Question

A 39 year old IV drug used presents with cellulitis of the right arm, gum disease and a fever. The lab findings show growth on heart valve, a heart murmur. Blood culture indicates catalase negative Gram-positive cocci.

1. What type of infection is it?

a/ hemorrhagic fever

b/ HIV

c/ lyme disease

d/ bacterial endocarditis

2. What type of treatment is necessary for this type of infection?

a/ anti-viral therapy since viruses most commonly cause this condition

b/ long-term (4-6 weeks) antibiotic therapy

c/ vaccination, rest and treatment for his gum disease

d/ 1-2 weeks of antibiotic therapy

Answer 1

1. This is a case of bacterial endocarditis since this type of infection are determined with poor oral hygiene and condition of cellulitis happens through the blood stream. Also the change heart murmur confirms this infection.

2. Long-term (4-6 weeks) antibiotic therapy is necessary for this type of infection.

The other options are not right because it is caused by bacteria not virus, there is no proper vaccination available for this disease and this is a severe long term condition and can not be cured in two weeks.