The patient is a 30-year-old male who presents to the Emergency Department with a recent travel history to Africa where he spent 6 months as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Uganda. His chief complaint is fevers, headache, myalgias, and shaking chills. T 39.6°C (103.3°F). The patient was admitted for observation and further work-up. The patient had documented episodes of fever and chills approximately 3 times a day. Based on this information, which of the following laboratory tests would confirm your diagnostic suspicion?

Clinical manifestations of botulism typically include a descending symmetric flaccid paralysis.

A woman presents to your office after a 6-month sabbatical during which she worked in caves in the eastern part of South America. The patient reports fever, chills, productive cough, and joint stiffness that started 1 month before her return. Physical exam reveals 3 ulcerated lesions on her inner cheek. Which of the following is the most appropriate treatment for this patient?

Which of the following statements best describes the relationship between varicella and herpes zoster?

This type of atypical mycobacterium is found in fresh water or salt water; infection occurs following exposure of a skin or soft tissue injury to the organism, often in a fish tank or other marine animal setting, and typically results in granuloma formation.

Primary infection with this organism in immunocompetent persons typically follows ingestion of raw or undercooked meat. Although most acute infections are asymptomatic, some patients present with a mild febrile illness resembling infectious mononucleosis. What is the most likely causative pathogen for this illness?

Which of the following statements regarding diphtheria is TRUE?

A 30-year-old woman presents with a 4-day history of extreme vulvar pruritus and vaginal discharge. The discharge is thick and white, moderate in amount, without associated foul odor. Her PMH is significant for poorly controlled diabetes for 2 years. On external exam, the vulva is erythematous with excoriations and presence of white plaques on the vaginal walls. The diagnosis was confirmed by examination of the wet-mount preparation of the discharge. Which of the following interventions is the most appropriate treatment for this patient?

A 3-year-old girl presents with a 1-day history of irritability and weakness in her legs. Neurologic exam reveals an ascending symmetrical paralysis with cranial neuropathy. A lumbar puncture is performed and cerebrospinal fluid is found to have a normal glucose level,

A 54-year-old male with HIV presents to the Emergency Department with worsening dry cough, now with increasing shortness of breath. He is currently on antiretroviral therapy. On exam, his temperature is 98.4°F (36.9°C), blood pressure is 124/83 mmHg, pulse is 110/min, respirations are 24/min, and oxygen saturation is 91% on room air. Diffuse crackles are present upon auscultation of bilateral lungs. His most recent CD4 cell count is 140/mm3 and an arterial blood gas reveals a PaO2 of 60 mmHg. CXR is noted to have extensive interstitial infiltrates. Which of the following is the most appropriate treatment for the patient at this time?