Essentials 1 Tropical diseases are a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. 2 Due to climate change and increasing population mobility (migration and travel), health practitioners in non-tropical areas will increasingly have to diagnose and treat tropical diseases. 3…
Essentials 1 Avoiding blood and other body fluid exposure remains the primary means of preventing occupationally acquired blood-borne virus infections. 2 The risks of acquiring infection after occupational exposure to blood-borne viruses are human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) 0.3%, hepatitis B…
Essentials 1 Patients with infections and infectious diseases commonly present to emergency departments. 2 There are also changing patterns of infectious disease, largely due to immunosuppression from chemotherapy, continuing development of bacterial resistance, HIV-associated infections and new and emerging infections.…
Essentials 1 Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are among the commonest infections worldwide and account for a significant number of emergency department (ED) visits per year. ED staff should be competent to screen, diagnose and treat STIs and to notify and…
Essentials 1 Patients with previously undiagnosed human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection may present to the emergency department at any time during the course of infection, from early (seroconversion) to late acquired immune deficiency syndrome ([AIDS]-defining illness) stages. 2 Patients with…
Essentials 1 Acute and chronic viral hepatitis is of global public health importance. 2 Definitive diagnosis may be delayed in the emergency setting. 3 Supportive care is fundamental in the acute management of hepatitis. 4 Prevention of viral hepatitis is…
Essentials 1 The time-honoured principles of soft tissue infection management and judicious evidence-based use of antibiotics remain the basis of treatment and the prevention of further complications. 2 These infections are common and range from mild to rapidly progressive and…
Essentials 1 Urinary tract infection (UTI) is the most common bacterial infection. 2 By age 32, 50% of women will report at least one UTI. 3 Sexual activity is the most important risk factor in young women. 4 Most UTIs…
Essentials 1 Early diagnosis and treatment are critical for the prevention of irreversible joint destruction. 2 Diagnosis is based on clinical features and synovial fluid examination; imaging techniques have a role in difficult cases. 3 Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus and Neisseria…
Essentials 1 Bacterial meningitis can be a rapidly progressive and fatal illness. A high level of suspicion is necessary, as well as rapid diagnosis and treatment. 2 Eighty-five percent of cases have headache, fever, meningism and mental obtundation, but these…