L1: Pertussis (Whooping Cough)
Etiology & Epidemiology
- Caused by Bordetella pertussis and occasional Bordetella parapertussis. Exclusive pathogens of humans and some primates.
- Pathogenesis: Small, fastidious gram-negative coccobacilli. Colonizes ciliated epithelium. Expresses Pertussis Toxin (PT) which causes absolute lymphocytosis (does NOT cause the cough directly).
- Extremely contagious (attack rate 100%). Does not survive prolonged in environment. No chronic carriers. Tetanus, Diphtheria, acellular Pertussis (Tdap) vaccine is recommended for 11-12 yr olds.
Clinical Manifestations (Stages)
- Catarrhal Stage (1-2 weeks): Most insidious/contagious. Congestion, rhinorrhea, lacrimation.
- Paroxysmal Stage (2-6 weeks): The hallmark. Machine-gun burst of uninterrupted cough followed by loud whoop. Posttussive emesis and exhaustion are universal.
- Convalescent Stage (โฅ2 weeks): Symptoms gradually diminish.
- Infants <3 months: Do not display classic stages. Present with gagging, gasping, apnea, cyanosis without classic cough/whoop.
- Adults: No distinct stages.
Diagnosis & Treatment
- Diagnosis: Clinical case if cough โฅ14 days with paroxysms/whoop/vomiting. Lab shows Leukocytosis (15k-100k) with absolute lymphocytosis. Note: Eosinophilia is NOT a feature.
- Confirmation: Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) is test of choice from nasopharyngeal wash.
- Treatment: Azithromycin (Drug of choice for treatment & postexposure prophylaxis). Use with caution in infants <14 days due to risk of Infantile Hypertrophic Pyloric Stenosis (IHPS). Alternative: Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX) for >2 months old.
- Complications: Apnea (principal complication), pneumonia, seizures (due to hypoxia), and physical sequelae (hemorrhage, hernias). Preterm birth is significantly associated with fatal pertussis. Highest mortality in infants <6 months.
- Prevention: Universal immunization with Diphtheria, Tetanus, acellular Pertussis (DTaP) in first 2 years + maternal immunization.
๐ก High-Yield Hints:
- Suspect Pertussis if cough lasts โฅ14 days with posttussive vomiting or whoop.
- Apnea (without cough) is the classic presentation in infants <3 months.
- Lab hallmark is extreme leukocytosis with absolute lymphocytosis (normal small cells, NOT atypical).
- Azithromycin is the drug of choice, but beware of IHPS (Pyloric Stenosis) in neonates.
- Pertussis Toxin (PT) causes lymphocytosis, NOT the cough itself.
L2: Measles (Rubeola)
Etiology, Transmission & Pathogenesis
- Highly contagious RNA virus. Humans are the only host.
- Transmission: Airborne/respiratory droplets. Face-to-face contact not necessary (viable in air for 1 hour). Infectious 3 days before to 4-6 days after rash onset.
- Pathogenesis: 4 phases. Causes necrosis of respiratory epithelium and small-vessel vasculitis. Infects CD4+ T cells, causing immune suppression.
Clinical Manifestations
- Prodrome: High fever, cough, coryza, conjunctivitis. Koplik spots (pathognomonic enanthem) appear 1-4 days before rash on inner cheeks.
- Exanthem: Maculopapular rash begins on forehead/behind ears -> spreads downward (centrifugally) to torso/extremities. Fades leaving fine desquamation.
- Lab: Normal Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR) and C-Reactive Protein (CRP), decreased WBCs. Diagnosis by Immunoglobulin M (IgM) detection.
Complications & Treatment
- Pneumonia: Most common cause of death.
- Acute otitis media: Most common complication.
- Subacute Sclerosing Panencephalitis (SSPE): Chronic, fatal neurodegenerative complication 7-10 years later. Males > Females.
- Treatment: Supportive. Vitamin A therapy is indicated for ALL patients to reduce morbidity/mortality (measles lowers retinol levels).
- Prevention: Live-attenuated Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR) Vaccine. Contraindicated in pregnancy and immunocompromised. Postexposure prophylaxis with Vaccine or Immunoglobulin (Ig).
๐ก High-Yield Hints:
- Koplik spots are pathognomonic and appear before the rash.
- The rash spreads from the head downward (centrifugally).
- Pneumonia = highest mortality; Otitis Media = highest frequency (complication).
