+1-817-968-5551
+61-488-839-671
+44-7480-542904About Expert
Key Topics
Requirement
Write an essay on the Diagnosis of an Infected Patient.
Solution
On reviewing the clinical presentation and the history of the patient, it is very likely that this is a case of Lyme borreliosis, which is commonly referred to as Lyme disease. This condition is a multiple system infectious disease caused by a spirochete, Borrelia burgdorferi, and this bacterium is transmitted to humans by the bite of infected Ixodes ticks. [1] Various organs and systems like the skin, heart, peripheral nervous system and central nervous system are affected in Lyme borreliosis.
Do you want to ask, if Can I pay someone to take my online biology class? Are you wondering if you can ask someone to take my online nursing class for you? At AllAssignmentHelp.com, you can get the best medical online class help at an affordable price. Our writers can assist you at any hour of the day. So do not hesitate in reaching out to us for assistance.
In order to diagnose Lyme disease, one needs to consider the clinical presentation of the patient, history of any exposure to specific organisms, as well as laboratory testing for presence of specific antibodies in the blood of the infected person. In this particular case, one of the most striking clinical manifestation which would aid diagnosis, is the presence of the characteristic, circular rash known as erythema migrans. [2] This rash is an inflammatory response of the host body towards the presence of organism. The rash begins at the site of the tick bite and it appears to be expanding further away from the central area, with a dark red edge and a lighter center, thus making it similar in appearance to a “bull’s-eye.” [3] The clinical examination also revealed presence of fever (38.5 C), malaise, pain in the back, and tenderness and pain in the joints. These symptoms of inflammatory involvement of the musculoskeletal system occur when there is a hematogenous dissemination of the organism. Though these are non-specific symptoms which are present in most infectious diseases, their occurrence in the presence of a history of exposure to tick bites during field work about 2 months ago favors the diagnosis of Lyme disease. In addition, complaints of headache, confusion and neck stiffness indicate meningeal irritation which represents the neurological component of the acute infection.
Place Order For A Top Grade Assignment Now
We have some amazing discount offers running for the students
Place Your OrderIt should be noted that the diagnosis of Lyme disease is mainly based on clinical examination, and the laboratory investigations and tests are mainly used to further supplement the clinical assessment when co-related with the patient’s history. The most frequent tests recommended for supporting the diagnosis of Lyme disease are The ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) followed by Western blot, which is mostly done to confirm the results of the first test. This procedure is called “two-tier” testing. [4] Both these tests are used to detect the presence of immunoglobulin M and immunoglobulin G antibodies specific to Borrelia burgdorferi, in the serum of the infected person. [5] Since this patient has developed symptoms of meningitis, it would be appropriate that lumbar puncture is performed to collect sample of cerebrospinal fluid for testing and analysis and detection of specific antibodies. [6]
Treatment needs to be started immediately with oral or preferably intravenous antimicrobial drugs like ceftriaxone, cefotaxime and doxycycline. [7] These will control the infection and prevent further progress of the disease, thus preventing further complications. Since the patient’s occupation involves repeated visits to areas which may be infested with insects, educating the patient regarding preventive measures against insect bites is highly recommended as a precautionary measure in the future. These include wearing tightly woven clothes which completely cover the body, application of appropriate insect repellents which contain DEET or permethrin, and insect repelling sprays. [8]
References:
-
[1] Axford, J., & Rees, D. (1994). Lyme Borreliosis. London: Springer.
-
[2] Gates, R. (2005). Infectious Disease Secrets. Philadelphia: Elsevier Science.
-
[3] Donnelly, K. (2000). Everything you need to know about Lyme disease. New York: The Rosen Publishing Group Inc.
-
[4] Waddell, L. A., Greig, J., Mascarenhas, M., Harding, S., Lindsay, R., & Ogden, N. (2016). The accuracy of diagnostic tests for Lyme disease in humans, a systematic review and meta-analysis of North American research. PLoS One, 11, 1-23.
-
[5] Auwaerter, P. (2015). Lyme Disease and Other Infections Transmitted by Ixodes scapularis: An Issue of Infectious Disease Clinics of North America. Philadelphia: Elsevier.
-
[6] Gandhi, M., Baum, P., Hare, C., & Caughey, A. (2004). Blueprints Notes & Cases: Microbiology and Immunology. Malden: Blackwell Publishing.
-
[7] Barbour, A. (2015). Lyme Disease: Why It’s Spreading, How It Makes You Sick, and What to Do about It. Baltimore: John Hopkins University Press.
-
[8] Bean, C., & Fein, L. (2008). Beating Lyme: Understanding and Treating This Complex and Often Misdiagnosed Disease. New York: AMACOM.
Give your grades a boost
Just share your requirements and get customized solutions on time.
-
1,168,768 Orders
-
4.9/5 Overall Rating
-
5,052 Experts
