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A public health initiative aims to reduce the incidence of whooping cough in a community with historically low vaccination rates. What is the MOST effective strategy, based on the information provided, to achieve this goal?
A public health initiative aims to reduce the incidence of whooping cough in a community with historically low vaccination rates. What is the MOST effective strategy, based on the information provided, to achieve this goal?
- Administering tetracycline to all residents exhibiting mild respiratory symptoms, regardless of vaccination status, to prevent potential _Bordetella pertussis_ infections.
- Distributing human hyperimmune pertussis globulin to the elderly population to boost their immunity and protect them from severe complications of the disease.
- Quarantining all unimmunized children for the first four weeks of any reported whooping cough case within the community to prevent potential spread.
- Implementing a widespread awareness campaign emphasizing the importance of vaccination, coupled with accessible and affordable immunization programs for children and adults. (correct)
A researcher is investigating the pathogenesis of Bordetella pertussis. Which virulence factor would be MOST crucial for the bacteria to initially colonize the respiratory epithelium and establish infection?
A researcher is investigating the pathogenesis of Bordetella pertussis. Which virulence factor would be MOST crucial for the bacteria to initially colonize the respiratory epithelium and establish infection?
- The expression of specific adhesins that bind to receptors on the surface of respiratory epithelial cells, enabling the bacteria to attach and initiate infection. (correct)
- The ability to produce a capsule that inhibits phagocytosis by immune cells, allowing for increased bacterial survival in the host.
- The production of siderophores that scavenge iron from the host, providing the bacteria with essential nutrients for growth and proliferation.
- The secretion of a toxin that directly damages the ciliated cells of the respiratory epithelium, facilitating bacterial adherence and colonization.
In a clinical setting, differentiating between Bordetella pertussis and Bordetella parapertussis infections is crucial for appropriate patient management. What is the MOST direct method to definitively distinguish between these two closely related bacterial species?
In a clinical setting, differentiating between Bordetella pertussis and Bordetella parapertussis infections is crucial for appropriate patient management. What is the MOST direct method to definitively distinguish between these two closely related bacterial species?
- Observing the patient's clinical symptoms, as _B. parapertussis_ infections typically present with a milder cough and absence of the characteristic 'whooping' sound.
- Conducting a Gram stain of the bacterial isolate, as _B. pertussis_ appears as a Gram-negative coccobacillus while _B. parapertussis_ appears as a Gram-positive coccus.
- Analyzing the patient's complete blood count (CBC) results, as _B. pertussis_ infections typically exhibit a higher white blood cell count compared to _B. parapertussis_ infections.
- Performing a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay targeting species-specific DNA sequences to detect unique genetic markers for each bacterium. (correct)
A patient presents with symptoms suggestive of whooping cough, but their initial nasopharyngeal swab result comes back negative for Bordetella pertussis via PCR. However, suspicion remains high due to the characteristic paroxysmal cough. What is the MOST appropriate next step in managing this patient?
A patient presents with symptoms suggestive of whooping cough, but their initial nasopharyngeal swab result comes back negative for Bordetella pertussis via PCR. However, suspicion remains high due to the characteristic paroxysmal cough. What is the MOST appropriate next step in managing this patient?
During an outbreak of whooping cough in a community, public health officials are deciding on the MOST effective strategy to prevent further spread, particularly among vulnerable populations. Considering the limitations of each approach, what intervention would provide the GREATEST overall benefit?
During an outbreak of whooping cough in a community, public health officials are deciding on the MOST effective strategy to prevent further spread, particularly among vulnerable populations. Considering the limitations of each approach, what intervention would provide the GREATEST overall benefit?
A researcher is studying the genetic differences between Bordetella pertussis strains isolated from different geographic regions. Which molecular technique would provide the MOST comprehensive data for comparing the entire genomes of these strains and identifying variations that may contribute to differences in virulence or antibiotic resistance?
A researcher is studying the genetic differences between Bordetella pertussis strains isolated from different geographic regions. Which molecular technique would provide the MOST comprehensive data for comparing the entire genomes of these strains and identifying variations that may contribute to differences in virulence or antibiotic resistance?
Flashcards
Gram-Negative Bacteria
Gram-Negative Bacteria
Bacteria that do not retain the crystal violet stain, appearing pink or pale red after staining.
Bordetella pertussis
Bordetella pertussis
A bacterium in the family Alcaligenaceae that causes whooping cough (pertussis).
Catarrhal Phase
Catarrhal Phase
Initial stage of whooping cough, lasting 1-2 weeks, marked by low-grade fever, rhinorrhea, and progressive cough.
Whooping Cough (Pertussis)
Whooping Cough (Pertussis)
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Tetracycline, Erythromycin & Chloramphenicol
Tetracycline, Erythromycin & Chloramphenicol
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Pertussis Prevention
Pertussis Prevention
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Study Notes
- Gram-negative bacteria do not retain the crystal violet stain.
- Final stain is pink or pale red.
Bordetella
- Belongs to the genus Bordetella in the family Alcaligenaceae.
- Contains several species of closely related bacteria with similar morphology.
- B. pertussis and B. parapertussis cause whooping cough (pertussis) in humans.
Clinical manifestations
- Incubation period of 1 to 2 weeks.
Catarrhal phase
- Lasts 1-2 weeks
- Whooping cough begins.
- Characterized by low-grade fever, rhinorrhea, and progressive cough.
- Patient is highly infectious.
Prevention and control
- Tetracycline, erythromycin, and chloramphenicol can be used.
- Human hyperimmune pertussis globulin is still used occasionally.
- Susceptible children should have no contact with pertussis patients during the first 4 weeks of illness.
- Isolation is often difficult.
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Description
Bordetella is a genus of bacteria that includes species like B. pertussis and B. parapertussis, agents of whooping cough. The infection manifests in stages, with the catarrhal phase being highly infectious. Prevention involves antibiotics and limiting contact with infected individuals.
