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SEARCH RESULTS FOR: pharyngitis

Group A Streptococci Pharyngitis Pathogenesis and Clinical Findings

Scarlet Fever: Pathogenesis and clinical findings

Scarlet Fever: Pathogenesis and clinical findings
Authors:
Amanda Marchak
Reviewers:
Nicola Adderley Jim Rogers Danielle Nelson* * MD at time of publication
Note: GAS pharyngitis can be left untreated, but scarlet fever MUST be treated.
Enters systemic circulation
Delayed type hypersensitivity response
See slide on Type IV Hypersensitivity: Pathogenesis and Clinical Findings
   Abbreviations:
GAS – Group A Streptococci SPE – Streptococcal Pyogenic
Exotoxin
SSA – Streptococcal Superantigen
Group A Streptococci Infection1 5-15 years old2
Adhesins, including lipoteichoic acid and M protein, within GAS cell wall facilitates regional adherence to pharyngeal epithelial cells
     GAS releases SPE A, B and C, and SSA Stimulation of T-cells and mononuclear cells
         General inflammatory response
White strawberry tongue3
Coating sluffs off after 2-3 days
Red strawberry tongue4
Complications:
See slide on Group A Streptococci Pharyngitis: Pathogenesis and Clinical Findings
Scarlatiniform rash (sandpaper feel)
      0-1 days post- pharyngitis
Pastia’s lines5
1-2 days post- pharyngitis
Appears on upper trunk and axillae
3-4 days post- pharyngitis
Spreads to remainder of body, sparring face6, palms and soles
7-10 days post- pharyngitis
Fades Desquamation7
               Otitis media, sinusitis, pneumonia, bacteremia, osteomyelitis, meningitis, arthritis, erythema nodosum, hepatitis, acute poststreptococcal glomerulonephritis, and acute rheumatic fever
Fine maculopapular rash
Blanchable with Non-pruritic and pressure painless
    Notes:
1. While the majority of infections are cases of GAS pharyngitis, rarely, it is possible to develop scarlet fever from a GAS skin infections. 2. Scarlet fever is most common in patients of this age group although, rarely, it can occur in adults.
3. White strawberry tongue is characterized by a white coating on the tongue through which edematous lingual papillae project.
4. Red strawberry tongue is characterized by a beefy red, edematous tongue covered in edematous lingual papillae.
5. Prominent erythema and petechiae in the body folds, especially the antecubital fossae and axillary folds. They tend to appear before the rash and persist through the desquamation phase.
6. Typically, the rash does not occur on the face, although facial flushing may be noted. When this occurs, there is perioral sparring.
7. Desquamation tends to occur ~1 week after the rash fades, most severely effecting the hands and feet, and lasts 2-6 weeks. While a classical presentation, not
everyone gets it.
 Legend:
 Pathophysiology
 Mechanism
Sign/Symptom/Lab Finding
  Complications
Published November 5, 2018 on www.thecalgaryguide.com

Sinusitis: Pathogenesis and clinical findings

Sinusitis: Pathogenesis and clinical findings
Authors: Amanda Marchak Reviewers: Nicola Adderley Jim Rogers Danielle Nelson* * MD at time of publication
Abbreviations
URTI – Upper respiratory tract infection
Nasal obstruction/ congestion
Hyposmia
Headache
Facial pain/pressure
Maxillary tooth pain
Ear pain/ fullness
Osteomyelitis of frontal bone
          Chemical irritants
Cystic Fibrosis
Direct toxic effect on cilia
Viral URTI Allergies
Inflammation of paranasal sinuses
Edematous passageways
Septal deviation Adenoid hypertrophy Polyps
Turbinate hypertrophy Tumors Foreign body
      Dysfunctional cilia
Congenital and/or craniofacial abnormality Obstruct sinus ostia
       Cilia unable to clear mucus from sinuses
     Mucus unable to drain through ostia
   Post-nasal drip       Mucus overflows from the sinuses Cough
Mucus accumulates in sinuses
Occupies a larger volume
Applies ↑ pressure to sinus walls
Mucopurulent discharge
Bacterial1 overgrowth in sinuses Bacterial infection spreads to adjacent structures
          Halitosis Pharyngitis Throat clearing
Dental root infection
Immunodeficiency
Note:
Irritates the back of the throat
              Perforation of the Schneiderian membrane2
Passage of bacteria into the sinuses
Fever
Fatigue
Subperiosteal orbital abscess
Orbital abscess Orbital edema
            ↑ susceptibility to bacteria
     1. The most common bacteria are Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenza, and Moraxella catarrhalis. Staphylococcus aureus and Group A Streptococcus may be seen, but are less common. However, in cases of dental root infection, oral anaerobes become more common, while Pseudomonas species are associated with foreign bodies.
2. The Schneiderian membrane is the membranous lining of the maxillary cavity.
Cavernous sinus thrombosis
Meningitis Cerebral abscess
Subdural abscess Epidural abscess
Periorbital or orbital cellulitis
             Legend:
 Pathophysiology
 Mechanism
Sign/Symptom/Lab Finding
  Complications
Published November 5, 2018 on www.thecalgaryguide.com

