You are working in the emergency department of a regional hospital in rural Kentucky. A patient is brought in by emergency medical technicians. They report that the patient has a mild stiff neck and a headache. However, his overall condition is poor. He is very thin, has dark spots on his face and upper body, and open bloody-looking eruptions on his lips. His fever is 104oF, and his blood pressure is low. He also has severe diarrhea.
What is your initial diagnosis and what would be the first step in determining if the patient has this illness?
The test performed in question #1 reveals the presence of very large cells that appear to be eukaryotic, surrounded by a large capsule. What is the probable diagnosis? Name some other eukaryotic organisms that can cause these symptoms.
What other diagnostic test should be performed on this patient?
What group(s) of people are at risk for this infection?
How did he acquire this infection?