- Vitamin A must be given to ALL measles patients (prevents blindness and death).
- SSPE is a fatal, late neurological complication occurring 7-10 years post-infection.
L3: Mumps
Etiology & Clinical Features
- Single serotype virus. Humans only natural host. Targets salivary glands, Central Nervous System (CNS), pancreas, testes.
- Manifestation: Bilateral or unilateral parotid swelling. Ear lobe lifted upward/outward. Pain increased by sour/acidic foods. Peeks in 3 days. Opening of Stensen duct may be red and edematous.
- Diagnosis: Clinical + Elevated serum amylase + relative lymphocytosis. Confirmed by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) or IgM.
Complications & Treatment
- Meningoencephalitis: Most common complication. Mononuclear (lymphocytic) pleocytosis (200-600) in CSF with normal glucose.
- Orchitis and Oophoritis: Common in postpubertal males (30-40%). Can cause testicular atrophy, but sterility is rare.
- Pancreatitis: Fever, epigastric pain, vomiting.
- Treatment: Supportive. Antipyretics, hydration. Vaccine: Live-virus (MMR).
๐ก High-Yield Hints:
- Parotid swelling lifting the ear lobe upward and outward is classic.
- Pain exacerbated by eating sour or acidic foods.
- Meningoencephalitis is the most common complication (CSF shows normal glucose & high lymphocytes).
- Orchitis is very common post-puberty, but rarely causes sterility.
- Diagnosis is strongly supported by elevated serum amylase.
L4: Rubella (German Measles)
Acquired Rubella
- Single-stranded RNA virus. Mild disease in children, severe in adults.
- Clinical: Prodrome with suboccipital, postauricular, and anterior cervical lymphadenopathy. Maculopapular rash begins on face, spreads centrifugally, lasts only 3 days. Enanthem: Forchheimer spots (petechiae on soft palate).
- Complications: Postinfectious thrombocytopenia (more in girls), Arthritis (more in adult females, involves small joints of hands).
Congenital Rubella Syndrome (CRS)
- Most important risk factor for severe defects is the stage of gestation. Highest risk during first 8 weeks of gestation.
- Classic Triad/Signs: Sensorineural nerve deafness (most common), Cataracts (unilateral/bilateral), and Cardiac abnormalities (Patent Ductus Arteriosus - PDA).
- Prevention: Vaccination with live MMR vaccine. Strictly contraindicated in pregnancy. Check Immunoglobulin G (IgG) in exposed pregnant women immediately.
๐ก High-Yield Hints:
- Known as "3-day measles", featuring suboccipital & postauricular lymphadenopathy.
- Arthritis of the small joints of the hands is a common complication in adult females.
- CRS Triad: Sensorineural Deafness (most common) + Cataracts + PDA.
- Greatest risk of teratogenicity is infection during the first 8 weeks of pregnancy.
- MMR Vaccine is a live vaccine and is strictly contraindicated in pregnant women.
L5: Diphtheria
Pathogenesis & Clinical
- Caused by Corynebacterium diphtheriae (Gram-positive, aerobic, non-spore-forming bacillus).
- Virulence: Produces a potent polypeptide exotoxin that inhibits protein synthesis causing local tissue necrosis.
- Respiratory: Early sore throat, then formation of gray-brown leather-like adherent pseudomembrane (bleeds on removal, reveals edematous submucosa). Bull-neck appearance from massive lymph node/tissue edema. Risk of suffocation.
- Cutaneous: Indolent non-healing ulcer with gray-brown membrane.
Complications & Management
- Toxic Cardiomyopathy (10-25%): Responsible for 50-60% of deaths. Tachycardia out of proportion to fever, heart block, heart failure.
- Toxic Neuropathy: Paralysis of soft palate (early), cranial neuropathies (strabismus, accommodation loss), symmetric demyelinating polyneuropathy.
- Treatment: Equine Diphtheria Antitoxin MUST be given immediately on clinical suspicion (skin test first for hypersensitivity). PLUS antibiotics to halt toxin production: Erythromycin or Penicillin G for 14 days.
- Prevention: Toxoid vaccines (DTaP for <7 yrs, Td for โฅ7 yrs).
๐ก High-Yield Hints:
- Pseudomembrane: Gray-brown, adherent, and bleeds when scraped off.
- Bull-neck appearance: Massive cervical lymphadenopathy and soft tissue edema.
