Infectious Disease: Key Clinical Conditions

What defines a 'complicated' urinary tract infection (UTI)?

A UTI occurring in individuals with functional or structural abnormalities of the urinary tract, pregnancy, male sex, or significant comorbidities like immunosuppression.

What are the three first-line oral antibiotic options for uncomplicated bacterial cystitis?

Nitrofurantoin, Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (Bactrim), and Fosfomycin.

When should empiric MRSA coverage be added to the treatment of cellulitis?

When the infection is purulent (associated with abscess or drainage), or if the patient has risk factors like prior MRSA infection, IV drug use, or systemic signs of toxicity.

Which oral antibiotic provides effective coverage for both MRSA and Group A Streptococcus in skin and soft tissue infections?

Clindamycin is the most common choice; Linezolid is also effective but usually reserved for more severe cases.

What are the classic CSF findings in bacterial meningitis regarding glucose and protein levels?

Low glucose (<40 mg/dL) and high protein (>100 mg/dL).

What empiric antibiotic regimen is recommended for bacterial meningitis in neonates (<1 month old)?

Ampicillin plus Cefotaxime or Ampicillin plus an Aminoglycoside (e.g., Gentamicin).

What is the standard empiric antibiotic regimen for bacterial meningitis in adults aged 18 to 50?

Vancomycin plus a third-generation cephalosporin (e.g., Ceftriaxone).

What are the four criteria used to define Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (SIRS)?

Temperature (>38°C or <36°C), Heart Rate (>90 bpm), Respiratory Rate (>20 bpm or PaCO2 <32), and WBC count (>12,000, <4,000, or >10% bands).

What are the three components of the qSOFA (quick SOFA) score used to identify patients at risk for poor outcomes from sepsis?

Altered mental status (GCS <15), Systolic blood pressure ≤100 mmHg, and Respiratory rate ≥22 breaths/min.

According to the Surviving Sepsis Campaign, what five interventions should be initiated within the 'Hour-1 Bundle'?

1. Measure lactate level; 2. Obtain blood cultures; 3. Administer broad-spectrum antibiotics; 4. Begin rapid administration of 30mL/kg crystalloid for hypotension or lactate ≥4; 5. Apply vasopressors if hypotensive during/after fluid resuscitation.