Infectious Disease Overview

Questions and Answers

What is the primary route of infection for the mentioned disease?

Transfusion of infected blood

Via inhalation of spores (correct)

Ingestion of contaminated food

Direct contact with infected persons

Which locations are most commonly associated with the exposure leading to the infection?

Bird roosts and decaying buildings (correct)

Water bodies and swimming pools

Parks and forests

Residential homes and schools

What percentage of pulmonary infections may progress to disseminated disease?

25%

30%

50%

10% (correct)

Which symptom is NOT typically associated with septic shock in disseminated disease?

Skin rashes Signup and view all the answers

What factor may influence the spread of the infection beyond the lungs?

Hematogenous or lymphatic dissemination Signup and view all the answers

Which clinical syndrome is characterized as acute in nature?

Acute respiratory distress Signup and view all the answers

Which demographic is most likely at risk for the infections discussed?

Individuals with compromised immunity Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a potential outcome following the initial infection?

Localized infection Signup and view all the answers

Infections can lead to which of the following sequelae?

Pulmonary infiltrates and acute respiratory distress Signup and view all the answers

What is the most common clinical manifestation of pulmonary infection?

Acute respiratory distress syndrome Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Oral Carriage in Hospitalized Patients

Risk factors include HIV infection, wearing dentures, diabetes, receiving antineoplastic chemotherapy, and antibiotic use.
Children are also at increased risk for oral carriage infections.

Endogenous and Exogenous Infections

Endogenous infections occur when commensal flora exploit opportunities to cause disease.
Exogenous transmission can result from contaminated irrigation solutions, parenteral nutrition fluids, and medical devices like vascular pressure transducers.

Common Species of Candida

C. glabrata is the second most common species identified in North America.
C. parapsilosis and C. tropicalis are predominant in Latin America.

Infections can spread from superficial sites to systemic involvement, affecting multiple organs including the liver, brain, spleen, heart, and kidneys.
Characteristic features include:
- White patches resembling cottage cheese on mucosal surfaces.
- Non-removable pseudomembranes that bleed when scraped.
- Erythematous areas in the oropharynx, potentially extending to the esophagus and gastrointestinal tract.

Specific Candidal Infections

Oral thrush: Presence of thick white patches on the oral mucosa.
Candidal leukoplakia: White thickening of the epithelium in the mouth.
Angular cheilitis: Sore fissures at the corners of the mouth.
Vaginal mucosa infections are common in women.

Occur in moist and occluded areas such as groin, axillae, and between toes.
Onychomycosis may develop, leading to fungal infections of the nails.
Risk increases with recent abdominal surgery or use of indwelling catheters.

Aspergillosis

Primary lesions occur in the lungs with potential hematogenous dissemination to heart valves and the brain.

Mucormycosis

Caused by Mucormycotina fungi, primarily affecting immunocompromised individuals.
Environmental fungi like Mucor spp., Rhizopus spp., and Cunninghamella spp. are culprits.
Major risk factors include neutropenia, diabetes, steroid use, and breaches in skin integrity.
Spores are typically transmitted via air; inhalation is the most common route of infection.

Morphology and Pathology of Mucormycosis

Mucormycetes exhibit nonseptate hyphae, variable in width (6 to 50 µm) with frequent right-angle branching, distinguishable from Aspergillus.
Infections commonly affect the nasal sinuses, lungs, and gastrointestinal tract.

Clinical Manifestations of Mucormycosis

Routes of infection include inhalation, percutaneous exposure, or ingestion of spores.
Symptoms range from localized pulmonary infections to disseminated diseases leading to severe complications such as septic shock with fever, hypotension, and acute respiratory distress.

Description

This quiz focuses on key aspects of infectious diseases, including routes of infection, common exposure locations, and factors influencing disease spread. It also addresses symptoms, including those not typical of septic shock. Test your knowledge on this vital healthcare topic.