Impetigo

Impetigo is a highly contagious bacterial skin infection that mostly affects babies, but can affect people of all ages. Impetigo is caused by two types of bacteria: staphylococcus aureus (staphylococcus) and Streptococcus pyogenes (streptococcus). It is usually transmitted by scratching a small cut, insect bite or eczema-like rash, but it can also develop on healthy skin.

Types of impetigo:

There are two main types of impetigo

1.Non-bullous infectious impetigo (more common type):

It starts as small red sores or blisters that quickly break and ooze, forming honey-colored crusts. These sores usually appear around the nose and mouth, but can also spread to other parts of the body.

2.Bullous impetigo:

Larger fluid-filled blisters (bullae) that take longer to rupture and leave a yellowish crust. This type is more common in babies and tends to appear on the trunk (abdomen) and around the diaper area.

Symptoms of contagious impetigo:

• Red sores that quickly turn into yellow-brown scabs.

• Itching and discomfort in the affected area.

• In some cases, swelling of the lymph nodes in the infected area.

• Blisters filled with fluid (bullous impetigo).

• Spread of sores to other parts of the body through touching, scratching or close contact with others.

• Direct skin contact with an infected person.

• Contact with contaminated surfaces, towels, clothes and bed linen.

• Touching other parts of the body or other people after scratching or touching sores.

• Young children: especially children aged 2-5 years are more prone to cuts and abrasions.

• Crowded environments: schools, kindergartens and sports fields increase the likelihood of spreading germs.

• Skin damage: cuts, insect bites, eczema and other skin conditions can allow bacteria to enter the skin.

• Hot, humid climates: In these environments, impetigo is more likely to develop through sweating and rubbing against the skin.

• Impetigo contagiosa is usually treated with antibiotics to eliminate the infection and prevent it from spreading. Treatment may include

• Mupirocin (Bactroban) or retapamulin (Altavax) ointment is usually prescribed and applied directly to the affected area.

• For more common or severe cases, oral antibiotics such as cephalexin or dicloxacillin are prescribed.

• Wash affected areas with soap and water and keep clean.

• Avoid scratching or touching the wounds.

• Cover wounds with gauze or loose bandages to prevent the spread of infection.

• Wash your hands often and practice good hygiene, especially with children.

• Wash towels, clothes and bed linen of infected people separately using hot water.

• Avoid sharing towels, razors, clothes and other personal items.

• Cellulitis: deep bacterial infection of the skin and underlying tissues.

• Post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis: A rare condition in which the infection affects the kidneys, causing inflammation and sometimes damage.

• Scarring: In severe cases, impetigo can leave scars.

Causes and transmission:

Infectious impetigo occurs when bacteria invade the skin through wounds or cuts. Impetigo is highly contagious and is spread through the following infection routes

It is more common in warm, humid environments and spreads easily in schools, kindergartens and sports teams.

Risk factors:

Diagnosis:

Impetigo is usually diagnosed by examination by a health professional. Fluid may be taken from wounds to identify the causative organism, especially if the infection is severe or not responding to treatment.

Treatment of impetigo:

Topical antibiotics:

Oral antibiotics:

Home care and prevention

Complications:

Impetigo contagiosa is usually mild and can be improved with treatment, but if left untreated or treated incorrectly it can lead to complications such as

Prognosis:

With prompt treatment, impetigo usually heals within 1-2 weeks and leaves no sequelae. Antibiotics shorten the duration of infection and most people are no longer infected after 24-48 hours of treatment.

If you suspect infectious impetigo or see skin sores that do not heal, it is important to consult a health care professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Nipah virus (NiV)

 Nipah virus (NiV) is a zoonotic virus transmitted from animals to humans and was first identified in Malaysia in 1998 in an outbreak among pig farmers and people in close contact with pigs. Since then, outbreaks have occurred regularly in South and Southeast Asia.

Below are some highlights of the Nipah virus :

• Transmission: The main reservoir of Nipah virus is its natural host, the fruit bat, especially species of the genus Pteropus. Transmission to humans occurs through direct contact with infected bats and their feces (e.g. saliva and urine). Human-to-human transmission can also occur through close contact, especially with infected individuals.

• Symptoms: symptoms of nipah virus infection range from asymptomatic or mild respiratory illness to severe encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) characterized by fever, headache, lethargy, disorientation and mental confusion. In severe cases, coma can occur within 24-48 hours.

• Prevention: Prevention includes avoiding contact with bats and their habitat, avoiding consumption of fruit that may have been contaminated by bats, and practicing strict infection control in healthcare settings during outbreaks.

• Treatment: there is no specific antiviral treatment for nipah virus infection. Supportive care is important, focusing on symptom management and intensive supportive care for patients.

• Outbreaks: Nipah virus outbreaks have occurred sporadically in Bangladesh, India and other parts of Southeast Asia. The World Health Organization (WHO) is monitoring and responding to outbreaks and providing technical assistance to affected countries.

Nipah virus is recognized as a serious public health concern due to its high mortality rate (up to 75% in some outbreaks) and potential for human-to-human transmission. Vigilance in surveillance, early detection and rapid response is essential to contain the outbreak and prevent its spread.

Basic treatment and therapy for Nipah virus :

There is currently no specific antiviral treatment or therapy for Nipah virus infection. Treatment mainly involves supportive and symptomatic therapies. Important aspects of managing Nipah virus infection include

• Supportive care: supportive care: patients with nipah virus infection require intensive supportive care to address symptoms and complications. This includes measures to maintain hydration, electrolyte balance and adequate nutrition.

• Symptomatic treatment: depending on the situation, medication may be used for antipyretics, analgesia, management of respiratory difficulties and treatment of complications such as seizures.

• Infection control: strict infection control measures are essential to prevent viral infections in healthcare settings. These include the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) by healthcare workers, isolation of infected persons and the implementation of appropriate hygiene practices.

• Experimental treatments: Experimental treatments, such as antiviral drugs or monoclonal antibodies, may be considered on a case-by-case basis during outbreaks. However, these treatments are still in the research phase and are not widely available.

• Prevention: Prevention strategies focus on avoiding contact with infected animals (especially bats), practicing effective hygiene practices, and maintaining awareness in infected communities to reduce the risk of human-to-human transmission.

Given the severity and epidemic potential of Nipah virus infection, early detection, rapid response and public health measures are crucial to reduce the spread of the virus and provide supportive care to infected individuals.