- Myocarditis is the leading cause of death (tachycardia out of proportion to fever).
- Neuropathy: Paralysis of the soft palate is a very early toxin-mediated sign.
- Give Antitoxin IMMEDIATELY based on clinical suspicion, don't wait for cultures.
L6: Parvovirus B19
Pathogenesis & Erythema Infectiosum
- Single-stranded DNA virus. Heat and solvent resistant. Targets erythroid precursors in bone marrow causing cell lysis and transient arrest of erythropoiesis. No effect on myeloid cell line.
- Erythema Infectiosum (Fifth Disease): Rash occurs in 3 stages: 1) Slapped-cheek facial flushing. 2) Macular erythema on trunk/extremities. 3) Central clearing gives lacy, reticulated appearance. Rash is immune-mediated (patient is NOT infectious when rash appears).
Severe Manifestations
- Arthropathy: Frank arthritis or polyarthralgia, mostly in adult females (hands, wrists, knees, ankles).
- Transient Aplastic Crisis: Profound sudden anemia in patients with chronic hemolytic anemias (e.g., Sickle Cell, Thalassemia). Reticulocytes drop to undetectable levels. Highly infectious during crisis (requires hospital isolation).
- Fetal Infection: Primary maternal infection causes non-immune fetal hydrops and death (due to fetal anemia/heart failure).
- Treatment: Supportive. Intrauterine Red Blood Cell (RBC) transfusions for hydrops. Intravenous Immunoglobulin (IVIG) for immunocompromised. No vaccine.
๐ก High-Yield Hints:
- Fifth disease features the classic "Slapped-cheek" and lacy, reticulated rash.
- In a healthy child, once the rash appears, they are no longer contagious.
- In sickle cell patients, it causes Transient Aplastic Crisis (reticulocytes = 0).
- Pregnant women exposed can have fetuses with non-immune hydrops fetalis.
- Arthropathy is very common in adult females (resembles Rheumatoid Arthritis).
L7: Roseola (Exanthem Subitum / Sixth Disease)
Etiology & Clinical Features
- Caused primarily by Human Herpesvirus 6B (HHV-6B) and occasionally HHV-7. Establishes lifelong latency in monocytes/macrophages.
- Clinical Course: Abrupt onset of high fever (>39.7ยฐC) lasting ~3 days in an infant. As fever breaks (crisis), a faint pink or rose-colored maculopapular rash appears on the trunk.
- Lab: Lower mean WBCs, lymphocytes, and neutrophils compared to other fevers.
- Complication: Febrile seizures (up to 33% of patients). Encephalitis in immunocompromised.
- Treatment: Supportive. Ganciclovir/Foscarnet/Cidofovir only for severe cases in immunocompromised.
๐ก High-Yield Hints:
- Classic presentation: High fever for 3 days, rash appears exactly as fever breaks.
- Affects infants typically around 6-9 months of age.
- Febrile seizures are a very common presentation/complication.
- Caused by HHV-6B which remains latent in monocytes/macrophages.
- Unlike measles/rubella, the child usually appears well/nontoxic despite high fever.
L8: Varicella-Zoster Virus (VZV)
Varicella (Chickenpox) & Zoster (Shingles)
- Double-stranded DNA virus. Contagious 24-48 hr before the rash is evident and until vesicles are crusted. Establishes latency in sensory dorsal root ganglia.
- Varicella Exanthem: Intensely pruritic. Progresses from macule -> papule -> fluid-filled vesicle -> crust. Simultaneous presence of lesions in various stages of evolution is characteristic. Concentrated on trunk.
- Herpes Zoster: Reactivation of latent virus. Unilateral, dermatomal vesicular rash. Less common in healthy children.
Complications & Management
- Secondary Bacterial Infection: Most common (Group A Streptococcus or Staphylococcus aureus).
- Encephalitis & Acute Cerebellar Ataxia: Gradual onset of gait disturbance/nystagmus.
- Pneumonia: Severe complication, highly fatal in adults/immunocompromised.
- Neonatal Varicella: High mortality if mother infected 5 days before to 2 days after delivery (no maternal antibodies passed).
- Treatment: Acyclovir for high-risk. Prevention: Live-attenuated vaccine. Varicella-Zoster Immune Globulin (VZIG) for exposed neonates/pregnant women.
๐ก High-Yield Hints:
- Rash hallmark: "Dewdrop on a rose petal" with lesions in all stages simultaneously.
