Podcast
Questions and Answers
Which of the following is NOT one of Koch’s Postulates?
Which of the following is NOT one of Koch’s Postulates?
What is described as a crucial step in confirming a microbial infection according to Koch's Postulates?
What is described as a crucial step in confirming a microbial infection according to Koch's Postulates?
In the context of Koch's Postulates, which statement best describes the relationship between the host and the pathogen?
In the context of Koch's Postulates, which statement best describes the relationship between the host and the pathogen?
Which of the following methods could challenge the second postulate regarding the isolation of pathogens?
Which of the following methods could challenge the second postulate regarding the isolation of pathogens?
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Which aspect of pathogen transmission is emphasized in Koch's Postulates?
Which aspect of pathogen transmission is emphasized in Koch's Postulates?
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What process describes how an organism spreads within a population?
What process describes how an organism spreads within a population?
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What is the first step for a microorganism in causing an infection?
What is the first step for a microorganism in causing an infection?
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Which of the following is a primary reason for identifying the organism causing a disease?
Which of the following is a primary reason for identifying the organism causing a disease?
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Which method involves removing or killing pathogens after an infection?
Which method involves removing or killing pathogens after an infection?
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In host-pathogen interactions, which factor is crucial for the pathogen to successfully establish an infection?
In host-pathogen interactions, which factor is crucial for the pathogen to successfully establish an infection?
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What was one significant finding from Koch's research on anthrax?
What was one significant finding from Koch's research on anthrax?
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What is one common mode of pathogen transmission?
What is one common mode of pathogen transmission?
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Which method did Koch use to demonstrate that Bacillus anthracis caused anthrax?
Which method did Koch use to demonstrate that Bacillus anthracis caused anthrax?
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What is one of the key aspects of infectious disease discussed?
What is one of the key aspects of infectious disease discussed?
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Which technique is often used for identifying specific microorganisms in a laboratory?
Which technique is often used for identifying specific microorganisms in a laboratory?
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What does the ability of a microorganism to cause disease primarily depend on?
What does the ability of a microorganism to cause disease primarily depend on?
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What is a critical step in eliminating an organism after an infection?
What is a critical step in eliminating an organism after an infection?
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How did Koch confirm the presence of bacterial cells in infected blood?
How did Koch confirm the presence of bacterial cells in infected blood?
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In the context of host-pathogen interaction, which statement is accurate?
In the context of host-pathogen interaction, which statement is accurate?
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Which of the following refers to how a microorganism spreads throughout a population?
Which of the following refers to how a microorganism spreads throughout a population?
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What type of bacteria is Bacillus anthracis classified as?
What type of bacteria is Bacillus anthracis classified as?
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What is a significant characteristic of spore-forming bacteria like Bacillus anthracis?
What is a significant characteristic of spore-forming bacteria like Bacillus anthracis?
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What type of genes are primarily found on bacterial plasmids?
What type of genes are primarily found on bacterial plasmids?
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How does Bacillus anthracis commonly infect animals after spore germination?
How does Bacillus anthracis commonly infect animals after spore germination?
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What happened to Gruinard Island after the anthrax testing in 1942?
What happened to Gruinard Island after the anthrax testing in 1942?
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Why do bacteria typically lack introns in their genetic structure?
Why do bacteria typically lack introns in their genetic structure?
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What is the primary method by which bacteria can acquire new genetic material?
What is the primary method by which bacteria can acquire new genetic material?
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What type of organisms can survive in soil for extended periods of time due to their sporulating ability?
What type of organisms can survive in soil for extended periods of time due to their sporulating ability?
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How do bacterial genomes typically compare to those of eukaryotes?
How do bacterial genomes typically compare to those of eukaryotes?
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What was the immediate effect of the anthrax testing conducted on Gruinard Island in 1942?
What was the immediate effect of the anthrax testing conducted on Gruinard Island in 1942?
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What does the ability of bacteria to respond quickly to environmental changes primarily involve?
