COMMUNICABLE DISEASE~ YAWS ~

DEFINITION• Tropical infection of the

skin,bones,and joints.• Originated in tropical areas of Africa,

and spread to other tropical areas of the world.

ETIOLOGY

Caused by the spirochete bacterium

PATHOPHYSIOLOGY # transmitted by skin to skin contact with an infective lesion .# the bacterium entering through pre-existing cut, bite or scratch .# within ninety days the infection painless but distinctive “mother yaw” appears , which is painless nodule which enlarge and become warty in appearance.

MODE OF TRANSMISSION

• Transmitted by direct contact with the sores of infected people

INCUBATION PERIOD

• Generally 3-5 weeks .• after the incubation period , a primary lesion called ‘mother yaw’ appears at the spot from where the bacteria entered.

SIGN AND SYMPTOMS

• Skin lesion on the palms and soles.• Swelling of the finger.• Bone pain.• Scarring of the skin.• Bone,joint and soft tissue destruction.

Nodules on the elbow resulting from bacterial infection.

RISK FACTOR

• Children are the main reservoir of infection . Usually children in rural,warm and tropical areas.

INVESTIGATION

• sample taken from early lesion may show the responsible organism.• Blood test.

TREATMENT

• IM Penicillin• Erythromycin• Tab tetracycline

PREVENTION

• maintain hygienic lifestyles• receive penicillin or other antibiotic to prevent infection.