Sarah, a 21- year old student at Iowa State University had spent Thanksgiving Day with relatives at her grandparent's farm. During her drive back to campus on Friday morning her vision became blurry, and she was forced to pull over to the side of the road. As she sat in her car, her vision worsened. She opened the car hood in hope of attracting aid and tried to relax. In a short time, a highway patrol officer pulled over and approached Sarah. By this time, Sarah was having trouble swallowing and speaking clearly. The officer helped Sarah to his car and rushed her to the emergency room at a nearby hospital.
Case # 4
Sarah, a 21- year old student at Iowa State University had spent Thanksgiving Day with
relatives at her grandparent's farm. During her drive back to campus on Friday morning her vision became blurry, and she was forced to pull over to the side of the road. As she sat in her car, her vision worsened. She opened the car hood in hope of attracting aid and tried to relax. In a short time, a highway patrol officer pulled over and approached Sarah. By this time, Sarah was having trouble swallowing and speaking clearly. The officer helped Sarah to his car and rushed her to the emergency room at a nearby hospital.
In the ER, Sarah was able to describe her symptoms to a physician. The physician made note of what Sarah had eaten during the last 24 hours and was especially interested in the fact that Sarah's grandmother canned all of her own vegetables. The physician observed that Sarah's breathing was becoming labored. She ordered Sarah's blood sampled, her gastrointestinal tract pumped, and a mechanical respirator prepared for use.
Questions.
- What is the condition Sarah has? What clinical clues are present which help you make this diagnosis?
- What is the organism causing this condition? Briefly describe the epidemiology and pathogenesis of this disease.
- What is the likely source of Sarah’s infection? Explain where this organism is found and how it is transmitted.
- How is the laboratory diagnosis of this disease made?
- How is this form of disease typically treated?
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