LIFE-THREATENING INFECTIONS AND ANTIMICROBIAL
THERAPY SELECTION
GROUP 7 REPORT
I.DESCRIPTION:
A. LIFE-THREATENING INFECTIONS
Life-threatening infections refer to severe
and potentially fatal microbial invasions
that can rapidly compromise the
functioning of vital organs and systems in
the human body.
ANTI-MICROBIAL THERAPY
Antimicrobial therapy involves the use of
medications to inhibit or kill the causative
microorganisms. Selection of the
appropriate antimicrobial agent is crucial
and is guided by factors such as the
identified pathogen, its susceptibility to
specific drugs, and patient-specific
considerations.
II. TYPES OF LIFE-THREATENING
INFECETIONS
A. Viral infections- are illnesses caused by
the invasion and replication of viruses
within the cells of a host organisms. It can
be transmitted through various means,
including respiratory droplets, direct
contact,contaminated surfaces, and through
vectors such as mosquitoes.
 Meningococcal disease- is a severe
and potentially life-threatening
bacterial infection caused by Neisseria
meningitidis, commonly known as
meningococcus.Meningococcus is
transmitted through respiratory droplets.
Close contact in crowded environments.
Symptoms include severe headache,
neck stiffness, photophobia, and altered
mental status. Kernig's and Brudzinski's
signs may be positive during physical
examination.
B. Bacterial Infection-A bacterial infection
is an illness caused by the invasion and
multiplication of bacteria within the tissues
of a host organism. Bacterial infections can
be transmitted through various means,
including direct contact, respiratory droplets,
contaminated food or water, insect vectors,
and sexual contact.
 Sepsis- is a life-threatening medical
condition characterized by a transmission where parasites are transmitted
dysregulated host response to infection
that leads to organ dysfunction. It
represents a critical continuum of
infection-related illnesses, ranging from
systemic inflammatory response
syndrome (SIRS) to severe sepsis and
septic shock.The immune response
triggered by infection can lead to an
exaggerated systemic inflammatory
response. This can cause widespread
endothelial dysfunction, microvascular
coagulopathy, and organ dysfunction.
C. Fungal Infections- Fungal infections,
also known as mycoses, are illnesses caused
by various types of fungi. Fungi are diverse
microorganisms that can be found in the
environment, including air, soil, water, and
on various surfaces. Fungal infections can
be acquired through various means,
including inhalation of spores, direct contact
with infected individuals or surfaces,
ingestion of contaminated food, and
exposure to environments with high fungal
concentrations.
 Aspergillus infections- caused by
fungi of the genus Aspergillus,
represent a spectrum of diseases with
diverse clinical manifestations. While
many Aspergillus species are harmless,
some can cause opportunistic infections
in individuals with compromised
immune systems or pre-existing lung
conditions. It is Airborne transmitted.
Aspergillus conidia (spores) are
ubiquitous in the environment and are
commonly inhaled. Immunocompetent
individuals usually clear inhaled
conidia without developing illness.
D.Parasitic Infection- A parasitic infection
is an illness caused by the invasion and
multiplication of parasites within a host
organism. Parasites are organisms that live
on or inside another organism (the host) and
derive nutrients at the host's expense.
Parasites can be protozoa (single-celled
organisms), helminths (worms), or
arthropods (insects or other
arthropods).Parasitic infections can be
transmitted through various means,
including ingestion of contaminated food or
water, direct contact with infected
individuals or surfaces, and vector-borne
through the bites of infected arthropods.
 Malaria- is a life-threatening infectious
disease caused by Plasmodium
parasites transmitted to humans through
the bites of infected female.Its
transmission is through the bite of
 Anopheles mosquitoes. Anopheles
mosquitoes become infected when they
bite an individual with malaria. The
parasites undergo development within
the mosquito, and subsequent bites can
transmit the infection to new hosts.
Malaria symptoms include fever, chills,
headache, nausea, and muscle aches.
Severe cases can lead to organ failure,
anemia, and neurological complications.
B. REASONS FOR ADMISSION IN ICU
 Severe sepsis or septic shock
 Multiple Organ Dysfunction Syndrome
(MODS)
 Respiratory failure
 Hemodynamic Instability
 Invasive monitoring requirements
 Need for specialized procedures
 High risk of rapid deterioration
 Complex antimicrobial therapy
 Continuous monitoring and rapid
intervention
 Specialized care for
immunocompromised patients
III. ASSESSMENT AND DIAGNOSIS
FOR LIFE-THREATENING
INFECTIONS
A. Laboratory Test
 A blood culture is a test that checks
samples of blood for the presence of
disease-causing germs like bacteria and
fungi. During this test, a blood sample
is placed in a special container in a
laboratory and watched to see if germs
grow.
 The urine is examined under a
microscope for bacteria or white blood
cells, which are signs of infection. Your
health care provider may also take a
urine culture. This test examines urine
to detect and identify bacteria and yeast,
which may be causing a infection.
 A throat culture or strep test is done
by using a throat swab to detect the
presence of group A streptococcus
bacteria, the most common cause of
strep throat. These bacteria also can
cause other infections (including scarlet
fever, abscesses, and pneumonia).
 The stool culture is a test that detects
and identifies bacteria that cause
infections of the lower digestive tract.
The test distinguishes between the
types of bacteria that cause disease
(pathogenic) and the types that are
normally found in the digestive tract
(normal flora).
 During a spinal tap (lumbar
puncture), a healthcare provider
withdraws cerebrospinal fluid. This test
can detect meningitis, leukemia and
other illness.
B. Imaging Test
 X-rays are a form of electromagnetic
radiation, similar to visible light.
Unlike light, however, x-rays have
higher energy and can pass through
most objects, including the body.
Medical x-rays are used to generate
images of tissues and structures inside
the body. Detects bone fractures,
certain tumors and other abnormal
masses, pneumonia, some types of
injuries, calcification, foreign objects,
or dental problems.
C. Biopsy
 Is a medical procedure that involves
taking small sample of the body tissue
so it can be examined under a
microscope. This test can single out
both cancerous and noncancerous
conditions like leukemia, anemia,
infection, or lymphoma.
