Question

Alarmingly high number of people describing similar acute symptoms. An investigation team composed of medical professionals and scientists was assigned to determine the root of the problem. 30 patients from different parts of the town exhibited similar symptoms at various hospitals in town.

Symptoms include vomiting, liver damage, abdominal pain and edema.
Aside from the symptoms reported, patients appear intact, that is no cuts or skin bruises.

Thorough analysis of blood, urine and stool for microbial pathogens did not identify any known pathogens. All patients do not recall specific trauma leading to these symptoms, nor visiting an exotic place in the months before the outbreak. Patient’s ages range from 10-55 with a clear trend of increased severity of the symptoms amongst young patients (under 16).

Patient’s ethnicity is diverse.

Below is an initial list of questions to guide you in solving the case. Note, it is an initial list and you are expected to come up with further ideas at the workshop.
5. What tests could be carried out? What would these tests show? (

Answer 1

Answer- This kind of medical conditions can be tested by following tests-

• Bilirubin test for jaundice.
• TLC - DLC test for observing level of WBCs especially eosinophil count.
• Hb test should also be carried out.

Explanation-

Bilirubin test for jaundice- In primery stage of jaundice we will not found any visible symptoms on skin but we will see all other symptoms like vomiting, liver damage, abdominal pain etc.

TLC - DLC TEST- The low level of eosinophil also shows such kind of symptoms.

Hb test- These kind of condition could also be coupled with increasing damage of RBCs or decreased levels of hemoglobin in body thus Hb test should also be carried out for effective treatment.