Erythema Nodosum pathogenesis and clinical findings

Erythema Nodosum: Pathogenesis and clinical findings
Authors: Merna Adly Reviewers: Taylor Evart Woo Crystal Liu Yan Yu* Laurie Parsons* * MD at time of publication
Epidermal layer Dermal-Epidermal Junction
Dermal layer
Subcutaneous Fat Layer
Phase 1-5. Septal Fibrosis made of inflammatory cells, such as T lymphocytes, histocytes and eosinophils
     Genetic Dysregulation
Infections (Ex.
Streptococcal
Pharyngitis) ~28-48% of cases
Medications (Ex. Birth Control Pills, Sulfa drugs) ~3-10% of cases
Malignancy (ex. Lymphoma)
Autoimmune conditions (ex. Sarcoidosis and
Inflammatory Bowel Disease) ~11-25% of cases
Pregnancy ~1-3% of cases
    Antigenic Stimuli / Bacteria / Viruses / Chemical Agents all could trigger the following process: Phase 1. Neutrophils Infiltrate the fibrous septa between fat lobules in the subcutaneous fat
Phase 2. Neutrophils release reactive oxygen species, leading to oxidative tissue damage and inflammation
Phase 3. Opening of inter-endothelial junction and the migration of more inflammatory cells into the septal venules, including macrophages, histocytes, and eosinophils
Phase 4. Macrophages secrete inflammatory cytokines, which stimulates the proliferation of more helper T cells (Th1)
Phase 5. Th1 cells secrete more cytokines, leading to the further release of Th1 cytokines and mediating the immune complexes deposition in the septal venules of the subcutaneous fat (panniculitis). The Th1 immune reaction is called Type IV Delayed Hypersensitivity Reaction
Phase 6. Activated macrophages produce hydrolytic enzymes and transform into multi- nucleated giant cells, called Miescher’s Radial Granulomas. These consist of small, well defined aggregations of small histocytes arranged radially around a small cleft of variable shapes in the septal venules of the subcutaneous fat
Phase 1-4. Lesions are red tender nodules, poorly defined, vary in size from 2-6 cm, and usually on shins ( 1st week)
Fat Lobules T lymphocytes
Macrophages
                                                       Note: we’ve done extensive research and can’t figure out why erythema nodosum happens mostly on the shins. If you have an answer, please email us!
      Phase 5. Lesions become tense, hard, and painful; and they change in color into bluish or livid. (2nd week)
Phase 6. Lesions become fluctuant as in abscess, but do not ulcerate. Lesions fade to a yellowish color
Epidermal layer Dermal-Epidermal Junction
Dermal layer Subcutaneous Fat Layer
Phase 6. Miescher’s Radial Granulomas
                                                  Fat Lobules
T lymphocytes
Macrophages
  Legend:
 Pathophysiology
Mechanism
Sign/Symptom/Lab Finding
  Complications
Published August 25, 2019 on www.thecalgaryguide.com