- Secondary bacterial infection (Strep/Staph) is the most common complication.
- Cerebellar ataxia is a classic, rapid-recovery neurological complication.
- Highest neonatal mortality if mother infected 5 days before to 2 days after delivery.
- VZV stays latent in the sensory dorsal root ganglia and reactivates as dermatomal Zoster.
L9: Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV)
Infectious Mononucleosis
- Double-stranded DNA gamma herpesvirus. Transmitted via saliva. Infects oral epithelial cells and B lymphocytes. Establishes latency in memory B cells.
- Classic Triad: Fatigue, Pharyngitis (often with exudates), Generalized lymphadenopathy.
- Other signs: Hepatosplenomegaly. Ampicillin rash (morbilliform rash if treated with beta-lactams mistakenly).
Diagnosis & Complications
- Lab: Leukocytosis with Atypical Lymphocytes (which are antigenically activated CD8 T-cells).
- Serology: Heterophile antibodies (agglutinate mammalian RBCs, e.g. Monospot test). For specific confirmation: IgM to Viral Capsid Antigen (VCA).
- Complications: Splenic rupture (avoid contact sports for 2-3 weeks), Airway obstruction (treat with short-course corticosteroids). Alice in Wonderland syndrome (metamorphopsia).
- Oncogenesis: Associated with Burkitt lymphoma (especially in malaria-endemic regions) and Hodgkin lymphoma (Reed-Sternberg cells).
๐ก High-Yield Hints:
- Classic Triad: Exudative Pharyngitis, Lymphadenopathy, Fatigue.
- Ampicillin rash: A generalized rash if incorrectly treated with Penicillins.
- Must avoid contact sports for 2-3 weeks to prevent Splenic Rupture.
- Atypical lymphocytes are actually antigenically activated CD8+ T-cells.
- Oncogenic links: Burkitt lymphoma and Hodgkin lymphoma.
L10 & L11: Group A Streptococcus (GAS) & Scarlet Fever
Etiology & Pathogenesis
- Streptococcus pyogenes (Gram-positive cocci in chains, beta-hemolytic).
- Virulence: M protein resists phagocytosis. Immunity is type-specific to M protein.
- Toxins: Produces Streptococcal pyrogenic exotoxins (A, C, SSA) responsible for the rash of scarlet fever.
- Clinical: Acute pharyngitis (most common bacterial cause, 15-30%), impetigo, cellulitis.
Scarlet Fever & Diagnosis
- GAS pharyngitis + rash caused by erythrogenic toxin.
- Rash: Diffuse, finely papular erythema. Feels rough (goose-pimple / sandpaper rash). Blanches on pressure. Fades with desquamation.
- Oral: Pharyngitis + Strawberry tongue.
- Diagnosis: Rapid Antigen Detection Test (RADT) (fast) or Throat culture on sheep blood agar (Gold Standard).
Complications & Treatment
- Suppurative: Peritonsillar abscess, retropharyngeal abscess, otitis media.
- Non-suppurative: Acute Rheumatic Fever (RF) and Acute Poststreptococcal Glomerulonephritis (PSGN).
- Treatment: Prevent RF by treating strictly for 10 days. Drug of choice: Oral Penicillin V or Amoxicillin. Intramuscular Benzathine Penicillin G if non-compliant. Macrolides if allergic.
๐ก High-Yield Hints:
- Scarlet fever rash feels like sandpaper / goose-pimples and blanches.
- Look for the classic Strawberry tongue + exudative pharyngitis.
- Treating strictly for 10 days with Penicillin V prevents Rheumatic Fever, but NOT Glomerulonephritis.
- Virulence depends on the M protein which resists phagocytosis.
- Rapid Antigen Detection Test (RADT) is the first step; throat culture is Gold Standard.
L12: Leishmaniasis
Etiology & Pathology
- Intracellular protozoan. Vector: Phlebotomine sandfly. Dimorphic: Promastigote in vector, Amastigote inside host macrophages.
- Reservoir: Domestic dogs (L. infantum).
- Visceral Leishmaniasis (Kala-azar): L. donovani (Old World), L. infantum. Causes prominent reticuloendothelial hyperplasia in liver, spleen, bone marrow. Splenic infarcts are common late in disease.
- Immunity measured by Montenegro skin test (delayed-type hypersensitivity).
