Meningitis and Tetanus Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary structure protected by the meninges?

Peripheral nervous system

Brain and spinal cord (correct)

Cerebrospinal fluid

Sensory nerves

What is the primary causative agent of Tetanus?

Escherichia coli

Clostridium botulinum

Clostridium tetani (correct)

Streptococcus pneumoniae

Which symptom is NOT an early manifestation of Tetanus?

Difficulty swallowing

Lockjaw

Stiffness in the neck

Severe muscle contractions (correct)

Which type of meningitis is generally less severe and resolves without specific treatment?

Viral meningitis Signup and view all the answers

How does the toxin produced by Clostridium tetani affect the nervous system?

It blocks the release of GABA Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following bacteria is a leading cause of bacterial meningitis today?

Neisseria meningitidis Signup and view all the answers

What is a major symptom of bacterial meningitis in individuals over the age of 2?

Stiff neck Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary treatment for Tetanus?

IV penicillin Signup and view all the answers

What type of transmission is associated with Neisseria meningitidis?

Direct person-to-person contact Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended prevention method for Tetanus?

DTaP vaccine Signup and view all the answers

What is the typical average number of botulism cases reported annually in the US?

110 Signup and view all the answers

Which symptom may indicate bacterial meningitis, based on common indicators?

High fever Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the blood-brain barrier?

Protects the brain from harmful substances Signup and view all the answers

What complication is associated with Tetanus, especially in those over 60 years old?

Death Signup and view all the answers

Which layer of the meninges is the outermost?

Dura mater Signup and view all the answers

Which vaccine is recommended in the USA for prevention of infections caused by N. meningitidis?

Meningococcal vaccine Signup and view all the answers

What can be a consequence of untreated bacterial meningitis?

Learning disabilities Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following forms does botulism NOT occur in?

Adult Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a common transmission method for bacterial meningitis?

Contaminated water supply Signup and view all the answers

What is the mechanism of action for the botulinum toxin?

Inhibits acetylcholine release Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Structure and Function of the Nervous System

Central Nervous System (CNS): Comprises the brain and spinal cord.
Peripheral Nervous System (PNS): Includes nerves that branch from the CNS.
Meninges: Protective layers surrounding the brain and spinal cord, consisting of three layers:
- Dura mater (outer)
- Arachnoid mater (middle)
- Pia mater (innermost)
Subarachnoid space houses cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), which cushions the brain and spinal cord.
Blood-brain barrier: A physiological barrier separating circulating blood from the brain, maintaining CNS homeostasis.

Meningitis

Infection of CSF surrounding the brain and spinal cord, caused by bacteria and viruses.
Viral meningitis: Typically less severe and often resolves without specific treatment.
Bacterial meningitis: More severe, can lead to brain damage, hearing loss, or learning disabilities.

Bacterial Meningitis

Causative agents:
- Historically, Haemophilus influenzae (HiB vaccine introduced).
- Current leaders: Streptococcus pneumoniae and Neisseria meningitidis.
Transmission:
- Neisseria meningitidis: Direct person-to-person transmission in crowded environments (schools, military camps, prisons).
- H. influenzae and S. pneumoniae: Spread through respiratory droplets.
Signs/Symptoms:
- Typical in individuals over 2 years old: High fever, headache, stiff neck, nausea, vomiting, photophobia, confusion, sleepiness.
- Progression may lead to seizures.
Diagnosis & Treatment:
- Diagnosed via lumbar puncture (culturing CSF).
- Treated with antibiotics like penicillin, cefotaxime, and ceftriaxone.
Prevention:
- Vaccines recommended for H. influenzae, certain N. meningitidis strains, and Streptococcus pneumoniae.

Tetanus

Acute and often fatal disease characterized by muscular rigidity and convulsive spasms.
Reported 37 cases in the U.S. in 2001.
Causative agent: Clostridium tetani.
Transmission: Usually occurs through puncture wounds, handling contaminated objects (e.g., bedpans, diapers).
Mechanism: Tetanospasmin toxin from vegetative cells inhibits GABA release from inhibitory neurons, preventing muscle relaxation.
Signs/Symptoms:
- Early: Lockjaw, neck and abdominal stiffness, difficulty swallowing.
- Later: Fever, heightened blood pressure, severe muscle contractions.
Complications: Approximately 11% mortality, especially in individuals over 60.
Treatment: Involves IV penicillin, tetanus IgG, and tetanus antitoxin.
Prevention: DTaP vaccine, developed from inactivated toxin, significantly reduced tetanus incidence in the U.S.

Botulism

Average of 110 annual cases in the U.S.
Causative agent: Clostridium botulinum.
Occurs in three forms: foodborne, infant, and wound botulism.
Botulism is toxin-mediated, with the toxin blocking the release of acetylcholine, leading to paralysis.
Notably, botulinum toxin is considered the most acutely lethal toxin known, with an L.D.50 lower than that of other toxins.

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Description

Test your knowledge on meningitis and tetanus, including their causes, symptoms, and treatments. This quiz covers key concepts related to these important medical conditions, including the role of bacteria and the effects of toxins on the nervous system.