Seroconversion refers to the development of detectable antibodies in the blood as a result of an immune response to an infection or immunization. It is an essential process in the body’s defense against pathogens, such as viruses and bacteria. Here’s how seroconversion works: Seroconversion is commonly discussed in the context of infectious diseases, especially viral …
Kaposi’s sarcoma (KS) is a rare form of cancer that primarily affects the skin and mucous membranes, but it can also involve other organs in the body. This cancer is characterized by the development of abnormal blood vessels and the proliferation of spindle-shaped cells. Kaposi’s sarcoma is caused by the human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8), also …
Family Structure Envelope Examples/importance Herpesviruses Double-stranded, linear Enveloped Herpes simplex virus, varicella-zoster virus, cytomegalovirus, Epstein-Barr virus Hepadnavirus Double-stranded, circular Enveloped Hepatitis B virus Adenovirus Double-stranded, linear Naked Common cold, conjunctivitis Parvovirus Single-stranded, linear Naked Parvovirus B19 Papillomavirus Double-stranded, circular Naked HPV Poxvirus Double-stranded, linear Enveloped Smallpox, molluscum contagiosum Polyomavirus Double-stranded, circular Naked JC virus (progressive …
The table below summarises the main characteristics of childhood infections Infection Features Chickenpox Fever initiallyItchy, rash starting on head/trunk before spreading. Initially macular then papular then vesicularSystemic upset is usually mild Measles Prodrome: irritable, conjunctivitis, feverKoplik spots: white spots (‘grain of salt’) on buccal mucosaRash: starts behind ears then to whole body, discrete maculopapular rash …
Acute epiglottitis is rare but serious infection caused by Haemophilus influenzae type B. Prompt recognition and treatment is essential as airway obstruction may develop. Epiglottitis was generally considered a disease of childhood but in the UK it is now more common in adults due to the immunisation programme. The incidence of epiglottitis has decreased since the introduction …
The table below gives characteristic exam question features for conditions causing dysphagia. Remember that new-onset dysphagia is a red flag symptom that requires urgent endoscopy, regardless of age or other symptoms. Causes Notes Oesophageal cancer Dysphagia may be associated with weight loss, anorexia or vomiting during eatingPast history may include Barrett’s oesophagus, GORD, excessive smoking or alcohol …
The coagulation cascade is a complex series of biochemical reactions that occur in the body to form blood clots (coagulation). Blood clotting is a vital process that helps prevent excessive bleeding when a blood vessel is injured. The coagulation cascade can be divided into two main pathways: the intrinsic pathway and the extrinsic pathway, which …
Is an antiemetic whic selectively acto on 5-HT3 receptor antagonist. It works by blocking serotonin, both peripherally on vagal nerve terminals and centrally in the chemoreceptor trigger zone (CTZ) located in the area postrema of the medulla oblongata. The CTZ is outside of the blood-brain barrier, so it can respond to changes in blood chemistry …
Wernicke’s encephalopathy is a neuropsychiatric disorder caused by thiamine deficiency which is most commonly seen in alcoholics. Rarer causes include persistent vomiting, stomach cancer, and dietary deficiency. A classic triad of ophthalmoplegia/nystagmus, ataxia and encephalopathy may occur. In Wernicke’s encephalopathy, petechial haemorrhages occur in a variety of structures in the brain including the mamillary bodies and …