Infectious diseases A-Z
Infectious diseases A-Z
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The information contained in this website is of a general nature, is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice
Disease Directory (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
Infectious diseases A-Z (gov.uk)
Bloodborne infections in blood, tissue and organ donors (BIBD): guidance, data and analysis
Bloodborne viruses in healthcare workers: report exposures and reduce risks
Campylobacter infections are frequently self-limiting and generally can be managed with advice on hygiene (especially hand hygiene) and fluid replacement therapy. Antibiotic treatment is only required treatment in the case of severe infection (as in this case) or immunocompromise, and clarithromycin is the antibiotic of choice (azithromycin or erythromycin may also be used).
Of note, Campylobacter gastroenteritis is a notifiable disease in the UK. GPs should complete a standard form and notify their local health protection team when the in the patient has infected bloody diarrhoea or suspected food poisoning even before laboratory confirmation of the causative organism.
Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD): guidance, data and analysis
Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever: origins, reservoirs, transmission and guidelines
Enterococcus species and glycopeptide-resistant enterococci (GRE)
Extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBLs): guidance, data, analysis
Genital warts and human papillomavirus (HPV): guidance, data and analysis
Group B streptococcal infections: guidance, data and analysis
Group C and group G streptococcus: guidance, data and analysis
Healthcare associated infections (HCAI): guidance, data and analysis
Infectious diseases during pregnancy: screening, vaccination and treatment
Lassa fever: origins, reservoirs, transmission and guidelines
Mycobacterial infections associated with heater cooler units
Panton-Valentine Leukocidin (PVL): guidance, data and analysis
Q fever infections in humans: sources, transmission, treatment
Rabies: risk assessment, post-exposure treatment, management
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV): guidance, data and analysis
Scarlet fever is a bacterial infection which usually causes a sore throat. Children typically present with a fever and a rash as well as generalised symptoms of being unwell. The rash is described as ‘sand-paper’ like. The tongue often has a deep red appearance (known as a ‘strawberry tongue’). Scarlet fever is a notifiable disease in England and Wales.
Resource
Sachdev A. Common childhood exanthemata. InnovAiT 2021; 14(6): 364-370.
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs): surveillance, data, screening and management
Methicillin resistant S. aureus (MRSA) are strains of S. aureus that have developed resistance to a number of commonly used antibiotics including beta-lactam antibiotics (such as flucloxacillin). Infections can be caused by a person’s own colonising bacteria or follow transmission from an asymptomatic carrier or MRSA infected person. Transmission occurs through direct contact with infected skin or following contact with contaminated objects (such as razors and towels) or environmental surfaces.
MRSA can cause a wide variety of infections which range from mild to life threatening and include:
Skin and soft tissue infections such as boils, folliculitis, impetigo, cellulitis and necrotising fasciitis
Urinary tract infections
Pneumonia and bronchiectasis
Joint and bone infections such as osteomyelitis and septic arthritis
Sepsis and toxic shock syndrome
Infective endocarditis
Tuberculosis (TB) and other mycobacterial diseases: diagnosis, screening, management and data
Typhoid (enteric fever). In the UK between 2007 and 2010, more than 80% of cases were contracted in India, Pakistan or Bangladesh. Jaundice occurs in the majority of cases of hepatitis A in adults and fever is not usually so prominent.
Enteric fever is caused by ingestion of food or water contaminated with Salmonella typhi or paratyphi via faecal–oral transmission. In the UK, it is most commonly seen in travellers returning from South Asia. The incubation period is between 10 to 20 days. If left untreated, 15–20% of those affected develop complications. As antibiotic resistance is common, microbiology advice should be sought.
Resource: Public Health England. Enteric fever (typhoid and paratyphoid) England, Wales and Northern Ireland. 2017.
Unusual illness: investigation and management of outbreaks and incidents
Vero cytotoxin-producing Escherichia coli (VTEC): guidance, data and analysis
Viral haemorrhagic fevers: epidemiology, characteristics, diagnosis and management
Zika virus is transmitted by the Aedes aegypti mosquito which remains endemic to areas of South and Central America and the Caribbean. Primary Zika infection usually causes mild flu like symptoms lasting 2–7 days. Vertical transmission leads to congenital Zika syndrome. This encompasses microcephaly and a range of disabling neurological and ophthalmic defects.
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