infectious diseases

An 85-year-old man from a nursing home presents with new confusion, mild cough, and temperature 37.9°C. Chest X-ray shows a right lower lobe infiltrate. He has dysphagia. Considering his presentation and risk factors, which initial antibiotic regimen is most appropriate?

A 28-year-old female presents with a chronic cough and fatigue. She has no significant past medical history but reports recent travel to Southeast Asia. A chest PET-CT was performed. What is the MOST appropriate next step in the management of this patient?

A 48-year-old woman presents to her GP with a 3-month history of increasing fatigue, exertional dyspnoea, and a persistent cough productive of small amounts of mucus. She mentions a history of recurrent 'sinus infections' over the past year, often treated with antibiotics. She has recently felt lightheaded on standing. On examination, her blood pressure is 95/60 mmHg, pulse 88 bpm, respiratory rate 20 breaths/min, and oxygen saturation 96% on room air. Chest auscultation reveals diffuse expiratory wheezes. Blood tests performed last week show haemoglobin 85 g/L (reference range 120-150), MCV 72 fL (reference range 80-100), and normal white cell count and platelet count. Spirometry performed concurrently shows an FEV1/FVC ratio of 0.65 (predicted >0.70) with partial reversibility after bronchodilator. Considering the clinical presentation and investigations, what is the most appropriate next step in management?

A patient with community-acquired pneumonia has a CURB-65 score of 3. What is the most appropriate management setting?

A 10-year-old boy presents to the pediatric clinic with a history of fever, a rash characterized by erythema marginatum, and migratory arthralgia. His mother reports that he had a sore throat about three weeks ago, which resolved without treatment. On examination, he has a temperature of 38.5°C, a heart rate of 110 bpm, and a faint erythematous rash on his trunk. His joints are tender but not swollen. Given the suspicion of acute rheumatic fever, which of the following is the most appropriate next step in management?

A refugee family from Iraq has registered at your clinic, having settled 6 months ago. What is an important consideration for their health assessment in the Australian context?

A 3-year-old boy is brought to the emergency department by his parents due to a high fever and irritability. He has had a runny nose and cough for the past two days. On examination, he is lethargic and has a bulging fontanelle. A lumbar puncture is performed, and the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis shows elevated protein, low glucose, and a high white cell count with a predominance of neutrophils. What is the most likely diagnosis?

A 10-year-old presents with a sore throat, fever, and fatigue for 2 days. Examination reveals tonsillar exudates and tender anterior cervical lymph nodes. What is the most appropriate next step in management?

A 28-year-old man presents to his general practitioner for a routine health check. He reports being in a non-monogamous relationship for the past year. He states he uses condoms inconsistently, particularly within the primary relationship where his partner's HIV status is unknown. He denies any recent febrile illness, rash, or lymphadenopathy. His last HIV test, performed 6 months ago, was negative. He has no other significant medical history. Considering his presentation and reported risk factors, which of the following is the most appropriate next step in his management according to Australian guidelines?

A 45-year-old male with poorly controlled diabetes mellitus and ischaemic heart disease, living in a rural Indigenous community, presents with fevers, cough, lethargy, night sweats, and occasional hemoptysis. What is the most appropriate initial investigation for suspected tuberculosis in this patient if he is unable to produce sputum spontaneously?

A patient with community-acquired pneumonia has a CURB-65 score of 3. What is the most appropriate management setting?

A 32-year-old woman presents to the emergency department with a 2-day history of fever, malaise, and a painful, swollen left knee. She denies any recent trauma or travel history. She has no significant past medical history and is not on any medications. On examination, her temperature is 38.7°C, heart rate is 110 bpm, and blood pressure is 120/80 mmHg. The left knee is erythematous, warm, and tender with a moderate effusion, and she has limited range of motion due to pain. Laboratory tests reveal leukocytosis with a left shift. Blood cultures are pending. What is the most appropriate next step in the management of this patient?

A 30-year-old immigrant presents with chronic cough and night sweats. Sputum is negative for AFB. What is the MOST appropriate next step in management?

A 70-year-old woman with a history of diabetes presents with fever, cough, and weight loss. A chest X-ray shows a cavitary lesion in the right upper lobe. What is the most likely diagnosis?

A 48-year-old sheep farmer presents to his GP with a two-week history of persistent fever, severe retro-orbital headache, and profound fatigue. He denies cough, shortness of breath, or rash. On examination, his temperature is 38.5°C, pulse 85 bpm, BP 120/80 mmHg. The remainder of the examination, including chest auscultation, is unremarkable. He has not travelled outside the region recently.

A 55-year-old patient with a history of solid organ transplant on immunosuppressive therapy presents with a two-week history of intermittent fever, chills, and dull right upper quadrant pain. On examination, there is mild tenderness in the right upper quadrant. Blood tests reveal a white cell count of 14 x 10^9/L and CRP of 120 mg/L. Imaging is performed. Considering the clinical context and the provided images, what is the most appropriate immediate next step in the management of this patient?

