How Do We Know We're Sick? Crash Course Outbreak Science

The video explores the process of diagnosing infectious diseases, emphasizing the importance of clinical symptomatology and diagnostic testing. It explains how patient history and symptoms guide initial diagnosis, while tests like PCR and antigen tests confirm the presence of pathogens. The video also discusses the accuracy of tests, highlighting sensitivity and specificity, and concludes with a case study on Lassa fever, illustrating the practical application of these diagnostic tools in preventing outbreaks.

What is the primary goal of diagnosing infectious diseases in a medical setting?

• To prescribe medication

• To prevent the spread of disease

• To identify the patient's lifestyle

• To determine the patient's age

What is the first step in clinical symptomatology?

• Prescribing treatment

• Conducting diagnostic tests

• Taking the patient's history

• Measuring blood pressure

What is the difference between symptoms and signs in medical diagnosis?

• Symptoms are reported by the patient, signs are measured by doctors

• Symptoms are visible, signs are invisible

• Symptoms are always more severe than signs

• Symptoms are related to lifestyle, signs are not

What is the main purpose of diagnostic testing?

• To assess the patient's diet

• To evaluate the patient's travel history

• To measure the patient's temperature

• To confirm or rule out the presence of a specific pathogen

Which type of test is known for replicating segments of pathogenic DNA?

• PCR test

• Blood pressure test

• Antibody test

• Antigen test

What does sensitivity in a diagnostic test refer to?

• The test's ability to be used at home

• The test's ability to detect a pathogen when it is present

• The test's speed in providing results

• The test's cost-effectiveness

Why might antigen tests be preferred over PCR tests in certain situations?

• They are more accurate

• They are faster and easier to distribute

• They require specialized equipment

• They are more expensive

In the case study, what was the key symptom that led to suspecting Lassa fever?

• Cough and sore throat

• Severe headache and muscle pain

• High fever and liver enzyme levels

• Rash and stiff joints

What is the significance of confirming a Lassa fever diagnosis?

• The patient can be treated with antibiotics

• The patient must be quarantined to prevent spread

• The patient should change their diet

• The patient can return to work immediately

What is the role of healthcare systems in managing outbreaks?

• To provide entertainment

• To ensure everyone stays healthy

• To reduce the number of doctors

• To increase hospital profits