Description

🦠 1. General Principles of Infectious Disease Treatment ✅ Key Steps: Clinical diagnosis based on symptoms, history, and physical exam Identify likely pathogen(s) (viral, bacterial, fungal, parasitic) Select appropriate treatment (empiric vs. targeted) Monitor for response and complications Prevent recurrence or spread (vaccination, hygiene, prophylaxis) 🧪 Investigations (as needed): CBC, CRP, procalcitonin Blood, urine, sputum cultures Rapid antigen tests (e.g., strep, RSV, flu) Serology (e.g., dengue, hepatitis) Imaging (e.g., chest X-ray for pneumonia) 💊 2. Treatment by Common Infectious Disease Type 🦠 A. Bacterial Infections Pneumonia: Amoxicillin (outpatient) Ceftriaxone + Azithromycin (hospitalized) UTI: Nitrofurantoin, TMP-SMX (lower UTI) IV ceftriaxone in infants or pyelonephritis Sepsis: Broad-spectrum IV antibiotics (e.g., Cefotaxime + Ampicillin in neonates) Skin infections (cellulitis): Cloxacillin, cephalexin; add MRSA coverage if needed (e.g., clindamycin) 🧬 B. Viral Infections Most are self-limiting; symptomatic treatment Influenza: Oseltamivir (within 48 hours) Herpes: Acyclovir (topical or systemic) COVID-19: Symptom-based; antivirals only in high-risk or hospitalized patients Hepatitis B/C: Antivirals under specialist care 🦟 C. Vector-Borne Diseases Malaria: Artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT); IV artesunate in severe cases Dengue: Supportive care; fluid balance critical, no NSAIDs Chikungunya: Symptomatic management, pain relief 🧫 D. Parasitic & Helminthic Infections Giardiasis / Amoebiasis: Metronidazole Worm infestation: Albendazole or Mebendazole Scabies: Permethrin cream 🍄 E. Fungal Infections Candidiasis: Nystatin (oral/thrush), clotrimazole (skin) Tinea (ringworm): Topical antifungals (clotrimazole, terbinafine); oral if widespread Systemic: Amphotericin B, fluconazole (based on organism) 📋 3. Supportive & Adjunct Therapy Hydration & nutrition Antipyretics (paracetamol preferred in children) Oxygen therapy (for respiratory illness) IV fluids (in sepsis or dengue) Monitor for organ dysfunction, shock, or neurological signs 🚫 4. Rational Use of Antibiotics Avoid antibiotics in viral infections Follow antibiotic stewardship principles: Use narrow-spectrum when possible Base on culture/sensitivity Prescribe correct dose and duration 🛡️ 5. Prevention Strategies Vaccination (measles, influenza, hepatitis, COVID-19, typhoid, rotavirus) Hand hygiene, safe water, food practices Insect bite prevention (nets, repellents) Isolation of contagious diseases Health education for families and communities