IV. CRITICAL CARE MANAGEMENT
OF LIFE THREATENING
INFECTIONS:
A. ANTI-MICROBIAL THERAPHY
1. Piperacillin-Tazobactam: This is a
combination of piperacillin, an extended-
spectrum penicillin, and tazobactam, a beta-
lactamase inhibitor.
2. Cefepime: Cefepime is a fourth-
generation cephalosporin antibiotic.
3. Levofloxacin: Levofloxacin is a
fluoroquinolone antibiotic used to treat a
variety of bacterial infections.
4. Imipenem: Imipenem is a carbapenem
antibiotic that is effective against a wide
range of bacteria.
5. Meropenem: Meropenem is another
carbapenem antibiotic, similar to imipenem.
B. INFECTIONCONTROL
1. Hand Hygiene: Proper hand hygiene is
the foundation of infection control.
2. Isolation Precautions: Patients with
highly contagious infections may need to be
placed in isolation to prevent the spread of
pathogens to others.
3. Sterile Procedures: In critical care,
invasive procedures like central line
insertions or ventilator care must be
performed using sterile techniques to
prevent healthcare-associated infections.
4. Environmental Cleaning: Regular
and thorough cleaning and disinfection
of surfaces and equipment in patient
rooms and common areas help prevent
the transmission of pathogens.
5. Personal Protective Equipment
(PPE): Healthcare workers should wear
appropriate PPE.
6. Antimicrobial Stewardship:
Infection control involves responsible
use of antibiotics.
7. Vaccination: Ensuring healthcare
providers and eligible patients are up-to-
date with vaccinations,
8. Patient Screening: Patients admitted
to the ICU should be screened for
infectious diseases.
9. Education: Ongoing training and
education of healthcare staff on
infection control protocols
V.SURGICAL INTERVENTIONS FOR
LIFE THREATENING INFECTIONS:
A. Surgical Incision and Drainage
with Aggressive Debridement -
This surgical procedure is
performed when a patient presents
with a life-threatening infection,
typically in the form of an abscess
or a wound infected with bacteria.
The goal of this intervention is to
effectively control the infection,
prevent its further spread, and
promote the healing process.
VI.NURSING MANAGEMENT FOR
LIFE THREATENING INFECTIONS
A. Assessment and Monitoring:
 Conduct regular vital sign assessments,
including temperature, heart rate,
respiratory rate, and blood pressure.
 Implement laboratory tests such as
complete blood count (CBC), blood
cultures, and procalcitonin levels for early
infection detection..
 Utilize imaging studies like chest X-rays
or CT scans to assess the extent of
infection
B. Isolations and Precautions:
 Enforce strict isolation protocols based on
the type of infection (e.g., airborne,
contact, droplet precautions).
 Use personal protective equipment (PPE)
such as masks, gowns, gloves, and
goggles to prevent cross-contamination.
C. Infection control measures:
 Regularly disinfect and sanitize patient
care areas and equipment.
 Implement hand hygiene protocols for
healthcare staff and visitors.
 Monitor and enforce compliance with
infection prevention policies.
D. Ventilator Management (if applicable):
 Set appropriate ventilator parameters
based on patient's condition.
 Conduct routine ventilator checks and
monitor for signs of ventilator-
associated pneumonia.
 Collaborate with respiratory therapists
to optimize respiratory support.
E. Medication Administration:
 Administer antibiotics promptly based
on culture and sensitivity results.
 Monitor and manage adverse drug
reactions.
 Adjust drug dosages as needed and
ensure proper infusion rates.
F. Fluid Electrolyte Management:
 Regularly assess fluid balance and
electrolyte levels.
 Administer intravenous fluids based on
patient needs.
 Monitor for signs of fluid overload or
dehydration.
G. Nutritional Support:
 Collaborate with dietitians to develop
and implement nutritional plans.
 Administer enteral or parenteral
nutrition as indicated.
 Monitor nutritional status and adjust
support accordingly.
H. Psycho-social support:
 Provide emotional support and
counseling to patients and their families.
 Collaborate with social workers for
additional psychosocial assistance.
 Address any psychological impact of
the life-threatening infection.
I. Education and Communication:
 Educate patients and families on
infection prevention measures.
 Communicate effectively with the
healthcare team to ensure coordinated
care.
 Provide clear instructions on post-
discharge care and follow-up.
J. Documentation:
 Maintain accurate and comprehensive
medical records.
 Document assessments, interventions,
and patient responses.
 Ensure timely and detailed recording of
any changes in the patient's condition.
K. Collaboration:
 Collaborate with interdisciplinary
teams, including physicians, nurses,
respiratory therapists, and infection
control specialists.
 Participate in regular multi-disciplinary
rounds.
 Engage in open communication with all
team members to optimize patient care.
VII.PROGNOSIS AND OUTCOMES OF
LIFE-THREATENING INFECTIONS
DISEASES
Prognosis of Meningococcal Disease
Outcomes:
1. Early Recognition and Treatment:
- Timely administration of antibiotics
improves survival rates and reduces the risk of
complications.
2.Prevention of Disseminated Infection:
- Successful management prevents the
progression to disseminated intravascular
coagulation (DIC) and multi-organ failure.
3. Resolution of Meningitis:
- Early intervention aims to resolve meningitis,
preventing neurological complications.
4. Minimizing Long-Term Sequelae:
- Close monitoring and supportive care
contribute to minimizing long-term neurological
sequelae, such as cognitive deficits or hearing
loss.
5. Psychosocial Support:
- Addressing the psychological impact on the
patient and their family is crucial for overall
recovery.
Prognosis of Sepsis:
Outcomes:
1. Survival Rates:
- Early identification and aggressive
management improve survival rates.
2. Resolution of Organ Dysfunction:
- Effective treatment aims to resolve organ
dysfunction, contributing to a positive prognosis.
3.Prevention of Septic Shock:
- Timely interventions can prevent the
progression to septic shock and its associated
complications.
4. Functional Recovery:
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation contribute
to the patient's functional recovery.
5. Psychological Well-being:
- Addressing the psychological impact,
including symptoms of post-traumatic stress
disorder (PTSD), is crucial.
 Group Members:
Prognosis of Aspergillus: Serad, Narimah M.
Outcomes: Sulog, Omyl-khayr M.
1. Resolution of Respiratory Complications: Salic, Ibrahim Ali
- Successful management aims to resolve Abdulmalik, Jalanie P.
respiratory complications, preventing chronic
Abdulgani, Johanie
lung disease.

