Infectious Diseases (Part 2: Main Diseases)

Meningococcemia?

Cause: Caused by Neisseria meningitidis bacteria. Pathogenesis: The bacteria enter the bloodstream and release toxins that cause widespread inflammation and damage to blood vessels. Main Symptoms: Sudden fever, chills, rash (often purple spots), rapid breathing, low blood pressure, and shock. Bacteria: Neisseria meningitidis.

Pneumonia?

Cause: Caused by bacteria like Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, or viruses. Pathogenesis: Infection causes inflammation in the lungs, leading to fluid accumulation and difficulty breathing. Main Symptoms: Cough, fever, shortness of breath, chest pain, fatigue. Bacteria: Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, Mycoplasma pneumoniae.

Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS)

Cause: Caused by toxins produced by Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus pyogenes. Pathogenesis: Bacteria release toxins that cause widespread inflammation, leading to shock and organ failure. Main Symptoms: High fever, low blood pressure, rash (often resembling sunburn), confusion, organ failure. Bacteria: Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes.

Scalded Skin Syndrome?

Cause: Caused by Staphylococcus aureus. Pathogenesis: The bacteria produce toxins that cause the skin to peel off in large sheets, resembling a burn. Main Symptoms: Redness, blisters, and peeling skin, especially in newborns. Bacteria: Staphylococcus aureus. Signup and view all the answers

Food Poisoning?

Cause: Caused by various bacteria like Salmonella, Escherichia coli, and Clostridium perfringens. Pathogenesis: Bacteria grow in contaminated food and produce toxins that cause digestive issues. Main Symptoms: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramps, fever. Bacteria: Salmonella, Escherichia coli, Clostridium perfringens. Signup and view all the answers

Neonatal Pneumonia?

Cause: Caused by bacteria like Group B Streptococcus, Escherichia coli, or Listeria monocytogenes. Pathogenesis: Infection from birth or during delivery leads to inflammation in the newborn’s lungs. Main Symptoms: Rapid breathing, fever, lethargy, poor feeding. Bacteria: Group B Streptococcus, Escherichia coli, Listeria monocytogenes. Signup and view all the answers

Sepsis?

Cause: Often caused by Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, or Streptococcus pneumoniae. Pathogenesis: The body’s extreme response to an infection leads to widespread inflammation, organ failure, and shock. Main Symptoms: Fever, rapid heart rate, confusion, low blood pressure, organ failure. Bacteria: Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Streptococcus pneumoniae. Signup and view all the answers

Meningitis?

Cause: Caused by Neisseria meningitidis, Streptococcus pneumoniae, or Haemophilus influenzae. Pathogenesis: The bacteria infect the protective membranes around the brain and spinal cord, causing inflammation. Main Symptoms: Severe headache, stiff neck, fever, sensitivity to light, confusion. Bacteria: Neisseria meningitidis, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae. Signup and view all the answers

Septic Shock?

Cause: Caused by a severe infection, typically from bacteria like Escherichia coli or Staphylococcus aureus. Pathogenesis: The infection spreads throughout the body, releasing toxins that cause a drastic drop in blood pressure and organ failure. Main Symptoms: Rapid heartbeat, low blood pressure, confusion, organ failure. Bacteria: Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus. Signup and view all the answers

Pneumococcal Infections?

Cause: Caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria. Pathogenesis: The bacteria invade the lungs, bloodstream, or other organs, causing inflammation and infection. Main Symptoms: Cough, fever, chest pain, difficulty breathing, confusion. Bacteria: Streptococcus pneumoniae. Signup and view all the answers

Foodborne Infections?

Cause: Caused by various bacteria like Salmonella, Campylobacter, or Escherichia coli. Pathogenesis: Infection through contaminated food, leading to gastrointestinal inflammation and symptoms. Main Symptoms: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramps. Bacteria: Salmonella, Campylobacter, Escherichia coli. Signup and view all the answers

Gas Gangrene?

Cause: Caused by Clostridium perfringens. Pathogenesis: The bacteria infect wounds, producing toxins that cause tissue death and gas production. Main Symptoms: Severe pain, swelling, tissue death (necrosis), gas bubbles under the skin. Bacteria: Clostridium perfringens. Signup and view all the answers

Lyme Disease?

Cause: Caused by Borrelia burgdorferi bacteria. Pathogenesis: Transmitted through tick bites, the bacteria cause infection in skin, joints, and nervous system. Main Symptoms: Bull's-eye rash, fever, fatigue, joint pain, neurological symptoms. Bacteria: Borrelia burgdorferi. Signup and view all the answers

Cholera?

Cause: Caused by Vibrio cholerae bacteria. Pathogenesis: The bacteria produce toxins that cause the intestines to release large amounts of water, leading to dehydration. Main Symptoms: Severe watery diarrhea, vomiting, dehydration, muscle cramps. Bacteria: Vibrio cholerae. Signup and view all the answers

Cat Scratch Disease?

Cause: Caused by Bartonella henselae bacteria. Pathogenesis: The bacteria are transmitted through scratches or bites from infected cats, causing lymph node swelling and infection. Main Symptoms: Swollen lymph nodes, fever, fatigue, and sometimes skin lesions. Bacteria: Bartonella henselae. Signup and view all the answers