Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1] Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Prince Tano Djan, BSc, MBChB [2]
Overview
Classification
According to severity of the disease
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Mild
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- Early diagnosis and treatment
- Responds to medical treatment
- Typical clinical presentation
- Good prognosis
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Moderate
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- May present late with typical or atypical symptoms
- May present with complications
- Variable response to treatment
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Severe
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- Presents with complications or prolonged illness
- Immunocompromised
- Common in extremes of age
- Delayed diagnosis and treatment
- Surgical treatment may be required in addition to medical treatment
- Increased morbidity and mortality
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According to the duration of disease
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Acute
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- Lasts few weeks
- Patient acutely ill
- Mostly in HIV-associated patients
- Impaired consciousness
- Seeks medical treatment early due to sudden deterioration
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Subacute
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- Lasts less than 4 weeks
- Patient acutely ill
- Mostly in HIV-associated patients
- Impaired consciousness
- Seeks medical treatment early due to sudden deterioration
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Chronic
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- Lasts more than 4 weeks
- Gradual deterioration of patient
- Prolonged history of atypical symptoms
- Common in older patients
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Recurrent
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- Multiple episodes which lasts less than 4 weeks
- History of incompliance to medication
- immunosuppression may be the underlying cause
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References