Infection and Infestation

Infection and Infestation

Infection

In Integumentary system, skin, hair, and nails are prone to different types of infections and infestations which needs to be diagnosed early and treated promptly to prevent spread.

Definition: Infection is defined as the invasion and multiplication of microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses and parasites that are not normally present within the body.

Different types of skin infections according to the causative organism:

1. Bacterial skin infections - Bacterial skin infections often begin as small, red bumps that slowly increase in size. Some bacterial infections are mild and easily treated with topical antibiotics, some infections require an oral antibiotic and good personal hygiene. Bacterial skin infections includes Cellulitis, Impetigo, Boils and Leprosy.

2. Viral skin infections - Skin infection are caused by a virus are called Viral skin infection.

Common Viral Skin infection include: Herpes Zoster (Akki). Chickenpox, Warts, Measles and Molluscum contagiousum.

3. Fungal skin infections - Skin infections which are caused by fungus, are mostly to develop in damp areas of the body, such as the groin, nail and armpit. Common fungal infections are Athelete's foot, Fungal Nail, Oral thrush and Diaper rash.

Infestation

Infestations can be classified as either external or internal with regards to the parasites' location in relation to the host.

External or ectoparasitic infestation is a condition in which organisms live primarily on the surface of the host and includes mites, ticks, head lice and bed bugs.

An internal (or endoparasitic) infestation is a condition in which organisms live within the host and includes those involving worms

Worm Infestation

Worm infestations are long-term diseases that produce few symptoms in their early stages and sometimes serious effects at well developed stages or may be quite fatal at times.

Worms are generally classified as

1.           Round Worms: is also known as “Ascaris”

2.           Pin worms: Is also known as “threadworm”

3.           Hook worms

4.           Flat Worms: tape worm (teniasis)

Clinical manifestation of worm infestation:

Abdominal pain, nausea, loss of appetite, sleeplessness, irritability, anemia and diarrhea

Diagnosis

History collection: history of passage of worms

Stool examination: It is done to detect which type of worm is present

Blood examination

Management

Anthelmintic

Albendazole (15mg/kg) or Mebandazole (100mg) twice Daily for 3 days irrespective of patients age.

Correction of anemia should be done with iron therapy

Complications     -        Intestinal     obstruction,

Perforation, Jaundice,     Appendicitis,

Pancreatitis, Ascaris encephalopathy, Liver abscess, Peritonitis and Protein loss (kwashiorkar)

Preventive Measures

For Round Worm

·               Prevention of round worm infestation can be done by interrupting its transmission

·               Sanitary disposal of human excreta

·               Reduction of feacal contamination of the soil

·               Provision of safe drinking water, food hygiene, good personal hygiene, improving habits of hand wash before and after defecation, avoidance of open field defecation

Pin Worm Prevention

The preventive measures include maintenance of personal hygiene, careful hand washing with soap and water after defecation and before meal, treatment of all infected family members

Hook Worm Prevention

·              avoiding contact of contaminated soil by using foot wear

·              use of sanitary latrine for the sanitary disposal of feces to prevent soil pollution

·              change in farming practice, that is not to use raw feces or untreated sewage as fertilizer

Tapeworm Prevention

Treatment of infected person, meat inspection, consumption of meat with proper cooking, adequate sewage treatment and disposal creating awareness about preventive aspects by health education