Medical history (history of illness) represents an important component in the diagnosis of illness caused by MERS coronavirus. Family history What is the general health status of your family members? Social history What is your profession? When and where were you last on vacation? Have you had contact with sick persons recently (14 days)? Are … MERS Coronavirus: Medical History
Respiratory System (J00-J99) Respiratory infection, unspecified Pneumonia (pneumonia), interstitial (caused by other pathogens: e.g., chlamydia, legionella, mycoplasma, influenza and parainfluenza viruses, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), adenoviruses). SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome; severe acute respiratory syndrome) – when the respiratory tract is infected with the coronavirus SARS-CoV-1 (SARS-associated coronavirus, SARS-CoV), atypical pneumonia (pneumonia) occurs; lethality (mortality … MERS Coronavirus: Or something else? Differential Diagnosis
Therapeutic targets Symptom relief Treat complications and respiratory insufficiency (inadequate breathing resulting in inadequate gas exchange). Prevent the spread of infection Therapy recommendations There is currently no specific antiviral therapy. If necessary, treatment attempt with Intravenous (“into the vein“) ribavirin (nucleoside analogue / virostatic, drugs that inhibit the multiplication of viruses) and interferon alfa-2b. Lopinavir/ritonavir … MERS Coronavirus: Drug Therapy
Mandatory medical device diagnostics. X-ray of the thorax/chest (X-ray thorax), in two planes – to detect pneumonia (lung inflammation) [3-4 days after onset of disease despite partial absence of symptoms: unilateral, small focal, diffuse, interstitial infiltrates/can be easily missed; MERS can also present without findings!]Note: In advanced stages, spontaneous pneumothorax (collapse of the lung caused … MERS Coronavirus: Diagnostic Tests
Prevention factors Avoid contact with dromedaries, especially sick animals. Do not visit farms where there are dromedaries. No consumption of raw or incompletely heated food from dromedaries, such as milk, cheese or meat. No contact with patients with confirmed or probable MERS-CoV infection. Preventive measures Hand washing (under running water with soap and water (for … MERS Coronavirus: Prevention
The following symptoms and complaints may indicate MERS coronavirus: Flu-like symptoms such as fever, cough and possibly sputum. Possibly diarrhea (diarrhea) Possibly signs of pneumonia (pneumonia): Tachypnea (> 20 breaths per minute at rest). Superficial respiration/dyspnea, possibly nasal wing breathing Etc. Possibly signs of renal failure. According to the Robert Koch Institute, MERS-CoV should be … MERS Coronavirus: Symptoms, Complaints, Signs
Pathogenesis (disease development) The disease is caused by the MERS coronavirus (MERS-CoV). The virus belongs to the Coronaviridae family (genus: Betacoronavirus). The pathogen reservoir is dromedaries (intermediate host); primary host organisms are probably bats. Etiology (causes) Disease-related causes Infection with the MERS coronavirus. Other causes Contact with dromedaries, especially sick animals. Visiting farms where there … MERS Coronavirus: Causes
General measures Affected persons must be isolated. If necessary, intensive medical therapy (e.g., if there is evidence of respiratory insufficiency/insufficient breathing resulting in inadequate gas exchange).
Respiratory system (J00-J99) ARDS (acute respiratory distress syndrome; respiratory distress syndrome) – acute respiratory failure in a previously lung-healthy individual. Pneumonia (pneumonia) Pneumomediastinum (synonym: mediastinal emphysema) – accumulation of air in the mediastinum (part of the chest located between the two lungs); possible causes of spontaneous occurrence are: Asthma exacerbations Recurrent vomiting Seizures Valsava maneuvers … MERS Coronavirus: Complications
A comprehensive clinical examination is the basis for selecting further diagnostic steps: General physical examination – including blood pressure, pulse, respiratory rate, body temperature, body weight, body height, and assessment of level of consciousness; further: Inspection (viewing). Skin and mucous membranes Abdomen (abdomen) Shape of the abdomen? Skin color? Skin texture? Efflorescences (skin changes)? Pulsations? … MERS Coronavirus: Examination
1st order laboratory parameters – obligatory laboratory tests. Small blood count Differential blood count Inflammatory parameter – CRP (C-reactive protein) PCR (polymerase chain reaction; Engl. Polymerase Chain Reaction) – virus detection from sputum, bronchial lavage, nasopharyngeal aspirate, throat lavage water or throat swab. Blood gas analysis (BGA) Laboratory parameters 2nd order – depending on the … MERS Coronavirus: Test and Diagnosis
