Case Study #4 Skin (Integumentary) Disorder

What is the diagnosis? What is your differential diagnosis?

HIV is a Sexually Transmitted Disease to consider based on the symptoms presented. During sexual contact with an infected person, sexually transmitted diseases are relayed through the mucosal membranes of various body parts. They include penis, urethra, or rectum. Transmission can occur through the gullet, respirational area, and mouth membranes. The case featured a lot of constitutional symptoms. The patient also has one comorbidity, Diabetes, which puts him at risk of becoming infected. He also admits that unprotected sexual contact may be the primary catalyst of the illness.

Pulmonary Tuberculosis is a possible differential diagnosis. The patient had a high fever and excessive sweating, more common in this illness. In primary infection, Tuberculosis is usually asymptomatic. Nonspecific symptoms such as exhaustion, weakness, lack of appetite, losing weight, night sweats, and low-grade fever may occur, with fever and night sweats typical tuberculosis signs.

What are the potential sources?

HIV is spread through bodily fluids containing free virus particles and infected CD4+ T cells. Another source involves sharing contaminated drug-use equipment, such as needles. Lastly, having intimate intercourse with infected individuals. The last mode of transmission consists of the transmission of blood. Obtaining HIV-infected blood or blood products, particularly before a blood test.

What are the risk factors for developing this condition?

Any who engages in sexual activity risks contracting an STD or STI. Among the factors that could increase that threat is engaging in unprotected intercourse. Intercourse with an ill spouse with no condom contraceptive substantially enhances the chances of contracting an STI. Inappropriate or incoherent condom use may as well raise the risk. Based on the case study, another risk factor involves having sexual relations with numerous partners. Being a truck driver, the individual may have engaged numerous sex partners. The more individuals you have sexual relations with, the higher the threat.

What organisms cause this condition?

Bacteria can cause STDs or STIs. STIs attributed to bacteria consist of gonorrhoea, syphilis, and chlamydia. The second cause includes viruses. Viral infections that lead to STIs consist of HPV, genital herpes, and HIV. Additional contagions, that include hepatitis A, B, and C viruses, shigella inflammation, and giardia inflammation, can be sexually transmitted, but inflammation can ensue devoid of sexual relation.

What is the treatment for this condition?

Enhance skin integrity. Patients are encouraged to avoid scratching, use non-abrasive, non-drying shower gels and non-perfumed skincare products, conduct routine oral care and tidy the perianal area with mild detergent soap and water after each bowel movement. Calorie counts should be obtained for all AIDS patients experiencing mysterious weight loss, and appetite stimulants and oral fortified foods are also recommended. Lastly, TMP-SMZ is the preferred treatment for Pneumocystis pneumonia. Azithromycin or clarithromycin are favored prophylactic agents for Mycobacterium avian complex, and IV amphotericin B is the current standard therapy for bacterial meningitis.