What does the ability of bacteria to respond quickly to environmental changes primarily involve?
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What role do plasmids play in bacterial conjugation?
What role do plasmids play in bacterial conjugation?
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Which statement best describes bacteriophages?
Which statement best describes bacteriophages?
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What process allows for the transfer of DNA from one bacterium to another via a bacteriophage?
What process allows for the transfer of DNA from one bacterium to another via a bacteriophage?
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Which of the following describes a therapeutic application of bacteriophages?
Which of the following describes a therapeutic application of bacteriophages?
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What is a common characteristic of Gram-negative bacteria?
What is a common characteristic of Gram-negative bacteria?
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Which characteristic is unique to endospores?
Which characteristic is unique to endospores?
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What aspect of bacterial identification is crucial to effective treatment?
What aspect of bacterial identification is crucial to effective treatment?
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Which factor is NOT typically considered when selecting growth media for bacterial cultures?
Which factor is NOT typically considered when selecting growth media for bacterial cultures?
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What type of media helps to differentiate between different types of bacteria?
What type of media helps to differentiate between different types of bacteria?
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Which bacterium is associated with endospore formation?
Which bacterium is associated with endospore formation?
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Which organism is NOT listed among the notifiable diseases?
Which organism is NOT listed among the notifiable diseases?
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What method is commonly used for the microscopic identification of bacteria?
What method is commonly used for the microscopic identification of bacteria?
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What is the primary function of the Gram stain in diagnostic microbiology?
What is the primary function of the Gram stain in diagnostic microbiology?
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Which of the following is a characteristic feature of Bacteriophage therapy?
Which of the following is a characteristic feature of Bacteriophage therapy?
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What is a characteristic feature of bacteria that distinguishes them from eukaryotic cells?
What is a characteristic feature of bacteria that distinguishes them from eukaryotic cells?
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Which of the following bacteria is commonly associated with hospital-acquired infections?
Which of the following bacteria is commonly associated with hospital-acquired infections?
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Which characteristic differentiates non-lactose fermenting bacteria on Salmonella-Shigella agar?
Which characteristic differentiates non-lactose fermenting bacteria on Salmonella-Shigella agar?
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What color change indicates lactose fermentation in Klebsiella pneumoniae and Citrobacter freundii on agar plates?
What color change indicates lactose fermentation in Klebsiella pneumoniae and Citrobacter freundii on agar plates?
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What property do Gram-negative bacteria generally exhibit compared to Gram-positive bacteria?
What property do Gram-negative bacteria generally exhibit compared to Gram-positive bacteria?
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Which species of bacteria is known for causing typhoid fever?
Which species of bacteria is known for causing typhoid fever?
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What happens to the color of neutral red in agar when a non-lactose fermenting bacterium grows?
What happens to the color of neutral red in agar when a non-lactose fermenting bacterium grows?
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Which of the following is a true statement about the nature of bacterial chromosomes?
Which of the following is a true statement about the nature of bacterial chromosomes?
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What is one of the acute symptoms of toxoplasmosis?
What is one of the acute symptoms of toxoplasmosis?
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Which of the following best describes the transmission method of leishmaniasis?
Which of the following best describes the transmission method of leishmaniasis?
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What treatment is typically used for visceral leishmaniasis?
What treatment is typically used for visceral leishmaniasis?
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How many people does malaria infect each year approximately?
How many people does malaria infect each year approximately?
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What is the mechanism of infection by the malaria parasite in humans?
What is the mechanism of infection by the malaria parasite in humans?
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Which of the following symptoms is associated with malaria?
Which of the following symptoms is associated with malaria?
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What is the main protozoa responsible for causing malaria?
What is the main protozoa responsible for causing malaria?
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Which method is NOT a known preventative measure against malaria?
Which method is NOT a known preventative measure against malaria?
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Which drug is commonly used for prophylactic treatment against malaria?