Clinical, Lab & Treatment
- Clinical (Kala-azar): Prolonged high fever, massive hepatosplenomegaly, severe cachexia/wasting, jaundice. Highly fatal if untreated.
- Lab: Pancytopenia (Anemia, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia) + Hypergammaglobulinemia (>5 g/dL).
- Diagnosis: Demonstration of amastigotes in splenic/bone marrow aspirates. Serology (IgG) is very useful due to high antibodies.
- Treatment: Pentavalent antimony (Sodium stibogluconate) for 28 days IV/IM. Liposomal Amphotericin B (highly effective 90-100% cure rate, less nephrotoxic, concentrates in RES).
๐ก High-Yield Hints:
- Transmitted by the Phlebotomine sandfly; domestic dog is the reservoir.
- Classic Kala-azar: Prolonged fever, massive splenomegaly, and cachexia.
- Lab tetrad: Anemia, Leukopenia, Thrombocytopenia (Pancytopenia) + Hypergammaglobulinemia.
- Pathology shows Amastigotes replicating inside macrophages (Kupffer cells/Histiocytes).
- Liposomal Amphotericin B is highly effective (90-100%) and concentrates in the RES.
L13: Tuberculosis (TB)
Etiology & Stages
- Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Acid-fast, obligate aerobe, lipid-rich cell wall). Airborne droplet nuclei transmission.
- Stages: 1) Exposure. 2) TB Infection (Positive test, normal CXR, asymptomatic). 3) TB Disease (Signs/symptoms/radiographic changes).
- Pathogenesis: Forms Primary (Ghon) Complex (parenchymal focus + regional hilar lymph node).
Clinical Manifestations & Diagnosis
- Primary Pulmonary: Often silent. Enlarged hilar nodes can obstruct bronchi -> atelectasis.
- Extrapulmonary: Scrofula (lymph node disease) is most common in children. Pleural effusion (WBCs with lymphocytic predominance, low glucose). Disseminated miliary TB.
- Diagnosis: - Tuberculin Skin Test (TST): measures delayed hypersensitivity. False positives from BCG. - Interferon-gamma Release Assay (IGRA): more specific, measures IFN-ฮณ from T-cells. - Early-morning gastric acid culture (Gold Standard in young kids who swallow sputum).
Treatment & Prevention
- Standard Regimen (6 months): 2 months of Isoniazid (INH), Rifampin, Pyrazinamide (PZA), Ethambutol, followed by 4 months INH + Rifampin.
- Adverse Effects: - INH: Hepatotoxicity, peripheral neuropathy. - Rifampin: Orange secretions, GI upset. - PZA: Uric acid elevation. Avoid with rifampin for latent TB (fatal liver dysfunction). - Ethambutol: Optic neuritis (visual acuity/color changes).
- Corticosteroids: Used in TB meningitis or severe miliary TB to reduce inflammation.
- Prevention: Bacille Calmette-Guรฉrin (BCG) Vaccine (live-attenuated M. bovis). Protects against life-threatening forms in infants.
๐ก High-Yield Hints:
- Ghon Complex: Local parenchymal focus + regional hilar lymph node.
- Scrofula (Cervical lymphadenitis) is the most common extrapulmonary TB in children.
- Early-morning gastric acid culture is the gold standard specimen for young kids.
- Ethambutol toxicity: Optic neuritis (monitor visual acuity & color vision).
- IGRA is more specific than TST because it doesn't cross-react with prior BCG vaccination.
L14: TORCH (Congenital Infections)
Overview & General Approach
- Infections acquired prenatally. 1st Trimester: Malformations (heart, eyes). 3rd Trimester: Active infection (hepatosplenomegaly).
- Jaundice: Pathologic if present at birth or within 1st 24 hours (suspect Syphilis, CMV, Rubella, Toxoplasmosis).
- Diagnosis: Neonatal IgM has high specificity. PCR is highly sensitive/specific. Maternal IgG only indicates past exposure.
Specific Pathogens
- Cytomegalovirus (CMV): Most common congenital infection. 90% asymptomatic at birth. Sensorineural hearing loss is the most common long-term complication. Signs: petechial rash, jaundice, microcephaly, direct hyperbilirubinemia. Diagnosis must be within first 2-3 weeks via PCR.
- Syphilis (Treponema pallidum): Transplacental spirochete. High risk of transmission during primary/secondary maternal stages. Causes early fetal loss, prematurity, or congenital disease with protean symptoms.
