Infectious Diseases
AKT High-Yield Breakdown
Infectious diseases in the AKT cover a broad range — from common primary care infections to notifiable diseases, immunisation schedules, sepsis recognition, and travel medicine. The exam tests antibiotic stewardship, knowing when NOT to prescribe, and recognising red flags for serious infection. NICE antimicrobial prescribing guidelines and the UK immunisation schedule (Green Book) are essential reading.
What You'll Learn
Master sepsis recognition, antibiotic stewardship, the UK immunisation schedule, UTI/URTI management, notifiable diseases, and travel medicine essentials for the AKT.
Practise Infectious Diseases MCQs
From notifiable disease reporting and antibiotic stewardship principles to meningococcal prophylaxis, TB contact tracing, HIV indicator conditions, and travel medicine vaccination schedules — tackle focused MCQs across the full Infectious Diseases curriculum.
Sepsis — Recognition & Management (NICE NG51)
Sepsis recognition is critical and frequently tested. The AKT expects you to identify high-risk features and act within the "Sepsis Six" timeframe.
High-Risk Criteria (Red Flag Sepsis)
- Responds only to voice or pain / unresponsive (AVPU)
- Systolic BP ≤90 mmHg (or drop >40 from baseline)
- Heart rate >130 bpm
- Respiratory rate ≥25
- Oxygen saturation <91% on air
- Non-blanching rash / mottled / ashen / cyanotic
- Not passed urine in last 18 hours (or <0.5 ml/kg/hr)
- Lactate ≥2 mmol/L
- Recent chemotherapy
Any ONE red flag = high-risk sepsis. Arrange emergency transfer and give Sepsis Six within 1 hour.
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