Which drug is commonly used for prophylactic treatment against malaria?
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What is one reported behavioral change associated with toxoplasmosis?
What is one reported behavioral change associated with toxoplasmosis?
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What defines the appearance of filamentous fungi?
What defines the appearance of filamentous fungi?
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What is a major component of the fungal cell wall that distinguishes it from mammalian cells?
What is a major component of the fungal cell wall that distinguishes it from mammalian cells?
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Which fungal infection affects the surface layer of skin, nails, or hair?
Which fungal infection affects the surface layer of skin, nails, or hair?
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Which type of protozoa causes malaria?
Which type of protozoa causes malaria?
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What is the structure formed by the branched formation of hyphae in filamentous fungi called?
What is the structure formed by the branched formation of hyphae in filamentous fungi called?
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Which of the following is an antifungal target that distinguishes fungi from mammals?
Which of the following is an antifungal target that distinguishes fungi from mammals?
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What type of replication can protozoa utilize?
What type of replication can protozoa utilize?
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Which statement accurately reflects the severity of protozoan infections?
Which statement accurately reflects the severity of protozoan infections?
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What is the generic term for fungal infections?
What is the generic term for fungal infections?
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What distinguishes the cell membrane composition of fungi from mammals?
What distinguishes the cell membrane composition of fungi from mammals?
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Which form of reproduction is common in filamentous fungi?
Which form of reproduction is common in filamentous fungi?
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What type of fungal infections are most likely to be unpleasant but seldom fatal?
What type of fungal infections are most likely to be unpleasant but seldom fatal?
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Which of the following is NOT a class of protozoa?
Which of the following is NOT a class of protozoa?
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What is a primary characteristic of Trichomonas vaginalis infections in females?
What is a primary characteristic of Trichomonas vaginalis infections in females?
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Which organism is responsible for causing Cryptosporidiosis?
Which organism is responsible for causing Cryptosporidiosis?
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What is a common route of transmission for Giardia lamblia?
What is a common route of transmission for Giardia lamblia?
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Which symptom is commonly associated with infections caused by Entamoeba histolytica?
Which symptom is commonly associated with infections caused by Entamoeba histolytica?
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What significance does Metronidazole hold in treating certain infections?
What significance does Metronidazole hold in treating certain infections?
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What is the main source of infection for Toxoplasma gondii?
What is the main source of infection for Toxoplasma gondii?
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Which of the following is a common symptom of Trichomoniasis?
Which of the following is a common symptom of Trichomoniasis?
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What characteristic is often seen in infections caused by Cryptosporidium parvum?
What characteristic is often seen in infections caused by Cryptosporidium parvum?
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In what part of the body does Giardia lamblia primarily attach during infection?
In what part of the body does Giardia lamblia primarily attach during infection?
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What is a notable property of Trichomonas vaginalis in terms of symptom presentation?
What is a notable property of Trichomonas vaginalis in terms of symptom presentation?
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How does Entamoeba histolytica cause damage within the gastrointestinal tract?
How does Entamoeba histolytica cause damage within the gastrointestinal tract?
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What is the estimated annual number of Trichomonas vaginalis cases globally?
What is the estimated annual number of Trichomonas vaginalis cases globally?
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Which of the following describes a primary vector for T.brucei gambiense?
Which of the following describes a primary vector for T.brucei gambiense?
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What is a significant consequence of the widespread resistance to oseltamivir in treating influenza?
What is a significant consequence of the widespread resistance to oseltamivir in treating influenza?
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What is the main difference between antigenic drift and antigenic shift in influenza viruses?
What is the main difference between antigenic drift and antigenic shift in influenza viruses?
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What level of vaccine uptake is generally considered necessary for effective herd immunity?
What level of vaccine uptake is generally considered necessary for effective herd immunity?
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What is a primary factor that complicates vaccination efforts for influenza?
What is a primary factor that complicates vaccination efforts for influenza?
