Aspergillus and Bordetella pertussis Overview

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Questions and Answers

What is the mortality rate for gastrointestinal anthrax even with treatment?

60%

45%

40% (correct)

85%

Which type of anthrax occurs through inhalation of spores?

Pulmonary/Inhalation Anthrax (correct)

Cutaneous Anthrax

Injection Anthrax

Gastrointestinal Anthrax

What are the mortality rates for untreated pulmonary/inhalation anthrax?

40%

85% (correct)

60%

95%

What is a common characteristic of Bordetella pertussis infection?

Mucus accumulation in the lungs Signup and view all the answers

Bordetella pertussis is primarily found in which part of the human body?

Nasopharyngeal region Signup and view all the answers

Which demographic is most severely affected by whooping cough symptoms?

Infants Signup and view all the answers

How does Bordetella pertussis primarily spread from person to person?

Respiratory droplets Signup and view all the answers

What is the treatment for pulmonary/inhalation anthrax?

Broad spectrum antibiotics Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes cutaneous aspergillosis?

Infection affecting the outer layers of skin, hair, and nails Signup and view all the answers

In which environment is primary cutaneous aspergillosis most likely to begin?

Agricultural or outdoor environments Signup and view all the answers

What is a distinguishing feature of both primary and secondary cutaneous aspergillosis?

Development of eschars or masses of dead skin tissues Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a common site for Aspergillus infections in healthcare settings?

Chronic open fractures Signup and view all the answers

What is the most common treatment for cutaneous aspergillosis?

Fungal medication or surgery Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about opportunistic Aspergillus infections is true?

They can lead to allergy-like reactions. Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of Aspergillus in the ecosystem?

Decomposer breaking down dead organic matter Signup and view all the answers

How is respiratory aspergillosis commonly diagnosed?

Patient history and culture tests Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary method for diagnosing Histoplasmosis?

Serological tests and chest radiographs Signup and view all the answers

How does Histoplasmosis exist in the environment?

As mold that converts to yeast within the human body Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following groups is most at risk for severe symptoms of Histoplasmosis?

Immunocompromised individuals Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes the skin warts caused by HPV?

They can present as common warts on fingers and feet Signup and view all the answers

What type of pathogens are dermatophytes?

Fungi Signup and view all the answers

Which transmission method for HPV is considered the most common?

Direct skin-to-skin contact during sexual activity Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following conditions is NOT caused by dermatophytes?

Psoriasis Signup and view all the answers

What is a common symptom of Histoplasmosis?

Fever and chest discomfort Signup and view all the answers

How does HPV persist in the host?

It can remain asymptomatic for long periods. Signup and view all the answers

Which location is most likely to promote the growth of dermatophytes?

Warm, moist environments Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a method for diagnosing tinea infections?

Skin scraping Signup and view all the answers

What types of warts are associated with HPV?

Plantar warts and common warts Signup and view all the answers

What is a common way that secondary bacterial infections may occur?

Due to open wounds from thorns or splinters Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following tinea types affects the scalp?

Tinea capitis Signup and view all the answers

How can direct contact result in the spread of dermatophyte infections?

Via skin-to-skin contact Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following are genres of dermatophytes?

Trichophyton, Epidermophyton, and Microsporum Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the capsule in S.pneumoniae?

It helps the bacteria evade phagocytosis. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is TRUE about encapsulated strains of S.pneumoniae?

They are more likely to invade the bloodstream. Signup and view all the answers

What significant discovery did Frederick Griffith make in 1928 regarding S.pneumoniae?

He identified that DNA was the genetic material responsible for bacterial transformation. Signup and view all the answers

What condition can S.pneumoniae NOT cause?

Tuberculosis Signup and view all the answers

How does S.pneumoniae exhibit antibiotic resistance?

By altering penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs). Signup and view all the answers

Which age group is predominantly affected by AOM caused by encapsulated strains of S.pneumoniae?

Neonates and children under 14. Signup and view all the answers

In terms of infection, what does 'community-acquired pneumonia' refer to?

