. Thus, the research questions were: (a) What were their thoughts about the moment when patients learned that they were infected? (b) To whom and when did patients disclose that they were infected? (c) How did they disclose the information? (d) How much or what information did they disclose, and what were the reactions of those who were informed? (e) Why did they reveal the information? The descriptive study was done using a convenience sample of 45 patients with HIV/AIDS at a hospital clinic in northeastern Thailand. The results showed that 67% told a family member, usually their mother, within a day of being told about their HIV diagnosis from a medical staff. Most patients (65%) communicated the diagnosis face to face; only 4% used the telephone. Most patients disclosed the cause and source of infection;...
Words: 5522 - Pages: 23
...on the man’s abdomen that told him everything he needed to know. He’s got a rupturing aortic aneurysm. Mr. Killian survived the surgery, his life saved by a simple touch. When doctor looked at just those patients whose story didn’t provide the answer, the physical exam led to the right diagnosis. Another patient had a fever, but no source of infection had been found. He was being treated with intravenous antibiotics. The patient’s toes were discolored in a way that suggested the toe...
Words: 454 - Pages: 2
...isolated by the late Karl J. Erbeth in 1880. It is a multi-organ pathogen that inhabits the lymphatic tissues of the small intestine, liver spleen, and bloodstream of the infected humans. It is most common in third world developing countries and it is not known to infect animals. My diagnosis for Tony is that he is suffering from typhoid fever. Tony’s feeling of weakness, severe stomach pain, headache, loss of appetite, ‘pea soup’ diarrhea, and high temperature lead me to that diagnosis. The symptoms of typhoid fever can be either severe or mild and most people show symptoms anywhere from one to three weeks after initial exposure. Although in a small percentage of patients, called carriers, infected with typhoid fever, the organism could be harbored asymptomatically in the gall bladder sloughed in the feces for over a year. Patients develop most of their symptoms when the organism reenters their bloodstream. The bacteria then invades the gallbladder, biliary system, and the lymphatic tissue of the bowel where it can multiply in high numbers. The bacteria then passes into the intestinal tract and can be positively identified for diagnosis in cultures from the patients stool sample. People become infected with typhoid fever after eating food or drinking beverages that have been handled by a person who is infected or by drinking water that has been contaminated by sewage containing the bacteria. Once the bacteria enters the person’s body they multiply and...
Words: 352 - Pages: 2
...advanced symptoms occur around the painful infection site within three to four days of infection. They include: Swelling, possibly accompanied by a purplish rash. Large, violet-colored marks that transform into blisters filled with dark, foul-smelling fluid. Discoloration, peeling, and flakiness as tissue death (gangrene) occurs. Critical symptoms, which often occur within four to five days of infection, include: severe drop in blood pressure toxic shock unconsciousness HOW IS IT DIA GNOSED ? Necrotizing fasciitis progresses very rapidly, making early diagnosis crucial.Unfortunately, that does not always occur. The early symptoms of an infection with flesh-eating bacteria are similar to other conditions like the flu or a less serious skin infection. The early symptoms are also similar to common post-surgical complaints, such as: severe pain , inflammation , fever, and nausea. Diagnosis is often based on advanced symptoms, such as the presence of gas bubbles under the skin. Laboratory analysis of fluid and tissue samples is done to identify the particular bacteria that are causing the infection. Treatment, however, begins before the bacteria are identified. Household members and others who have had close contact with someone with necrotizing fasciitis should be evaluated if...
Words: 822 - Pages: 4
...but not in humans. The exact origin, locations, and natural habitat of Ebola virus remain unknown; however, on the basis of available evidence, and the nature of similar viruses, researchers believe that the Ebola virus lives in an animal host that is native to the African continent. They continue to search for the exact animal. Just as scientists are unsure of the animal host for the Ebola virus, they are also unsure how an outbreak of Ebola virus occurs. Researchers have hypothesized that the first patient becomes infected with Ebola virus through contact with an infected animal. Causes of Ebola: Transmission Once Ebola virus infects the first human, scientists do know how Ebola virus is spread from human to human. Transmission of Ebola occurs through direct contact with patients who have Ebola, or their body fluids (such as blood or secretions). The spread of Ebola most often occurs during the late stages of an Ebola infection. When someone becomes infected with Ebola, he or she will not feel sick immediately. For 2 to 21 days, the person feels normal; however, inside his or her body, the Ebola virus is multiplying. This period between...