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Which of the following is true regarding the availability of vaccines and antiviral treatments for viral diseases listed?
Which of the following is true regarding the availability of vaccines and antiviral treatments for viral diseases listed?
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What complicates the vaccination program for specific populations, such as the elderly?
What complicates the vaccination program for specific populations, such as the elderly?
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What is the main problem related to the uptake of vaccinations in the context of outbreaks?
What is the main problem related to the uptake of vaccinations in the context of outbreaks?
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How does geographical isolation function as a control measure for infections?
How does geographical isolation function as a control measure for infections?
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What is the typical fatality rate for Ebola virus infections?
What is the typical fatality rate for Ebola virus infections?
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Which country had the highest number of Ebola cases during the 2014 outbreak?
Which country had the highest number of Ebola cases during the 2014 outbreak?
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What action was taken when the girl in Bombali showed symptoms of Ebola?
What action was taken when the girl in Bombali showed symptoms of Ebola?
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What was a significant reason for the spread of Ebola in Sierra Leone?
What was a significant reason for the spread of Ebola in Sierra Leone?
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What role do animal reservoirs play in the transmission of the Ebola virus?
What role do animal reservoirs play in the transmission of the Ebola virus?
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What was the first reported EVD-free week in Guinea during the 2014 outbreak?
What was the first reported EVD-free week in Guinea during the 2014 outbreak?
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How many deaths were reported in Liberia during the 2014 Ebola outbreak?
How many deaths were reported in Liberia during the 2014 Ebola outbreak?
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During which outbreak did new cases of Ebola continue to occur regularly?
During which outbreak did new cases of Ebola continue to occur regularly?
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What was the link among the majority of cases in Sierra Leone during the outbreak?
What was the link among the majority of cases in Sierra Leone during the outbreak?
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What is an effective response action taken to control the spread of Ebola?
What is an effective response action taken to control the spread of Ebola?
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What is the primary way to prevent Zika virus disease (ZVD)?
What is the primary way to prevent Zika virus disease (ZVD)?
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Which of the following symptoms is typically associated with Zika virus disease?
Which of the following symptoms is typically associated with Zika virus disease?
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What type of virus are coronaviruses classified as?
What type of virus are coronaviruses classified as?
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What is a significant characteristic of the influenza virus structure?
What is a significant characteristic of the influenza virus structure?
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What type of transmission is primarily responsible for spreading the influenza virus?
What type of transmission is primarily responsible for spreading the influenza virus?
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What is one of the long-term concerns associated with infections from viruses like Zika?
What is one of the long-term concerns associated with infections from viruses like Zika?
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Which factor is crucial for the influenza virus to successfully infect a host?
Which factor is crucial for the influenza virus to successfully infect a host?
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Which of the following describes the mosquito species responsible for Zika virus transmission?
Which of the following describes the mosquito species responsible for Zika virus transmission?
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What is a common long-term effect of viral infections like those caused by coronaviruses?
What is a common long-term effect of viral infections like those caused by coronaviruses?
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What mechanism does the influenza virus use to release new viral particles after replication?
What mechanism does the influenza virus use to release new viral particles after replication?
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What characteristics are typical of the influenza viral genome?
What characteristics are typical of the influenza viral genome?
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What is the primary effect of the Zika virus on neonates if the mother is infected during pregnancy?
What is the primary effect of the Zika virus on neonates if the mother is infected during pregnancy?
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What factor is identified as significant in the transmission of vector-borne diseases like Zika and dengue?
What factor is identified as significant in the transmission of vector-borne diseases like Zika and dengue?
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What is a common treatment method for managing HCMV infections?
What is a common treatment method for managing HCMV infections?
