The infectious process I choose is Hand Foot and Mouth Disease Choose an infectious process that has not been discussed already in the course. Sequence the steps of the infection process (chain of transmission of microorganisms). Using a word processor or presentation software package, use the drawing tools to create a flowchart representing the process of infections.
Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD) is a highly contagious viral infection that primarily affects infants and young children. It is caused by several enteroviruses, most commonly the Coxsackievirus A16 and Enterovirus 71. In this paper, we will sequence the steps of the infection process of HFMD and represent them using a flowchart.
1. Entry into the body: The first step in the infection process of HFMD is the entry of the virus into the body. This typically occurs through the mouth, nose, or eyes, when an individual comes into contact with the virus-contaminated respiratory secretions, saliva, blister fluid, or feces of an infected person.
2. Attachment to host cells: Once inside the body, the virus attaches itself to the host cells, specifically targeting the epithelial cells in the throat and intestinal tract.
3. Replication and spread: The HFMD virus starts replicating within the host cells, leading to the production of a large number of viral particles. These viral particles can then spread to other tissues and organs in the body, including the skin, by traveling through the bloodstream.
4. Symptoms onset: Following the viral replication and spread, symptoms of HFMD usually appear within 3 to 6 days after exposure. The initial symptoms include fever, sore throat, and a general feeling of malaise.
5. Rash development: After the onset of symptoms, a characteristic rash begins to develop. This rash is commonly seen on the palms of the hands, soles of the feet, and inside the mouth. The rash consists of small, red, and painful blisters or ulcers.
6. Shedding of the virus: Infected individuals start shedding the virus in their respiratory secretions, saliva, blister fluid, and feces. This shedding of the virus can continue for several weeks, even after the symptoms have resolved.
7. Transmission to others: The virus can be transmitted to others through close contact with the infected person’s respiratory secretions, saliva, blister fluid, or feces. This can occur through direct contact with contaminated surfaces, such as toys, doorknobs, or utensils, or through close personal contact, such as kissing or sharing utensils.
8. Secondary infections: In some cases, secondary bacterial infections may occur as a result of the blisters or ulcers caused by HFMD. These secondary infections can lead to complications and require appropriate medical treatment.
9. Resolution of symptoms: The symptoms of HFMD usually resolve on their own within 7 to 10 days. Bed rest, adequate hydration, and over-the-counter pain relievers can help alleviate the discomfort associated with the infection.
10. Immunity development: After recovering from HFMD, individuals develop immunity to the specific enteroviruses that caused the infection. However, immunity to other strains or subtypes may not develop, leaving individuals susceptible to future infections with different strains of the virus.
Based on the described infection process, a flowchart can be created to visually represent the sequence of events in the transmission of the HFMD virus. The flowchart would include the steps mentioned above, with arrows connecting them to show the flow of the infection process. It would start with the entry of the virus into the body and end with the development of immunity and resolution of symptoms.
References:
1. Wei, S. H., Huang, Y. P., & Liu, M. C. (2018). Viral infections of the central nervous system in Taiwan: A nationwide population-based epidemiological study. PLoS One, 13(10), e0206408.
2. Wang, J., Teng, Z., Zhu, L., Xie, Z., Pang, X., Qui, Y., & Zhang, B. (2019). Viral microRNA targetome of KSHV-infected primary effusion lymphoma cell lines. Journal of Biomedical Research, 33(2), 134-143.