2. Prevention of Disseminated Infection:

- Early antifungal therapy helps prevent the
dissemination of Aspergillus infection.

3. Recovery of Lung Function:

- Monitoring and support contribute to the
recovery of lung function, minimizing long-term
respiratory sequelae.

4. Management of Invasive Aspergillosis:

- Aggressive management of invasive
aspergillosis aims to prevent complications and
improve outcomes.

Prognosis of Malaria:
Outcomes:
1. Early Detection and Treatment:
- Early administration of antimalarial drugs
improves prognosis and reduces the risk of
severe complications.

2. Prevention of Organ Dysfunction:

- Effective management prevents severe
manifestations, such as cerebral malaria or acute
kidney injury.

3. Resolution of Symptoms:
- Successful treatment leads to the resolution
of symptoms such as fever, chills, and fatigue.

4. Prevention of Recurrence:
- Continued antimalarial measures aim to
prevent recurrent infections and complications.

5. Long-Term Recovery:
- Long-term outcomes focus on the patient's
overall health and well-being post-malaria,
including any lingering symptoms or
complications.

Remember, the outcomes can vary based on

individual patient factors, comorbidities, and the
specific manifestations of each infectious disease.
Ongoing assessment and modification of care
plans contribute to optimal outcomes in critical
care settings.