Paediatric infections
Fever in children, respiratory infections, rashes, gastroenteritis and serious bacterial infection.
High-yield points
Febrile infant under 3 months: low threshold for full septic work-up (blood, urine and often CSF) and IV antibiotics.
Bronchiolitis: supportive care (oxygen if SpO2 below 90-92%, feeding support); salbutamol, steroids and antibiotics do not help.
Croup: oral dexamethasone (0.15 mg/kg) or prednisolone for all severities; nebulised adrenaline for severe stridor at rest.
Kawasaki disease: fever 5 days or more plus 4 of 5 features (conjunctivitis, oral changes, rash, extremity changes, cervical lymphadenopathy); IVIG and aspirin to prevent coronary aneurysms.
Meningococcal disease: non-blanching rash in an unwell child, give IV/IM benzylpenicillin or ceftriaxone immediately.
Gastroenteritis: oral rehydration first; a single dose of ondansetron can help children tolerate fluids.
UTI in children: always collect a proper urine sample (clean catch, catheter or suprapubic aspirate) before antibiotics.
Measles: fever, cough, coryza, conjunctivitis then rash; highly infectious and notifiable.
India vs Australia
Where the answer the AMC marks correct differs from what’s usually taught in Indian MBBS.
| Aspect | India (MBBS)What you learn in MBBS | Australia (AMC)What the exam marks as correct |
|---|---|---|
| Common serious infections | Dengue, malaria, typhoid, measles and TB. | Mostly imported. Focus on sepsis, meningitis, UTI and bronchiolitis. Measles is usually linked to travel. |
| Bronchiolitis | Nebulised salbutamol and antibiotics are common. | Supportive care only: no salbutamol, steroids or antibiotics. Oxygen and fluids as needed. Infant RSV immunisation programs exist. |
| Skin sores and strep | Treated as a skin problem. | In remote First Nations communities, treat impetigo and scabies (co-trimoxazole or benzathine penicillin) to prevent rheumatic fever and kidney disease. |
| Febrile young infant | Clinical judgement and blood tests. | Largely the same: low threshold for a full septic workup under 3 months (RCH guidelines). |
Common serious infections
India (MBBS)
Dengue, malaria, typhoid, measles and TB.
Australia (AMC): what the exam expects
Mostly imported. Focus on sepsis, meningitis, UTI and bronchiolitis. Measles is usually linked to travel.
Bronchiolitis
India (MBBS)
Nebulised salbutamol and antibiotics are common.
Australia (AMC): what the exam expects
Supportive care only: no salbutamol, steroids or antibiotics. Oxygen and fluids as needed. Infant RSV immunisation programs exist.
Skin sores and strep
India (MBBS)
Treated as a skin problem.
Australia (AMC): what the exam expects
In remote First Nations communities, treat impetigo and scabies (co-trimoxazole or benzathine penicillin) to prevent rheumatic fever and kidney disease.
Febrile young infant
India (MBBS)
Clinical judgement and blood tests.
Australia (AMC): what the exam expects
Largely the same: low threshold for a full septic workup under 3 months (RCH guidelines).
The Australian context
Group A streptococcal skin and throat infections and scabies are common in remote Aboriginal communities and lead to acute rheumatic fever and post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis. Treating skin sores (often with co-trimoxazole or benzathine penicillin) is prevention, not just skin care.