Soft Tissue Infection - Essay Example

"Soft Tissue Infection" is an excellent example of a paper on infections.
Based on the case, I diagnose the patient with soft tissue infection related to Cellulitis. Any injury to the skin may result in cellulitis or soft-tissue infections. The patient is an Intravenous drug user of heroin and methamphetamines. This triggers the chances of an infection triggered by Cellulitis. In addition, she admits to having similar skin infections in the last year. This condition is associated with a species of streptococcus (Ries, 2009).

Might you expect this same problem with a patient who does not abuse IV drugs? Why or why not?

Yes, I might expect this problem with a patient who does not abuse IV drugs as the infection progresses when there is a break in the skin i.e. wound, cut, shaving injury, or abrasion. This skin break may be minor and may go unnoticed as the bacterium (Staphylococci or Streptococci) enters the skin and causes infection thus swelling. Other risk factors include aforementioned radiation therapy, the presence of fungal or viral skin infection i.e. athletes foot or chickenpox, lymphedema due to poor circulation, liver disease, past surgery to remove lymph nodes, an ulcer, and or athletes' foot (Temesgen et al. 2012). Overweight and or chronic skin conditions may also trigger this problem, as well as a history of Cellulitis especially of the lower leg (Brashers, 2006). Overweight issues particularly obesity triggers recurring episodes of this condition. Also, certain types of insect bites i.e. spiders can transmit the bacteria that may commence the infection (Munk & Ryan, 2008). A patient with flaky dry or swollen skin can also act as an entry point for the bacteria. A patient with a weakened immune system also causes a threat to developing Cellulitis. According to Grossman (2012), conditions such as HIV/AIDS, chronic leukemia, diabetes, chronic kidney diseases, circulation disorders, and liver disease (p. 262).

What are the epidemiological trends noted with this problem?

Epidemiological trends noted with this problem are rooted in different geographical localities. This brings about various diagnoses which will not be well treated by empirical antibiotics active against the pathogens causing the infection. Soft-tissue infections encompass a range of clinical presentations including deep-seated infections. The epidemiology trends noted with this problem range from community-acquired and health acquired strains. The noted trends have resulted in the commencement of novel categories of healthcare-related infections. This has been beneficial in describing infections in community-based patients who have been introduced to the healthcare system and may be prone to resistant pathogens. The mentioned strains are constantly changing and this brings about changes in the choice of empirical antibiotic therapy. Knowledge of the epidemiological trends and vulnerability of pathogens in my geographical area outlines the development of antibiotic guidelines for empirical treatment. This brings about issues of antibiotic resistance to the pathogens, leading to more and severe cases of infections, for example, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. In addition, strains causing soft tissue infections have evolved. These strains have proven to challenge diagnostic laboratories and clinicians. This is due to the fact that selection pressure and microbial evolution are scarcely predictable. Although this condition is uncommon, it has caused high mortality and complication rates. This is a local and national issue, worrying practitioners in the medical field (McCance & Huether, 2014).