In assessing patients for infectious diseases, recent travel is vital to inquire about, as it may reveal potential exposure to region-specific pathogens. Laboratory and serological tests can help identify the specific cause of symptoms. Educating patients about disease prevention is a health professional's ethical responsibility, requiring respect for varying cultural and personal values.
When assessing a patient with a potentially infectious disease, in addition to obtaining a SAMPLE history and asking questions related to the chief complaint, it is crucial to inquire about recent travel. This is important because travel can expose individuals to diseases not commonly found in their home country. For example, David, a journalist who traveled to Russia, China, and Africa and is now experiencing fever, headache, and weakness plus a dog bite incident, could have been exposed to pathogens or diseases prevalent in those regions. Laboratory tests such as cultures and sensitivity tests for bacterial infection and serological tests for viral infections are commonly used. The physician may also order tests to identify pathogens by examining patient samples under a microscope or by identifying the chemical products they produce.
For a patient reporting symptoms after a recent party, a physician ordered a blood test which revealed the presence of a gram-positive rod, leading to the diagnosis and treatment of a foodborne disease. In another case, proactive HIV testing is highlighted, as it allows for early detection and treatment to slow disease progression. In terms of ethical responsibilities, health professionals must focus on educating patients about disease prevention while respecting their individual cultural and moral values, without imposing their own moral agendas.
When diagnosing infectious diseases, especially minor ones, signs and symptoms are usually the primary diagnostic tool, however, identification of the specific pathogen is necessary for appropriate treatment. Testing for chemical byproducts or using serological tests to detect antigens that bind to specific antibodies are among the methods used. Chest radiography and collection of blood, urine, and sputum samples are also part of the diagnostic process in cases where respiratory diseases like influenza are suspected.