A 25-year-old gentleman presents with 3 days of rhinorrhea, fever, cough, and abdominal pain. On examination, his temperature is 39.6°C, he has reduced breath sounds, and an enlarged spleen. Which of the following causative pathogens, if identified, would require mandatory notification in Australia?

A 55-year-old farmer presents with a week of fever, severe headache, and myalgia. He reports recent exposure to lambing ewes on his property. Physical examination is unremarkable except for mild hepatomegaly and normal vital signs. Considering the patient's occupation, exposure history, and clinical presentation, what is the most likely diagnosis?

A 55-year-old man with a history of renal transplant on immunosuppression presents with a 2-week history of low-grade fever, malaise, and dull right upper quadrant discomfort. Physical examination is unremarkable except for mild tenderness on deep palpation of the right upper quadrant. Blood tests show a mild leucocytosis and elevated CRP. Imaging is performed. Based on the clinical presentation and imaging findings, what is the most appropriate next diagnostic step?

An 82-year-old woman from an aged care facility presents with a 2-day history of increased confusion and lethargy. Her baseline is independent living with mild cognitive impairment. She has a chronic cough but no recent change in sputum. Vital signs: T 37.8°C, HR 95 bpm, BP 110/70 mmHg, RR 22 breaths/min, SpO2 92% on room air. Chest examination reveals decreased breath sounds at the right base. Given the clinical presentation and setting, which of the following is the most appropriate initial management step while awaiting the chest X-ray result?

A 55-year-old farmer presents with a week of high fever, severe retro-orbital headache, and profound muscle aches. He denies cough, sore throat, or rash. On examination, temperature is 39.5°C, pulse 90, BP 120/80. Lungs are clear to auscultation. Abdomen is soft, non-tender. Initial bloods show mildly elevated transaminases. What is the most likely diagnosis?

A 32-year-old male, recent immigrant from a high-TB prevalence country, presents with a persistent cough and night sweats for the past two months. He denies fever or weight loss. Physical examination is unremarkable except for mild, diffuse rhonchi on auscultation. Sputum cultures are pending. A PET-CT scan of the chest was performed, the axial view is shown. Given the clinical context and imaging findings, what is the MOST appropriate next step in management?

A 10-year-old presents with a sore throat, fever, and tonsillar exudates. Rapid strep test is negative. What is the MOST appropriate next step?

A 28-year-old female, recently emigrated from Southeast Asia, presents to her general practitioner with complaints of fatigue, a persistent low-grade fever (37.8°C), and a non-productive cough that has been present for approximately one month. She denies any significant past medical history and is not currently taking any medications. Physical examination reveals slightly diminished breath sounds in the upper right lobe, but is otherwise unremarkable. Initial blood work, including a complete blood count and comprehensive metabolic panel, are within normal limits. A chest X-ray revealed a suspicious lesion in the right upper lobe, prompting a PET-CT scan, an axial slice of which is shown. Given the patient's history, clinical presentation, and the findings on the PET-CT scan, which of the following is the MOST appropriate next step in the diagnostic workup?

A 55-year-old renal transplant recipient on long-term immunosuppression presents with a 2-week history of low-grade fever, malaise, and dull right upper quadrant discomfort. Physical exam is unremarkable except for mild tenderness. Labs show mild leucocytosis and elevated CRP. Imaging is shown. Based on these findings, what is the most appropriate immediate management step?

A 24-year-old woman presents to the emergency department with a 3-day history of fever, sore throat, and fatigue. She also reports a rash that developed after taking amoxicillin prescribed by her GP for a presumed bacterial throat infection. On examination, she has cervical lymphadenopathy, a diffuse maculopapular rash, and mild splenomegaly. Her vital signs are stable. A monospot test is positive. Which of the following is the most likely explanation for the rash?

Which zoonotic infection is a leading cause of culture-negative endocarditis?

A 55-year-old farmer presents with a week of severe retro-orbital headache, fever, and myalgia. He reports recent exposure to birthing sheep on his property. On examination, he is febrile (39.5°C) and mildly jaundiced. Liver enzymes are elevated (ALT 250 U/L). Chest X-ray is clear. What is the most likely diagnosis?

A 35-year-old man presents to the clinic with a 3-month history of persistent cough, night sweats, and weight loss. He has a history of travel to Southeast Asia six months ago. On examination, he appears thin and has crackles in the upper zones of his lungs. A chest X-ray shows cavitary lesions in the right upper lobe. What is the most likely diagnosis?

A 28-year-old male presents with a persistent cough and fatigue. A PET-CT scan was performed. What is the MOST likely diagnosis?

A 3-year-old boy is brought to the emergency department with a high fever, irritability, and a rash. The rash started on his face and has now spread to his trunk and limbs. On examination, he has conjunctivitis and Koplik spots are noted on the buccal mucosa. What is the most likely diagnosis?