Words: 1894 - Pages: 8
...gondii) Definition: Toxoplasmosis is an infection caused by a single-celled parasite called Toxoplasma gondii. The infection is most commonly acquired from contact with cats and their feces or with raw or undercooked meat. Causative Agent: Toxoplasma Gondii, protozoan Means of Transmission: Orally and congenitally Reservoirs: Cats (preferred reservoir), birds and mammals (intermediate host), Humans (intermediate host) Diagnosis: "Fecal exams [in cats] are essentially useless, since the eggs they shed are only present in the feces for the first 2-3 weeks" (1). "The current lab test only indicates exposure to toxoplasmosis not the presence of an active infection." (1). "The history, signs of illness, and the supportive laboratory tests" will lead to a diagnosis (2). "A presumptive diagnosis may be made by demonstration of a fourfold or greater increase in antibody titers" (2). The uses of ELISA, western blot and latex agglutination tests have reliable results (4). Mainly the only people that really need to be tested for this disease are AIDS patients, immunosuppressed, and infants at birth. Symptoms: "Respiratory involvement is common in cats with both primary and secondary forms of the disease" (1). Fever, malaise, weight loss, and lack of appetite are common symptoms of this form (1). You have these symptoms in addition to vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal lymph node enlargement (1). Signs of Disease: The disease can become latent. All exposed to this disease will have...
Words: 2258 - Pages: 10
...and has a recognised and acceptable social status in the community * is socially competent; which means that he/she is able to cooperate with others and can also deal with pain, tension and conflicts * Can express feelings, has good self esteem and is confident, can manage stress and is able to make decisions. HIV disease is among the most devastating of illnesses, having multiple and profound effects upon all aspects of the bio-psychosocial and spiritual being. HIV as an illness affects the person first and foremost at the biological level in the form of an aggressive virus that compromises immunity. Every illness experience represents a unique and dramatic negative experience for the patient; it is associated with a profound and authentic psychological engagement of patients themselves and the significant people in their lives. According to a University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill scientist, Psychosocial influences such as stress, depression and trauma have been neglected in biomedical and treatment studies involving people...
Words: 1898 - Pages: 8
... 2.1 SURVEY IN MEDICAL DIAGNOSIS USING ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE TECHNIQUES : - Many intelligent systems have been developed for the purpose of enhancing health-care and provide better health care facilities, reduce cost and etc. 2.2 OVERALL ARCHITECTURE OF MEDICAL DIAGNOSIS USING ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE TECHNIQUES:- The Centralized databases and www (World Wide Web) shares the patient data among the different cities used by doctor /practitioners for diagnosis. Single database system was only accessible to that city but the centralized database is accessed by all the cities. Fig2 shows the sharing knowledge between different cities where...
Words: 2581 - Pages: 11
...Blood Sciences Interpretative assignment 2015-16 A 19 year-old woman, patient M, has been diagnosed with infectious mononucleosis an infectious viral disease characterized by swelling of the lymph glands and prolonged lassitude by her GP. The diagnosis was confirmed by blood tests. Three weeks later she returned to her GP feeling very unwell. When examined she presented with symptoms of mild jaundice yellow discoloration of the skin caused by increase levels of billirubin. On examination there was tenderness in the right upper abdominal quadrant but the liver was not palpable. The GP took some blood and sent it for testing. Question 1 Discuss the typical laboratory results expected for haematological investigations in a case of infectiousHow is it used? The Monospot test is used to determine whether you have infectious mononucleosis. This test is rapid and easy to perform, but it is not 100% specific. More testing may be needed to confirm that the disease is mononucleosis and not another illness. ^ Back to top When is it requested? The Monospot test is requested if your doctor suspects that you have infectious mononucleosis, which causes fever, headache, swollen glands, tiredness, and malaise. Your healthcare professional may detect that you have an enlarged spleen or liver. The test will not be positive until you have been infected for about two weeks. Other tests may need to be requested if the heterophil antibodies are negative, but your doctor still suspects...