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Study Notes
Introduction to Microbiology
- The lecture introduces the role of microorganisms in infectious disease
- This includes how the organism spreads in a population
- And how the organism gains access to the host
- The lecture will cover how to identify the organism causing the disease
- As well as how to eliminate the organism after infection
- And how to prevent infection
History of Medical Microbiology
- Koch's work on anthrax
- In the 19th century, Koch studied anthrax
- Koch determined the disease is caused by rod-shaped gram-positive bacteria
- Now called Bacillus anthracis
- Naturally occurring in soil, affects domestic and wild animals
- Koch collected blood from infected cattle
- Identified bacterial cells using a microscope
- Injected infected blood into healthy animals
- Cultured bacteria from blood
- Pure cultures of bacteria killed healthy animals
- Proving bacteria were responsible for anthrax
- The organism later named Bacillus anthracis
- Koch's work was published in 1876
- Confirmed infectious diseases are caused by microorganisms
- Koch's postulates: criteria for classifying infectious diseases
- Four conditions must be met
- Have been slightly altered since, but remain relevant
Germ Theory of Disease - Koch's Postulates
- The organism responsible MUST be present in EVERY case
- The organism MUST be possible to isolate the organism and grow it in a pure culture
- The isolated organism MUST cause disease in the healthy animal
- The organism MUST be recoverable from the diseased animal
Types of Microbes
- Bacteria
- Fungi
- Protozoa
- Viruses
- Algae
Some General Properties of These Organisms
- Bacteria
- Prokaryotes
- Lack organelles
- No nucleus
- Protozoa, fungi
- Eukaryotes
- contain a nucleus
- Contain organelles (e.g., mitochondria)
- Viruses
- Incapable of independent life
- Require a host for replication
Examples of Bacteria Which Can Cause Human Diseases
- Escherichia coli - found in the digestive tract
- Neisseria gonorrhoeae - causes gonorrhoea
- Clostridium tetani - causes tetanus
- Mycobacterium tuberculosis - causes tuberculosis
- Borrelia burgdorferi - causes Lyme disease
Examples of Fungi Relevant to Humans
- Trichophyton rubrum - involved in athlete's foot
- Penicillium chrysogenum - source of penicillin
- Aspergillus nidulans - involved in farmer's lung
- Saccharomyces cerevisiae - brewing and baking industries
Examples of Protozoa Associated with Diseases
- Giardia lamblia - giardiasis (digestive tract infection)
- Trypanosoma brucei - sleeping sickness
- Entamoeba histolytica - amoebiasis (digestive tract infection)
- Trichomonas vaginalis - trichomoniasis (STI)
Examples of Viruses Associated with Diseases
- Human Immunodeficiency Virus
- Ebolavirus
- Hepatitis Viruses
- West Nile Virus
- Corona Virus
Examples of Algae Associated with Diseases
- Gambierdiscus toxicus - ciguatera fish poisoning
- Various - amnesic, paralytic, diarrheal, neurotoxic shellfish poisoning
- Raphidiopsis raciborskii - Palm Island Mystery disease
- Alexandrium catenella - Saxitoxin (nerve agent - classed as WMD)
Microbes in the Body
- Internal organs are generally free of microorganisms
- In this context digestive / urinary etc. tracts counts as outside the body
- Surface tissues have lots of microorganisms
- Microbiota (microbial community) - called microbiome
Distribution of human microbiome
- This slide shows the idea of the microbiome being found in different places
- Some outside body, others inside
- Also introduces the idea of different levels of diversity
Types of microbes
- Most species of microbe in the human biome are bacteria
- Colonise from birth onwards
- Population changes over time
Types of microbes
- Early colonisers are commensal bacteria
- Normally mutualistic / symbiotic relationship with the host
- Multiple factors influence early colonisers (e.g. Diet, Environmental factors, Geographic location, Use of antibiotics)
- Access to nutrients
- Defence mechanisms
Microbial Adhesion and Attack
- Healthy skin acts as a reliable barrier to most bacterial attacks
- However, many microbes will adhere to the surface of the skin
- Some bacteria attach to surfaces and grow (biofilms)
- Often involves attachment of bacterial adhesins to the glycoproteins of the skin surface
External Microbial Flora - Skin
- However, although bacteria can colonise much of the skin, the distribution is not even
- Certain areas have more microbes than others.