necrotizing fasciitis

Necrotizing Fasciitis: Pathogenesis and Clinical Findings
Authors: Alyssa Federico, Amanda Eslinger, Matthew Harding, Mehul Gupta Reviewers: Heena Singh, Yan Yu*, Donald Graham*, Duncan Nickerson* * MD at time of publication
       Diabetes
Loss of protective sensation in lower extremities
Peripheral vascular disease
Poor arterial perfusion causes necrosis of tissue
Immune compromised host
Increased susceptibility to infection
Bacteria introduced to tissue
Pharyngitis
Blood carries bacteria from throat to other tissue (hematogenous spread)
Laceration
Recent surgery
Injection
Burn
Blunt force trauma
Childbirth
            Lower extremity wounds
Bacteria enters tissue through open wound
Infection of muscle fascia Local immune response
Production of exotoxins by bacteria
Disruptions of protective skin barrier
Bacteria introduced into tissue during injury
     Necrotizing Fasciitis
Type I infection: mixed aerobic and anaerobic bacteria Type II infection: group A streptococcus
Type III infection: marine organisms, clostridial infections Type IV infection: fungal organisms
Poor blood supply of muscle fascia allows for progressive spread of infection
Systemic immune response
Pyrogens produced by immune system
Pyrogens travel through
the bloodstream to the hypothalamus and alters the body’s thermal setpoint
Transmission of bacteria from infected tissue to blood
Sepsis
                                 Streptolysin (exotoxin) causes blood clot formation
Blood clots in vessels
Tissue ischemia in epidermis, dermis, subcutaneous fat, muscle fascia, and/or muscle
Stimulation of programmed cell death
Tissue destruction
Pain more severe than clinical findings
↓ blood flow fails to meet tissue’s needs
Tissue death
Build up of gas in subcutaneous
tissue from bacteria metabolism
Crepitus
↑ serum creatinine
kinase from protein breakdown
↑ blood flow to infected tissue
Warmth Erythema
Immune cells release vasoactive cytokines into the blood
Capillary vasodilation
Fluid and proteins shift from cells and capillaries to interstitial space
Blood
vessel dilation
↓ perfusion of vital organs
Organ failure
Hypotension
↑ heart rate to perfuse vital organs
Tachycardia
Bacteria releases toxins which are taken up into the bloodstream
Immune cells produce inflammatory cytokines
Circulating toxins activate T cells, over- activating the systemic immune response
Toxic Shock syndrome
Infection ↑ white blood cell production in bone marrow
↑ white blood cells
                         Destructionof peripheral nerve endings
Insensitivity to pain
Tissue hypoxia à anaerobic metabolism
Poor perfusion of lungs impairs gas exchange
Tachypnea
Cytokines affect dopamine production in the basal ganglia
Acute malaise
Production of non-specific acute phase reactants
↑ C reactive protein and erythrocyte sedimentation rate
 Fluid-filled blisters
Edema
Fever Compartment syndrome (see relevant Calgary Guide slide)
  Amputation ↑ serum
lactate
    Legend:
 Pathophysiology
 Mechanism
 Sign/Symptom/Lab Finding
 Complications
First published Nov 20, 2013, updated Dec 19, 2021 on www.thecalgaryguide.com

