Final answer:
Koplik's spots are a distinguishing feature of measles, which may also present with a rash, fever, and other symptoms. Diagnosis can be initially based on these clinical signs and then confirmed with specific tests.
Step-by-step explanation:
Koplik's Spots and Measles
Koplik's spots are small, white, round spots on a red base located on the buccal mucosa near the rear molars and are characteristic of measles, a highly contagious viral infection. In addition to Koplik's spots, measles typically presents as a macular rash starting on the face and spreading to the extremities. Other symptoms may include high fever, conjunctivitis, and a sore throat. In severe cases, measles can lead to fatal pneumonia or encephalitis, particularly in children. The preliminary diagnosis of measles relies on the appearance of the rash and Koplik's spots, but it may be confirmed with hemagglutination inhibition tests and serological tests.
It is essential to distinguish measles from other conditions like mumps, which shows parotid swelling; impetigo, known for its formation of vesicles, pustules, and crust sores; various forms of herpes infections, which often result in oral or lip blisters; and rubella (German measles), which causes a milder rash that is not associated with Koplik's spots.