A 35-year-old woman presents to the emergency department with a 3-day history of fever, chills, and a productive cough with greenish sputum. She has a history of asthma and is currently on inhaled corticosteroids. On examination, her temperature is 38.5°C, blood pressure is 120/80 mmHg, heart rate is 110 bpm, and respiratory rate is 24 breaths per minute. Auscultation of the chest reveals wheezing and crackles in the right lower lung field. A chest X-ray shows consolidation in the right lower lobe. What is the most appropriate initial antibiotic therapy for this patient, considering her asthma and current presentation?

A 30-year-old woman presents with fever, hemoptysis, and night sweats. A chest X-ray shows a round lesion with an air-fluid level. What is the most likely diagnosis?

A 28-year-old woman presents to the clinic with a 2-week history of fever, night sweats, and a non-productive cough. She has recently returned from a trip to rural Queensland. On examination, she has crackles in the right upper lung field. A chest X-ray shows a cavitary lesion in the right upper lobe. What is the most likely diagnosis?

A 10-year-old girl with a 3-day history of shortness of breath, fever, and headache has been diagnosed with pneumonia. What signs might be seen in severe pneumonia?

A 25-year-old man and a 23-year-old woman, newlyweds, are planning a 3-week trip to South America. The woman is not on oral contraceptives and wants to conceive. They are concerned about Zika. What advice can you provide?

A 55-year-old renal transplant recipient on long-term immunosuppression presents with a 2-week history of low-grade fever, malaise, and dull right upper quadrant discomfort. Physical exam is unremarkable except for mild tenderness. Labs show mild leucocytosis and elevated CRP. Imaging is shown. What is the most appropriate next step to determine the specific aetiology of the findings?

A 10-year-old presents with a sore throat, fever, and tonsillar exudates. Rapid strep test is negative. What is the MOST appropriate next step?

A 6-year-old child presents with intensely itchy, small, fluid-filled blisters on their hands and feet, especially between the fingers and toes. The lesions are linear and excoriated. Multiple family members have similar symptoms. What is the most likely diagnosis?

A 32-year-old male, originally from a high-TB prevalence country, presents to the emergency department with a persistent cough for the past 3 weeks, night sweats, and a 5 kg weight loss. He denies any fever or shortness of breath. Physical examination reveals normal breath sounds bilaterally, with no wheezes or crackles. His vital signs are stable: temperature 37.2°C, heart rate 88 bpm, blood pressure 120/80 mmHg, and oxygen saturation 98% on room air. A chest X-ray was initially interpreted as showing a possible lung mass, prompting further investigation with a PET-CT scan, the axial view of which is shown. Sputum samples have been sent for microscopy and culture, but results are pending. Given the clinical presentation and the imaging findings, what is the MOST appropriate next step in management?

A 5-year-old boy presents with wheezing, shortness of breath, and a history of recurrent respiratory infections. His symptoms worsen with exercise and during the night. What is the most likely diagnosis?

A 58-year-old farmer presents with a 10-day history of fever, severe retro-orbital headache, myalgia, and profound fatigue. He denies cough or sore throat. Examination reveals mild scleral icterus. Liver function tests show elevated transaminases. He works closely with sheep and cattle. What is the most likely diagnosis?

An 80-year-old presents with CAP. CURB-65 score is 3. What is the most appropriate initial management?

A 62-year-old male with a history of poorly controlled diabetes presents with fever, RUQ pain, and recent travel to a rural area. Lab results show elevated ALP and GGT. Imaging is performed. What is the MOST appropriate next step in management?

A 35-year-old woman who recently underwent laparoscopic appendicectomy and completed a 5-day course of cefotaxime presents with a 3-day history of diarrhea and a temperature of 39.5°C. Her vital signs are otherwise normal, and a digital rectal exam is normal. Examination reveals erythematous port sites. Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis?

A 45-year-old recent immigrant from a high-prevalence country has a positive tuberculin skin test (18mm) and negative chest X-ray. He has chronic hepatitis B. Which is the most appropriate initial management for latent tuberculosis infection in this patient?

A 58-year-old male, on chronic immunosuppressants, presents with vague abdominal pain. The images are shown. What is the MOST likely causative organism?

A 58-year-old woman presents with a 7-year history of chronic cough productive of copious, often purulent, sputum, particularly noticeable in the mornings. She reports requiring 4-5 courses of antibiotics annually for exacerbations of her 'chronic bronchitis'. She is a non-smoker and has no significant past medical history other than childhood measles complicated by pneumonia. On examination, she has scattered coarse crackles bilaterally at the lung bases. Her oxygen saturation is 96% on room air. Spirometry performed 3 months ago showed FEV1 78% predicted, FVC 85% predicted, FEV1/FVC 0.75. A recent chest X-ray was reported as showing 'mild peribronchial thickening'. Given the clinical suspicion, what is the single most appropriate next investigation to establish the diagnosis?

A 25-year-old woman presents to the clinic with a 2-week history of fatigue, sore throat, and swollen glands. She also reports a low-grade fever and mild headache. On examination, she has cervical lymphadenopathy and mild splenomegaly. A monospot test is positive. What is the most appropriate advice regarding her physical activity?

Adult with suspected aspiration pneumonia. Initial antibiotic?