- Also, different species in different places
External Microbial Flora - Skin
- Factors influencing distribution
- Nutrients
- Moisture
- Temperature
- pH
- Skin shedding
- Fluid osmolarity
- Potential inhibitors
External Microbial Flora - Skin
- Largest numbers of bacteria tend to be found in regions with most apocrine sweat glands
Microbiology of Skin
- Two groups of skin-associated microbes (Resident and Transient microbes)
- Skin in constant contact with environment allowing contact with microbes
- Transient microbes tend to come in contact with the skin and may attach
- Conditions are often not favourable for them so they die off
- Resident population tends to have evolved to preserve their niche for access to nutrients
Microbiology of Skin
- Resident population often produce bacteriocins which may kill or help outcompete transient species.
Transient skin microbes
- Exposed areas of the body have higher numbers of transients
- Typically face, neck, hands, etc.
- Influenced by environmental, domestic and occupational factors
Internal Microbial Flora
- The digestive tract, respiratory tract and urogenital tract have direct contact with the outside of the body
- They also have their own microbial community
Oral Cavity
- The oral cavity provides an excellent environment for microbial growth
- Constant temperature, moist environment, ready supply of nutrients; range of surfaces for attachment
- Due to food and drink being ingested, there is a risk that the microbes will be washed away
- Microbes attach to surfaces and also form biofilms
- Several different attachment sites available: Tongue, Epithelial cells, Teeth, Corners of the mouth / lips, Gums
- Gingivitis - caused by infections of Streptococcus, Fusobacterium, Actinomyces, Veilonella, Treponema
Nasal Cavity/Respiratory Tract
- The nasal cavity also provides favourable conditions for microbial growth
- Moist conditions, relatively constant temperature, nutritional sources from secretions
- Microbes enter the nasal cavity during inhalation
- In more distal areas of the respiratory tract this can also be true, but the mouth provides a point of contact via pharynx
Stomach
- The stomach contains VERY acidic conditions (pH 1.5 to 2.0)
- However, there are still organisms in this region
- Passed person-person or from food
- Many probiotic microbes act in the lower gut, but must survive acidic conditions of the stomach
- Some species preferably live in this environment (such as Helicobacter pylori) - major source of gastric ulcers
- Once in the stomach, Helicobacter pylori can colonise mucosal surfaces
- Once attached, Helicobacter pylori can cause inflammation and ulceration
Small Intestine
- The microbial community in the small intestine changes due to several variables (Age, Diet, Geographical distribution, Antibiotic exposure, Health, pH)
- The numbers of microbes in the figure are expressed in terms of numbers per gram of digesta.
- The genera of organisms include Enterococcus, Bacteroides and Lactobacillus
Large Intestine
- The hindgut contains numerous species – very diverse
- many are obligate anaerobes (oxygen is toxic to them)
- pH in this area is relatively neutral (4 to 7)
- The relationship is generally symbiotic (human supplies nutrients, bacteria help to break food down, vitamins)
- Microbial numbers and composition change with age
- Links to increased predisposition to diarrhoea in the elderly
- Diet can impact on the composition and distribution of the microbial community
- Differences in those eating red meat versus those eating white meat
- Different probiotics exist, sold to enhance digestive efficiency
Rectum
- The rectal bacterial population is very dense due to water being reabsorbed
- Bacterial population produces several metabolites (Hydrogen sulphide, Methane, Hydrogen, Volatile fatty acids (VFAs))
Clostridium Difficile Infection
- C. difficile contains endospores that can survive stomach acidity and reach the large intestine
- Normal gut flora is altered by broad-spectrum antibiotics
- C. difficile flourishes within the colon
- Toxins A & B cause mucosal damage
- Most common infectious cause of nosocomial diarrhoea
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