Words: 1230 - Pages: 5
... Through making sure that a patient demographics are accurate and kept confidential HIPPA is able to affect the medical billing process, this authorization which allows a practice to use the confidential information and to bill that patient information to carriers for services should be placed in the patient file. When pertaining to people infected with this deadly and sometimes fatal disease or virus, AIDS and HIV can be a very touching and secretive issue. This is mostly because those who are affected with the disease are fearful of a breach in confidentiality. The patient fear can directly affect his or her health because the patient will not be seeking medical treatment for his or her illness. HIPPA is an organization charged with the responsibility of making sure patient confidentiality is upheld and that the services he or she is receiving is protected. Because of the patient fear of breach in confidentiality, HIPPA has set rules and regulations in place with criminal and civil penalties for those who violate the patient rights and to ensure that his or her right to confidentiality is protected. Patients who are affected with HIV and AIDS information is not separately addressed by HIPPA, never-the-less general guidelines pertaining to the release of personal health information including the HIV status of a patient, is still protected according to HIPPA rules and regulations on patient confidentiality. In an effort to ensure that patient confidentiality is upheld advocates...
Words: 840 - Pages: 4
...The parasite responsible for the mange is the Sarcoptes scabiei mite which causes mange when burrows into the skin of the host while simultaneously laying within the burrowed tunnels in the epidermis. Like most parasites, the Sarcoptes scabiei mite can be transmitted between mammals through direct skin contact between the infected animal and a non-infected animal or through indirect contact with an infected animal through fomites (Companion Animal Parasite Council, 2013). Fomites for this parasite can include animals beds/bedding, groom utensils (clippers/shears, brushes, etc.), or inanimate objects that may come into contact with the infected animal’s fur or skin. When an animal possibly becomes infected with sarcoptic mange, specific symptoms can be identified on the body of the animal and through the behaviors. One of the physical symptoms will be alopecia or hair loss that may be localized to certain regions of the body that may be sites of the infection or can be generalized and affect a larger portion of the animal’s...
Words: 1111 - Pages: 5
...important to check for ticks if you have been in an wooded area. Lyme disease has varying symptoms and “It can affect any organ of the body, including the brain and nervous system, muscles and joints, and the heart” (Lyme Disease.org). Lyme disease has three different stages of the disease that each have their own symptoms involved with the stage. It can be hard to diagnosis this disease based off the fact that is has many symptoms like other many diseases or other health problems so patients are frequently misdiagnosed. Lyme disease may not get diagnosed on time before it becomes chronic Lyme disease which is much harder and can take much longer to treat. Without diagnosis and proper treatment, the bacteria will continue to move throughout the body and will start to affect many other organs causing way worse effects than if they...
Words: 1303 - Pages: 6
...Paper term # 1 dasdada Dasda Sadasdasdkjasld kasl;dka;s da;sdlas;dasnfks Dasdmsakdmlasdas;das Dasd a;sdlas Transmission It is thought that fruit bats of the Pteropodidae family are natural Ebola virus hosts. Ebola is introduced into the human population through close contact with the blood, secretions, organs or other bodily fluids of infected animals such as chimpanzees, gorillas, fruit bats, monkeys, forest antelope and porcupines found ill or dead or in the rainforest. Ebola then spreads through human-to-human transmission via direct contact (through broken skin or mucous membranes) with the blood, secretions, organs or other bodily fluids of infected people, and with surfaces and materials (e.g. bedding, clothing) contaminated with these fluids. Health-care workers have frequently been infected while treating patients with suspected or confirmed EVD. This has occurred through close contact with patients when infection control precautions are not strictly practiced. Burial ceremonies in which mourners have direct contact with the body of the deceased person can also play a role in the transmission of Ebola. People remain infectious as long as their blood and body fluids, including semen and breast milk, contain the virus. Men who have recovered from the disease can still transmit the virus through their semen for up to 7 weeks after recovery from illness. Symptoms of Ebola virus disease The incubation period, that is, the time interval from infection with the...
Words: 739 - Pages: 3
