URTI

Question 1

common pathogens involved in respiratory infections

Answer 1

bacteria

• s. pyogenes
• s. pneumoniae
• H influenzae

viruses

• rhinoviruses
• coronaviruses
• influenza viruses

Question 2

pharyngitis and its aetiology

Answer 2

= tonsilitis

• 50% due to viruses (esp rhinovirus)
• 50% due to S. pyogenes

Question 3

S pyogenes VS viral infections

Answer 3

S. pyogenes
 - more severe illness
      (fever, pain, dysphagia)
 - focal infection
 - no cough present
 - red, exudate, swollen tonsils
 - swollen lymphs 

viral infections

• less severe
• diffuse (multiple parts of tract)
• cough present
• tonsils not red
• lymphs not swollen

Question 4

treating S pyogenes infections

Answer 4

• only treat groups predisposed to RF
  e. g. 10yrs, Maori or Pacific, family Hx
• not worth swabbing or treating if not predisposed
• all susceptible to penicillin

Question 5

describe the different haemolysis of blood

Answer 5

partial haemolysis (alpha)
- turns green
= S. pneumonia

complete haemolysis (beta)
- turns yellow/clear
= S. pyogenes

no haemolysis (gamma)
 - no change
 = enterococcus faecalis

Question 6

describe rhinosinusitis

Answer 6

• “colds”
• diffuse swelling of mucosa, often blocking Ostia to sinuses or Eustachian tubes
• fluid accumulates in middle ear, sinuses (can cause secondary bacterial infection)

Question 7

features of rhinosinusitis

Answer 7

• purulent nasal discharge
• nasal congestion/obstruction
• facial pressure/pain
• reduced or absent smell
• fever

Question 8

course of viral upper respiratory tract infections

Answer 8

• unwell for first few days (may have fever)

- cough, runny nose, hoarse voice persists for 1-2 weeks