Pneumonia that is contracted in a community setting. Signup and view all the answers

What type of infections is S.pneumoniae mostly responsible for?

Respiratory infections and other systemic infections. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Aspergillus

Filamentous fungus often found in soil, dust, and decaying organic matter
Common cause of opportunistic infections in healthcare settings
Can cause cutaneous aspergillosis (infection of the skin, hair, and nails)
- Primary cutaneous aspergillosis starts at the site of injury, often in outdoor environments.
- Secondary cutaneous aspergillosis starts in the respiratory system and spreads systemically.
- Results in eschars (masses of dead skin tissue).
Can cause respiratory aspergillosis (allergy-like reactions, undulating band)
Second most common fungal healthcare-associated infection (HAI) after candidiasis.
Affects immunocompromised individuals.
Gastrointestinal aspergillosis has a 40% mortality rate, even with treatment.
Pulmonary/Inhalation aspergillosis occurs when spores are inhaled.
- Causes flu-like symptoms with a mortality rate of 45% (treated) and 85% (untreated).

Bordetella pertussis

Causes pertussis (whooping cough)
Characterized by mucus accumulation in the lungs, severe coughing, and inflamed restricted airways.
Highly communicable through droplet transmission.
Mostly affects infants and children.
Coughing can cause rib fractures and prolonged coughing can lead to death.
Can infect adults but symptoms are less pronounced.

Histoplasmosis

Caused by the fungus Histoplasma capsulatum.
Exists as a mold in the environment and converts to a yeast form in the human body.
Common in the Mississippi Valley, South America, Africa, Asia, and Australia.
Not transmitted from human to human, but high exposures can occur within communities.
Symptoms include fever, headache, weakness, and chest discomfort.
Focal infections cause granulomatous lesions (immune response) leading to calcification.
Can become chronic with reactivations and spread to lymph nodes, blood, liver, or spleen.
Affects young, elderly, and immunocompromised individuals.

Human Papillomavirus (HPV)

Most common STI in the United States.
Over 200 different strands, with 40 causing STIs.
Transmitted through direct contact, most often during sexual activity (vaginal, anal, or oral).
Can be transmitted through non-sexual contact with contaminated surfaces (rare).
Can be passed vertically from mother to child during childbirth.
Infects only humans, targeting epithelial cells of the skin and mucous membranes.
Presents as skin warts and genital warts.
Can persist long-term, often asymptomatic, and later progress to diseases like cancer.

Streptococcus pneumoniae

Gram-positive diplococcus that causes pneumonia and other respiratory infections.
Can cause meningitis, septicemia, osteomyelitis, and endocarditis, especially in newborns, elderly, and immunocompromised individuals.
Colonizes the upper respiratory tract of healthy individuals without causing disease.
Encapsulated strains are more virulent and can invade the bloodstream, causing septicemia and meningitis.
One of the main causes of community-acquired pneumonia.
One of the main causes of acute otitis media (AOM) in neonates, older infants, and children under 14.
Identified through cultures or serotyping.
Treatable with antibiotics and preventable with vaccines.

Tinea

Group of cutaneous mycoses (skin infections) caused by dermatophytes.
Dermatophytes are fungal molds that require keratin (found in skin, hair, and nails).
Transmitted through direct contact with infected individuals or contaminated surfaces.
Thrive in warm, moist environments like locker rooms, swimming pools, and showers.
Found in soil, on animals, and on human skin, persisting in dead skin cells.
Different types of tinea affect specific areas of the body.
- Tinea corporis (body)
- Tinea capitis (scalp)
- Tinea pedis (feet)
- Tinea barbae (beard)
- Tinea cruris (groin)
- Tinea unguium (nails)
Diagnosed with a Wood's UV lamp (tineas glow fluorescent) or direct specimen samples from skin scrapings, hairs, or nails.

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Description

Explore the characteristics and impacts of Aspergillus and Bordetella pertussis. This quiz covers the infections caused by these organisms, their symptoms, and their effects on immunocompromised individuals. Test your knowledge on these important pathogens in healthcare settings.