short answers
Smallpox is a disease that is thankfully no longer a health concern as it has been eradicated. Briefly describe the symptoms of smallpox. What factors made the eradication of smallpox possible? Identify one other microbe that meets these eradication criteria
Caused by the orthopoxvirus, and spread via respiratory route, causes fever and flu symptoms as well as characteristic Pustules that may be nearly confluent on skin.
Eradication factors: in addition to the fact that symptoms are known and containment is helpful in spreading this disease, there is no animal reservoir, and there is a low cost, effective and stable vaccine
Guinea worm disease, polio, cattle plague
Compare and contrast mycoplasmal pneumonia and viral pneumonia. Give at least two similarities and two differences.
They are both respiratory infections that affect the lungs and although mycoplasmal pneumonias symptoms are less severe they both cause symptoms such as cough, fever and difficulty breathing. They are both transmitted person to person via respiratory droplets.
Mycoplasmal pneumonia is caused by the mycobacterium Mycoplasmal pneumoniae, whereas viral pneumonia is caused by various viruses such as RSV, influenza, adenovirus
Mycoplasmal pneumonia also called walking pneumonia has a gradual onset and can last longer, while viral pneumonia has a rapid onset and the patient presents with more severe symptoms
Species of Staphylococcus and Streptococcus commonly cause skin infections and result in toxic shock syndrome (TSS). Describe the signs and symptoms of TSS. Then, discuss one test that would help differentiate between Staphylococcus and Streptococcus infection including the expected results for each bacterium.
Symptoms: sudden high fever, vomiting, shock, organ failure caused by TSS toxin 1
can do an initial negative stain gram stain to determine shape and arrangement, they are both gram (+)
catalase test- staph is catalase (+), strep (-)
Compare and contrast sporotrichosis and tineas. Give at least four similarities and differences.
They are both fungal infections, they both infect the skin, they are both itchy and they are both treatable. Sporothrix schenckii found in soil and causes sporothrichosis via parenteral route and infects the SUBQ layer of the skin (stratum corneum) while tineas affect the hair, nails and outer epi and are caused by various dermatophytes, and spread via direct contact
Sporotrichosis causes a subcutaneous ulcer that can spread into lymphatic vessels while tineas cause more red, raised circular patches on outer layer of skin
sporotrichosis wounds are treated with potassium iodine and tineas are treated with antifungal topical medications such as clotrimazole
SARS-CoV-2 is a novel virus that has notably caused a worldwide pandemic. Discuss the structure of this virus and how it gains entry into host cells.
Enveloped + (sense) RNA virus
Spike protein attaches to ACE-2 receptors on host cell
ACE-2 is found in heart, lungs, kidneys, and gastrointestinal tract
Makes 8 proteins that block interferon
Briefly describe the procedures and positive results of the tuberculin test and what is indicated by a positive test.
Positive reaction means a current or previous infection. T cells react with purified protein derivative from the TB bacterium and causes a Delayed hypersensitivity induration
Humanherpesvirus-3 (HHV-3) causes two diseases in humans. Name these two diseases and describe their common symptoms. Discuss how each is prevented.
chicken pox and shingles both caused by HHV-3
highly contagious viral infection, Transmitted via the respiratory route
chickenpox is characterized by a widespread, itchy rash and pus-filled vesicles, shingles is latent HHV-3 follows the distribution of affected cutaneous sensory nerves and is Limited to one side of the body
Prevented by herpes zoster vaccine
Epidemiological data show that the use of antibiotics is often followed by cases of vaginosis or vaginitis in women. Explain this finding and identify two microbial species that can cause vaginosis or vaginitis.
Antibiotics can kill or suppress the growth of Lactobacillus, this leads to a decrease in lactic acid production and a rise in vaginal pH. This disruption in the natural balance of the vaginal microbiota can create an opportunity for pathogenic or opportunistic microorganisms to flourish, resulting in vaginosis or vaginitis.
Gardnerella vaginalis and Candida are 2 opportunistic/pathogenic microbial species that ca cause vaginitis and vaginosis
Describe the disease associated with C. difficile infections. Why is this is life-threatening disease? Why does use of antibiotics contribute to the development of C. difficile infections?
Clostridium difficile-Associated Diarrhea can cause a range of symptoms, from mild diarrhea to severe colitis. causing prolonged diarrhea that can lead to dehydration, and severe colitis which can be life threatening.
Antibiotics can kill or suppress the growth of beneficial bacteria, including those that compete with C. difficile for resources and inhibit its overgrowth
C. difficile bacteria are also resistant to many antibiotics, allowing them to survive and multiply even during antibiotic treatment
Two species of Clostridium cause infections that affect the nervous system. Identify these two species and the disease each causes. Describe at least two differences between these two diseases.
Tetanus, spastic paralysis, botulism causes flaccid paralysis
Clostridium tetani is the bacterium responsible for causing tetanus, also known as lockjaw.
Clostridium botulinum is the bacterium that produces the botulinum toxin, causing botulism.
There is a bacterium that can cause epiglottitis, conjunctivitis, and meningitis. Name this bacterial species and discuss its meningitis symptoms. What is the mode of transmission and prevention for this microbe?
Hemophilus influenzae-Meningitis Symptoms caused by Haemophilus influenzae type b
Gram-negative aerobic bacteria; normal throat microbiota, Transmitted via respiratory route
Symptoms include: fever, headache, stiff neck, photophobia, N/V
Prevention through Hib vaccine. Vaccination not only protects vaccinated individuals but also contributes to herd immunity
treated with cephalosporins
Define the term mycotoxin and give two specific examples of mycotoxins and the symptoms associated with exposure to them.
Mycotoxins are toxic compounds produced by certain types of fungi that can contaminate food, crops, and other organic materials.
Aflatoxin poisoning
Mycotoxins produced by Aspergillus flavus, found on peanuts and Causes liver cirrhosis liver cancer
Ergot poisoning
Mycotoxins produced by Claviceps purpurea
Occurs in grains
Restricts blood flow (gangrene) and causes hallucinations