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Chest
Published in Henry J. Woodford, Essential Geriatrics, 2022
It has been identified in three types, called A, B and C, but only A and B are clinically important. They exist in numerous subtypes due to variations in haemagglutinin (H) and neuraminidase (N) proteins. The three subtypes that commonly affect humans are H1N1, H2N2 and H3N2. Seasonal variation in virus strains also occurs. ‘Antigenic drift' causes a minor change that results in annual epidemics because the virus is able to avoid memory T cells and circulating antibodies. ‘Antigenic shift' occurs following a major change of the virus (i.e. recombination of RNA), which can lead to pandemics. The virus rarely spreads beyond the respiratory tract. Bacterial infection typically occurs at five to seven days following initial symptoms. Viral culture takes three to five days. More rapid serological tests have been developed for diagnosis. Barrier nursing can reduce the spread of infection around hospitals or care homes.
Out of Nowhere
Published in Rae-Ellen W. Kavey, Allison B. Kavey, Viral Pandemics, 2020
Rae-Ellen W. Kavey, Allison B. Kavey
To avoid transmission of Ebola virus to care providers in hospital settings, great care needs to be taken to avoid contact with infected bodily fluids. This has proven very difficult to accomplish. Patients must be isolated, and strict barrier nursing techniques used, including masks, hoods with eye screens, double gloves, impermeable gowns and boots. Invasive procedures such as the placement of intravenous lines, handling of blood, secretions, catheters and suction devices are a particular risk and strict infection control is essential. Other control measures include proper use, disinfection, and disposal of instruments and equipment used in caring for patients. The bodies of those that have died of Ebola virus infection remain highly infectious and must be promptly and safely buried or cremated.
Arthropod-borne virus encephalitis
Published in Avindra Nath, Joseph R. Berger, Clinical Neurovirology, 2020
Intravenous ribavirin has been considered for treatment of RVFV infections [168], but remains unproven. Experimental antiviral for RVFV remain under development. A safe effective vaccine has not been licensed for human use but are under investigation. Prediction of epizootics and epidemics can make use of telesatellite surveillance for permissive ecological features. Prevention and interruption of outbreaks depends on livestock vaccination, control of animal movement, vector control, insecticide impregnated bednets, and protective gloves and clothing when working with sick or dead animals and abortuses during an epizootic. Because of the potential for infection by direct human-to-human contact, universal precautions and barrier nursing techniques should be employed by health care workers [169].
Multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii infections: looming threat in the Indian clinical setting
Published in Expert Review of Anti-infective Therapy, 2022
Prashant Chandra, Rajesh V, Surulivelrajan M, Shastry CS, Unnikrishnan MK
World Health Organization (WHO) classified MDR strains and carbapenem-resistant A. baumannii (CRAB) as ‘Priority one’ culprit on the global list of AMR micro-organisms requiring the need to develop novel antibiotics. MDR and extensive-drug resistant (XDR) A. baumannii have been reported world-wide with limited treatment options. While carbapenems are the last-resort therapy for A. baumannii, more than 90% A. baumannii are resistant to carbapenems. Device-associated-hospital-acquired infection (DA-HAI)- induced sepsis is the leading cause of extended hospital stay, necessitating barrier nursing, patient isolation, last-resort antibiotics, increased morbidity, and mortality, thereby increasing treatment cost and diminishing bed availability. Globally, mortality rates exceeding 50% have been reported due to CRAB infections like bloodstream infections (BSI) and ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP).
Diagnostic approaches for Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus
Published in Expert Review of Molecular Diagnostics, 2019
Due to the high pathogenicity of the virus, the lack of specific drug or licensed vaccine, and the risk for person-to-person transmission and nosocomial infections, CCHFV is classified among biosafety level 4 (BSL4) pathogens, that means requirement for patient’s barrier nursing and high biocontainment facilities when handling the virus. Rapid and reliable diagnosis is essential not only for the patient’s life, but also for prompt implementation of appropriate precaution and infection control measures to prevent further spread of the disease. For these reasons, CCHFV is included in the list for accelerated Research and Development Blueprint, a World Health Organization initiative to reduce the time between the declaration of a public health emergency and the availability of effective diagnostic tests, vaccines, and treatments [16].
Systems theory analysis of Ebola virus disease and nursing needs in the West African Sub-Region
Published in International Journal of Healthcare Management, 2018
Obatunde Bright Adetola, Isaac A. Adedeji, Omolara Popoola
This point enunciates the role of nurses in community health delivery. The job description of nurses within the context of safety standards that must be adhered to in the care of Ebola victims and the dead was contradictory to the cultural pre-requisites. The effecting of barrier nursing procedures on the communities was not considered appropriate. Because in Africa it is believed that people do not really die, they only transit to the celestial. Thus, ‘every person who dies must be given a “befitting” funeral. If this is not done, the dead person may become a wandering “ghost”, unable to “live” properly after death and therefore became a danger to those who remain alive’ [36,37]. The burial site is also to be close to the house because the dead person’s spirit must be happy and not feel forgotten [37]. Thus, within the context of ‘sacredness of death’ and the contentions with health standards which mandate ‘un-cultural’ handling [28] of dead bodies was a major issue during the crises.