Bacterial Infections: Anthrax Overview

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Questions and Answers

What is the shape and arrangement of Neisseria species bacteria?

Diplococci in pairs (correct)

Spirilla in pairs

Cocci in chains

Bacilli in clusters

What is the initial presentation of cutaneous anthrax?

Ulceration and hemorrhage

A rash with systemic symptoms

A painful, inflamed sore

A pustule that develops into a vesicle (correct)

Which specific Neisseria species is known to attach to the epithelial cells of the nasopharynx?

Neisseria gonorrhoeae

Neisseria meningitidis (correct)

Neisseria lactamica

Neisseria sicca

In what form does Bacillus anthracis typically appear in tissue samples?

Gram-positive bacilli Signup and view all the answers

Where is cutaneous anthrax classically found?

Hands, forearm, or head Signup and view all the answers

What condition is indicated by massive subepidermal edema?

Antrax exposure Signup and view all the answers

What is the characteristic of cutaneous anthrax lesions?

Painless with a black eschar Signup and view all the answers

Where is Bacillus anthracis typically found in patients who succumbed to inhalation anthrax?

Subcapsular sinus Signup and view all the answers

What is a common symptom of respiratory or inhalation anthrax?

Fever and dyspnea Signup and view all the answers

What is the mortality rate associated with respiratory anthrax?

90% mortality rate Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a characteristic of Neisseria species?

They are usually found inside white blood cells Signup and view all the answers

Which finding is characteristic of the x-ray associated with inhalation anthrax?

Symmetric widening of mediastinum Signup and view all the answers

What is the main clinical concern with inhalation anthrax?

Respiratory failure Signup and view all the answers

Which option best describes the relationship between Neisseria meningitidis and the respiratory system?

It attaches to epithelial cells of the nasopharynx. Signup and view all the answers

What histologic feature is associated with the lungs in respiratory anthrax?

Perihilar interstitial pneumonia Signup and view all the answers

In terms of morphology, how are Bacillus anthracis and Neisseria species differentiated?

Bacillus anthracis is bacilli, Neisseria is diplococci. Signup and view all the answers

What is a key microscopic finding in the mediastinal lymph nodes during inhalation anthrax?

Lymphocytosis and macrophages Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of Bacillus anthracis being found in the subcapsular sinus?

It is a hallmark of fatal inhalation anthrax. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a macroscopic finding in respiratory anthrax?

Symmetrical swelling of tissues Signup and view all the answers

What is a common characteristic of Neisseria gonorrhoeae infection in males?

Asymptomatic Signup and view all the answers

What type of purpura is defined as 3 mm or more areas of hemorrhage?

Ecchymoses Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential complication in children caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae?

Gonococcal ophthalmia neonatorum Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic hemorrhagic manifestation of Neisseria meningitidis infection?

Waterhouse-Friderichsen Syndrome Signup and view all the answers

Which process allows Neisseria species to escape the immune response?

Antigenic variation Signup and view all the answers

What is a common initial route of entry for Neisseria meningitidis into the body?

Upper respiratory tract Signup and view all the answers

What condition is characterized by symptoms associated with septic arthritis due to gonococcal infection?

Disseminated gonococcal disease Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary site for Neisseria meningitidis colonization in the body?

Mucous membranes of the nasopharynx Signup and view all the answers

In adults, which infections can infrequently occur due to Neisseria gonorrhoeae?

Meningitis and eye infections Signup and view all the answers

What is the clinical result of emboli of meningococci in severe cases?

Vasculitic purpura Signup and view all the answers

Which symptom is commonly associated with secondary tuberculosis?

Hemoptysis Signup and view all the answers

What is the gold standard for diagnosing pulmonary tuberculosis?

Culture Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a likely cause of pleuritic pain in tuberculosis?

Extension of the infection in the pleura Signup and view all the answers

What does the interferon release assay detect in tuberculosis diagnosis?

Release of gamma-interferon Signup and view all the answers

What is a common effect of IL-1 and TNF production in tuberculosis patients?

Low grade fever Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary lesion site in males affected by chancroid?

Penis Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a symptom of necrotizing pneumonia?

Hemorrhagic skin lesions Signup and view all the answers

Which finding is typically not a symptom of secondary tuberculosis?

Increased energy Signup and view all the answers

What is the typical appearance of the ulcer caused by chancroid?

Tender, red papule that ulcerates Signup and view all the answers

What type of bacteria is primarily involved in causing chancroid?

Haemophilus ducreyi Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following features characterizes lesions in necrotizing pneumonia?

Fleur-de-lis pattern Signup and view all the answers

What type of exudate covers the base of ulcers in chancroid?

Shaggy yellow exudate Signup and view all the answers

In which population is the primary chancroid lesion typically found in the vagina?

Females Signup and view all the answers

What is a common complication associated with Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections?

Meningitis Signup and view all the answers

What type of infection can Pseudomonas aeruginosa cause in burn wounds?

Bacterial infection Signup and view all the answers

What is the initial appearance of a lesion caused by chancroid?

Tender, red papule Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Cutaneous Anthrax

Starts as a pustule that turns into a vesicle
The vesicle ruptures, revealing a black eschar at the base and an inflammatory ring around the eschar
Commonly found on hands, forearms, or head
Painless

Respiratory or Inhalation Anthrax

Known as Woolsorter's disease
90% mortality rate
Characteristic x-ray: symmetric widening of mediastinum with mediastinitis

Macroscopic Findings

Lungs: pleural effusion, pulmonary edema
Mediastinum: hemorrhagic mediastinitis
Hilar and Mediastinal lymph nodes: hemorrhagic lymphadenitis

Microscopic Findings

Lungs: perihilar interstitial pneumonia infiltrated by macrophages and neutrophils, pulmonary vasculitis.
Mediastinal lymph nodes: lymphocytosis, macrophages with phagocytosed apoptotic lymphocytes, fibrin-rich edema fluids.

Gram-Negative Bacterial Infections

Neisseria species: gram-negative diplococci, usually occurring in pairs with or inside WBCs
Neisseria meningitidis: attach to epithelial cells of the nasopharynx
Neisseria gonorrheae: attach to epithelial cells of mucous membranes of the GUT, eye, rectum, and throat

Infections and Diseases caused by Neisseria species

Neisseria meningitidis: bacterial meningitis, meningococcemia
Neisseria gonorrheae:
- Male: Urethritis or asymptomatic
- Female: symptomatic
- Children: Gonococcal ophthalmia neonatorum
- Individuals who lack the complement protein that form the membrane attack complex: Disseminated gonococcal disease (gonococcal arthritis-dermatitis syndrome)
- Uncommon: Meningitis and eye infections in adults

Pathogenesis of Meningococcal Infection

Meningococci (N. meningitidis) enter the body via the upper respiratory tract and conjunctiva.
Colonize the mucous membranes of the nasopharynx.
Disseminate through the bloodstream.
Infect meninges (meningitis), eyes (conjunctivitis), skin, lungs (pneumonia), pericardium (purulent pericarditis), joints (septic arthritis).

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Description

This quiz covers key characteristics of cutaneous and respiratory anthrax, including clinical presentations and microbiological findings. Learn about the macroscopic and microscopic findings associated with anthrax infections and related gram-negative bacteria. It is an essential resource for understanding these serious infections.