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I am interested in the multifactorial process about infectious diseases of the lower respiratory system and their progression to a skin infection. Possible agens are zwitterions, viruses, fungi, amoebas, bacteria and/or parasites.

Zwitterions

Small protein segments, much unknown but their importance is much greater than known.

Viruses

Parvovirus B19

  • Example of a case: 5 children develop a bright red rash on the face and turns violet after a few days and then disappears. Then maculopapular rash appears on the trunk, buttocks and extremities. It soon fades from the trunk but persists on the thights and forearms. Two children have also had a slight fever and a sore throat, but all were not terribly sick. What is the genetic material of the most likely causative agent?
  • It is a skin infection. Not so severe. Little upper respiratory infection but not necessary caused by the agent. Infects many so spread probably by respiratory droplets. **But how a respiratory infection can lead to a skin infection?*

Bacteria

....

Amoebas

...

Fungi

....

Parasites

...

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    $\begingroup$ I don't have the time to answer this now, but you're thinking about it just in the context of the question which is limiting. Check out Mycoplasma pneumoniae. $\endgroup$
    – Atl LED
    Aug 23, 2013 at 3:10
  • $\begingroup$ So, my question is are we limiting ourselves to the example case, which seems to have nothing to do with respiratory infection (unless it's measles, but the statement "not terribly sick" somewhat precludes this, and the measles rash turn dark brown, not violet). Or are we just generically asking the question "how can a respiratory infection lead to a skin infection." which is very different. I also don't see what your attempt to answer the question has been. $\endgroup$
    – Atl LED
    Sep 19, 2016 at 14:18
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    $\begingroup$ cf. Parvo, Erythema infectiosum, Rubella, and viremia. You're going to have to give me more before I'm enticed to come back. $\endgroup$
    – Atl LED
    Sep 19, 2016 at 14:31
  • $\begingroup$ Have you determined the the most likely causative agent first? This still feels like a homework question that hasn't been addressed fully. I've given you 4 different respiratory infections that causes rashes (M. pneumoniae, measles, parvo, and rubella). Start with figuring out the causative agent, then ask the question, "How does [P] pathogen cause a rash?" If you show your effort in answering that, and have trouble, I'd be happy to come back and help. $\endgroup$
    – Atl LED
    Sep 19, 2016 at 14:38
  • $\begingroup$ Perhaps we should continue the discussion in chat? $\endgroup$
    – Atl LED
    Sep 19, 2016 at 14:46

1 Answer 1

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One might argue that since replication takes place in erythroblasts (Brown, Anderson, & Young, 1993), that it's not actually a respiratory infection either. Fluids are simply more hospitable to the virus and more transmissible.

As for the rash, perhaps it is because the P antigen receptor that erythrovirus uses to infect erythroblasts is also expressed on endothelial cells, like those in skin (and alveolar) capillaries .

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