IgA Nephropathy

IgA Nephropathy: Pathogenesis & clinical findings
Authors: David Campbell Matthew Hobart Reviewers: Huneza Nadeem Raafi Ali Ran Zhang Luiza Radu Julian Midgley* * MD at time of publication
    Galactose-deficient IgA1 (GD- IgA1) created by mucosa- bound IgA1 plasma cells is secreted into plasma instead of onto mucosal surface
IgA1 plasma cells hyper- responsive to triggers (eg. URTIs, gastroenteritis) ↑ synthesis of GD-IgA1 → spill-over into plasma
Immunoglobulin A1 (IgA1) plasma cells destined to reside in mucosa (eg. gut or respiratory tract) travel to and
reside in inappropriate site(s) (eg. bone marrow) releasing GD-IgA1 into plasma
GD-IgA1 is not cleared from plasma as quickly as IgA1 → ↑ plasma GD-IgA1 levels
Hit 3:
GD-IgA1-IgG complexes deposit in mesangium
C3 predominant complement activation amplifies inflammatory response
Renal biopsy:
IgA deposits in mesangium (100% sensitive)
Renal biopsy: Complement in mesangium (C3 predominant) (90-95% sensitive)
        A cascade of multiple immunologic hits is initiated
Hit 1: ↑ Serum levels of GD-IgA1 multiple immunologic hits
GD-IgA1 hinge region is structurally distinct from IgA1 that would normally circulate in plasma (lack of galactosyl groups)
GD-IgA1 hinge region may mimic pathogens (ex. bacteria and viruses) or other antigens
Cross reactivity of IgG against GD-IgA1, or synthesis of anti-GD-IgA1 IgG antibodies
Immunoglobulin G (IgG) binds GD-IgA1 hinge region Hit 2: GD-IgA1-IgG immune complex formation
Circulating GD-IgA1-IgG complexes have high affinity for glomerular endothelial cells where they damage the glycocalyx → ↑ permeability of immunoglobulins into the mesangium
↑ Production of chemokines, cytokines and complement → ↑ mesangial cell proliferation and matrix expansion
Leukocyte recruitment and activation damages glomerulus and mesangium
Hit 4:
Inflammatory response to GD-IgA1 complexes in mesangium induce glomerular structure disruption (endothelium, basement membrane, podocytes, mesangium)
and impaired glomerular function
Loss of barrier functions of glomerulus allows for extravasation of blood & proteins into Bowman’s space and subsequently through tubules
Renal biopsy: Glomerulosclerosis, tubulointerstitial fibrosis, glomerular vasculitis, podocyte damage
Eventual end-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD)
Progressive ↓ of filtration surface area within glomeruli and ↓ number of functional glomeruli
                Proteinuria
Synpharyngitic hematuria (hematuria with dysmorphic red cells co-occurring with pharyngitis)
↓ Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR)
        Nephrotic Syndrome
↑ Serum creatinine
Chronic kidney disease and eventually ESRD
  IgAN is an autoimmune disease where IgA deposition in the glomerulus leads to an inflammatory cascade, endothelial dysfunction and mesangial expansion that damages glomeruli causing kidneys to leak blood and protein into urine and decreased kidney function. IgA nephropathy is a multifactorial disease requiring multiple immunologic hits
IgA Nephropathy (IgAN)
 Legend:
 Pathophysiology
Mechanism
Sign/Symptom/Lab Finding
 Complications
 Published Sept 5, 2024 on www.thecalgaryguide.com

Tonsillitis Pathogenesis and clinical findings

Tonsillitis: Pathogenesis and clinical findings
Authors:
Taylor Krawec Amanda Marchak Reviewers: Nicola Adderley, Jim Rogers Emily J. Doucette, Danielle Nelson* James D. Kellner* * MD at time of publication
Pathogen infiltrates tonsillar epithelium
Microfold cells recognize pathogen & activate immune response
    Virus (most common)
Group A Streptococci (GAS) (most common bacteria)
Group B, C & G Strep,
Fusobacterium necrophorum
Age 5-15 (tonsils have ↑ role in immune function at this age)
Tonsillitis
Inflammation of the tonsils
    Infectious agent exposure
Susceptible host Pathogen colonizes the oropharynx
     Acute suppurative disease
    Immune cells release proinflammatory cytokines & antibodies
Inflammatory mediators ↑ vascular permeability of tonsils
Leakage of protein & fluid into surrounding tissue
Regional nodes receive ↑ lymph
Enlarged anterior cervical nodes
Sinusitis**
Pharyngitis**
Local spread of pathogen
Acute otitis media**
Pneumonia**
Cervical lymphadenitis
Bacteria spread from
tonsils into lymphatic system & bloodstream
Bacteremia
F. necrophorum
invades lateral pharyngeal space & soft tissue in neck
Thrombosis forms in peritonsillar vein
Thrombosis extends into internal jugular vein
Lemierre’s syndrome
               Systemic inflammatory cytokines disrupt hypothalamic regulation
Fever
Additional immune cells are recruited to facilitate immune response
Macrophages phagocytize pathogen
Bacteria invade distant tissue & elicit local inflammatory response
Hepatitis Osteomyelitis
Infective endocarditis
Bacteria illicit systemic response
Sepsis
           Tonsillar tissue become swollen & irritated
Tonsillar hypertrophy
Localized collection of pus forms
Immune cells cause inadvertent cellular injury & hemolysis
Palatal petechiae
Meningitis
        Products of immune response & cellular debris are deposited into tonsillar tissue
     Peritonsillar or Tonsillar retropharyngeal abscess** exudate
** See corresponding Calgary Guide slide
 Toxin-mediated disease
Bacteria release exotoxins into bloodstream
Inflammatory mediators & cytokines are overactivated (cytokine storm)
Skin has local inflammatory response
Toxic shock syndrome**
     Scarlet fever**
 Post-infectious disease
Antibodies to GAS cross react with host tissue
     Acute rheumatic fever** Post-strep glomerulonephritis
Legend:
 Pathophysiology
 Mechanism
Sign/Symptom/Lab Finding
 Complications
 Published Nov 5, 2018; updated Mar 14, 2025 on www.thecalgaryguide.com