๐ก High-Yield Hints:
- Jaundice appearing in the first 24 hours of life is always PATHOLOGIC (think TORCH).
- CMV is the most common congenital infection and the leading cause of sensorineural hearing loss.
- Maternal IgG is useless for diagnosing active neonatal infection (crosses placenta); use IgM or PCR.
- Congenital CMV requires diagnosis within the first 2-3 weeks of life.
- Syphilis transmission is highest during maternal primary and secondary (spirochetemia) stages.
๐ Comprehensive Diseases Comparison (Ultimate Cheat Sheet)
| Disease | Pathogen / Etiology | Key Clinical Features | Major Complications | Treatment / Prevention |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pertussis | B. pertussis (Gram -ve) | Prolonged cough >14 days, whoop, posttussive emesis. Apnea in infants. High lymphocytosis. | Apnea (infants), Pneumonia, Seizures, Hemorrhages. | Azithromycin (beware IHPS in neonates). DTaP vaccine. |
| Measles (Rubeola) | RNA Virus | Koplik spots, downward spreading maculopapular rash, high fever. | Pneumonia (most fatal), Otitis Media (most common), SSPE (late). | Vitamin A (essential), Supportive. MMR Vaccine. |
| Mumps | Single Serotype Virus | Parotid swelling lifting ear lobe, pain with sour foods. Elevated amylase. | Meningoencephalitis (lymphocytic), Orchitis (rarely sterile). | Supportive. MMR Vaccine. |
| Rubella | RNA Virus | 3-day rash, Suboccipital lymphadenopathy, Forchheimer spots. | Arthritis (adult females), Thrombocytopenia. CRS in fetus (Deafness, Cataracts, PDA). | Supportive. MMR Vaccine (Contraindicated in pregnancy). |
| Diphtheria | C. diphtheriae (Gram +ve) | Bleeding gray-brown pseudomembrane, Bull-neck. | Toxic cardiomyopathy (deadly), Toxic neuropathy (palate paralysis). | Antitoxin (Immediate!) + Penicillin/Erythromycin. DTaP. |
| Erythema Infectiosum | Parvovirus B19 (DNA) | "Slapped-cheek", reticulated rash. Not infectious during rash phase. | Transient Aplastic Crisis (Sickle cell), Hydrops fetalis, Arthropathy. | Supportive. Transfusions for aplastic crisis/hydrops. |
| Roseola | HHV-6B / HHV-7 (DNA) | High fever 3 days, rash appears exactly when fever breaks (crisis). | Febrile seizures. Encephalitis in immunocompromised. | Supportive. (Ganciclovir/Foscarnet only if severe/immuno). |
| Varicella (Chickenpox) | VZV (Double DNA) | Intensely pruritic vesicles in ALL stages simultaneously. | Secondary bacterial infection, Cerebellar ataxia, Pneumonia. | Acyclovir (high risk). Live Vaccine. VZIG for exposure. |
| Infectious Mononucleosis | EBV (DNA Herpesvirus) | Fatigue, exudative pharyngitis, lymphadenopathy, atypical CD8 T-cells. | Splenic rupture, Airway obstruction. Associated with lymphomas. | Supportive (Avoid contact sports). Steroids for airway. |
| Scarlet Fever | Group A Strep (GAS) | Sandpaper/goose-pimple rash, Strawberry tongue, exudative pharyngitis. | Rheumatic Fever (RF), Poststreptococcal Glomerulonephritis (PSGN). | Penicillin V for 10 days (prevents RF). |
| Leishmaniasis | Protozoan (Sandfly) | Massive splenomegaly, cachexia, pancytopenia, hypergammaglobulinemia. | Secondary bacterial infections, Bleeding. Highly fatal if untreated. | Liposomal Amphotericin B or Pentavalent antimony. |
| Tuberculosis (TB) | M. tuberculosis | Ghon complex, Scrofula (nodes), Cavitary lung lesions. | Miliary TB, TB meningitis, Obstruction/atelectasis. | 6-mo regimen: INH, Rifampin, PZA, Ethambutol. BCG Vaccine. |
| Congenital CMV | Cytomegalovirus | Pathologic Jaundice (<24hr), petechiae, microcephaly. | Sensorineural hearing loss (most common long-term), MR. | PCR within first 2-3 weeks. Antivirals (Ganciclovir). |