Self-Assessment Quiz Question #2 Impetigo is a bacterial skin infection that is most commonly
caused by which bacteria? a. Staphylococcus aureus. b. Streptococcus agalactiae. c. Pseudomonas aeruginosa. d. Escherichia coli. Scarlet fever
● Reduces the likelihood of transmission to family members, classmates, and other close contacts ● Prevents the development of complications, including acute rheumatic fever Figure 2. Scarlet Fever
Scarlet fever is an illness caused by pyrogenic exotoxin- producing S. pyogenes. S. pyogenes are gram-positive cocci that grow in chains. They belong to group A in the Lancefield classification system for β -hemolytic Streptococcus and thus are called group A streptococci (CDC, 2022e). Scarlet fever, also called scarlatina, is characterized by a scarlatiniform rash and usually occurs with group A strep pharyngitis. It can also follow group A strep pyoderma or wound infections. Characteristics of the rash typically include: ● Erythematous rash that blanches on pressure ● Sandpaper quality ● Accentuation of the red rash in flexor creases (i.e., under the arm, in the groin), termed Pastia’s lines ● Begins on the trunk, then quickly spreads outward, usually sparing the palms of the hands and soles of the feet The rash usually persists for about a week, and desquamation may follow. In addition, the face may appear flushed, and the area around the mouth may appear pale (i.e., circumoral pallor). A yellowish-white coating with red papillae may initially cover the tongue. The eventual disappearance of the coating can result in a “strawberry tongue” (CDC, 2022e). Group A strep (GAS) infections, including scarlet fever, are most commonly spread through direct person-to-person transmission. Typically, transmission occurs through saliva or nasal secretions from an infected person. People with scarlet fever are much more likely to transmit the bacteria to others than are asymptomatic carriers. Crowded conditions—such as those in schools, military training facilities, or daycare centers—facilitate transmission. Although rare, the spread of group A strep infections may also occur via food. Foodborne outbreaks of group A strep have occurred due to improper food handling. Environmental transmission via surfaces and fomites was historically not thought to occur. However, evidence from outbreak investigations indicates that environmental transmission of GAS may be possible, although it is likely a less common transmission route (CDC, 2022e). Penicillin or amoxicillin are the antibiotics of choice to treat scarlet fever. There has never been a report of a clinical isolate of group A strep that is resistant to penicillin. For patients with a penicillin allergy, recommended regimens include narrow-spectrum cephalosporins (e.g., cephalexin, cefadroxil), clindamycin, azithromycin, and clarithromycin (CDC, 2022e). The use of a recommended antibiotic regimen to treat scarlet fever: ● Shortens the duration of symptoms Diaper dermatitis (diaper rash) Diaper rash is a common form of irritated skin (dermatitis) that looks like patches of inflamed skin in infants and toddlers. It is often related to wet or infrequently changed diapers, skin sensitivity, and chafing. It usually affects babies, though anyone who wears a diaper regularly can develop the condition (Mayo Clinic, 2022). In most cases, diaper dermatitis is a form of irritant
From Williams, A. (2007). Scarlet fever 2. https://commons.wikimedia. org/wiki/File:Scarlet_fever_2.jpg. CC BY-SA 2.5 NP Consideration: Mono Infectious mononucleosis (mono) is a contagious disease that causes sore throat and general malaise. Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) is the most common cause of infectious mononucleosis, but other viruses can also cause this disease. It is common among teenagers and young adults, especially college students. At least one in four teenagers and young adults infected with EBV will develop infectious mononucleosis (CDC, 2020). Amoxicillin and other antibiotics, including those made from penicillin, are not recommended for people with mononucleosis. In fact, some people with mononucleosis who take one of these drugs may develop a rash. However, the rash does not necessarily mean they are allergic to antibiotics. If needed, other antibiotics that are less likely to cause a rash are available to treat infections that may go along with mononucleosis (Mayo Clinic, 2022). contact dermatitis. Eruptions in the diaper area may represent exacerbations of more diffuse skin diseases, such as seborrheic dermatitis or atopic dermatitis, or may be the manifestation of unrelated skin conditions that coincidently manifest in the diaper area (Horii, 2022).
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Book Code: AUS3024
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