Acute Infectious Mononucleosis

**See corresponding Calgary Guide slides
Legend: Acute Infectious Mononucleosis: Pathogenesis & clinical findings
Viral transmission (Epstein-Barr
virus (EBV), Cytomegalovirus
(CMV), human immunodeficiency
virus (HIV), etc) through saliva
(most commonly in adolescents
& young adults aged 15-24)
Virus infects epithelial
cells of the oropharynx
Virus infects & immortalizes
circulating B lymphocytes
Virus replicates in infected B-cells
Immune cell proliferation
in lymphatic system
(primarily lymph nodes & spleen)
Infected B-cells enter
systemic circulation
Systemic inflammatory
response activated
Inflammation &
edema of sinuses
Bilateral periorbital &/or palpebral edema
Pharyngitis**
(often with grey/white
exudative secretions)
Palatal petechiae
Blood vessel damage
in the soft palate
Edema of soft palate & tonsils
Airway obstruction
↑ Immunoglobulin M (IgM) antibodies
to EBV viral capsid antigen (VCA) Positive IgM-VCA
Immortalized B-cells
produce ↑ antibodies
Production of heterophile antibodies
(weakly reactive & non-specific)
Positive monospot (heterophile antibody)
test (↓ sensitivity in children <4 years)
Virus may remain dormant in B-cells
Latent infection with periodic reactivation
Generalized lymphadenopathy (enlarged lymph nodes)
Massive cervical, mediastinal or hilar lymphadenopathy
Posterior cervical
lymphadenopathy
Platelets sequestered (trapped) within spleen &
overactive spleen (hypersplenism) discards ↑ platelets
Thrombocytopenia
(↓ platelets)
Weak reticular tissue in the spleen stretches
Splenomegaly Splenic rupture
& becomes more susceptible to injury
Inflammatory response ↑ energy demand
Fatigue
Longstanding impacts from
unknown mechanism Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Inflammatory cytokines
released into circulation
↑ Thermo-regulatory
set-point at hypothalamus Fever
Lymphocytosis (↑ lymphocytes)
(markedly CD8+ T-cells & NK cells) Immune cells infiltrate the liver Hepatomegaly
↑ Aminotransferases
Leukocytosis (↑ leukocytes)
CD8+ T-cells & NK cells
indirectly damage hepatocytes
↑ Bilirubin & jaundice**
Systemic immune response &/or
antibiotic hypersensitivity reaction
CD8+ T-cells
respond to virus
Atypical lymphocytes
on blood smear
Generalized maculopapular rash
Authors:
Ayden Hansen, Griselle Leon
Reviewers:
Charissa Chen, Emily J. Doucette
Danielle Nelson*
* MD at time of publication
Published Sept 3, 2015; updated Apr 22, 2025 on www.thecalgaryguide.com
Pathophysiology Mechanism
Sign/Symptom/Lab Finding Complications

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