Microbial Infections of the Blood Quiz

Microbial Infection of the Blood

• Rickettsia are Gram-negative bacteria found in ticks, lice, fleas, mites, chiggers, and mammals, causing infections that disseminate in the blood to many organs.

• The causative agent of rickettsial pox, R. akari, is transmitted by house mouse mites and circulates mainly in urban centers in various countries.

• The incubation period of rickettsial infections is 2-14 days, and they are transmitted by the bite of infected ticks or mites or by the feces of infected lice or fleas.

• Two types of vaccines against rickettsial infections have been developed and used in humans, whole killed bacteria and live attenuated rickettsiae.

• HIV damages the immune system, making a person more vulnerable to other infections and diseases and is caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1).

• The incubation period of AIDS varies, and seroconversion times lie between 40-60 days, with wide variability.

• HIV is spread through certain body fluids, including blood, semen, pre-seminal fluids, rectal fluids, vaginal fluids, and breast milk.

• There is no vaccine for HIV, and the main treatment is antiretroviral therapy, a combination of daily medications that stop the virus from reproducing.

• Hepatitis B is an infection of the liver caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV), and it can be fatal if not treated.

• Hepatitis B is spread through contact with the blood, open sores, or body fluids of someone who has the virus.

• The incubation period of hepatitis B is 75 days on average, and there is a vaccine available.

• Hepatitis D is a viral infection that causes liver inflammation and damage, and there is no vaccine available.

• Hepatitis G virus is spread by infected blood or blood products, and it can be transmitted by sharing personal items contaminated with the virus. There is no vaccine available, and the illness is typically mild.Overview of 7 Deadly Viral Infections

• Ebola virus causes Ebola virus disease (EVD) and is transmitted through contact with infected bodily fluids, with symptoms including fever, fatigue, and bleeding.

• Measles is a highly contagious respiratory infection caused by the measles virus, with symptoms including fever, cough, and rash.

• Influenza is a viral respiratory infection that can cause mild to severe illness and can lead to hospitalization or death, with symptoms including fever, cough, and body aches.

• Zika virus is spread through the bite of an infected mosquito and can cause birth defects in babies born to infected mothers, with symptoms including fever, rash, and joint pain.

• HIV/AIDS is a sexually transmitted infection caused by the human immunodeficiency virus, with symptoms including fever, fatigue, and weight loss.

• Hepatitis B is a liver infection caused by the hepatitis B virus and can be transmitted from mother to child at birth or through sexual contact, with symptoms including jaundice and abdominal pain.

• Viral hemorrhagic fevers (VHFs) are caused by five distinct families of RNA viruses and are transmitted to humans when infected reservoir hosts or vectors and humans overlap, with symptoms including fever, weakness, and bleeding under the skin or from bodily orifices.

• There is currently no vaccine for HIV/AIDS, and only vaccines for measles and hepatitis B are available.

• Diagnosis for these viral infections often involves blood and urine tests to examine samples for proteins and antibodies associated with the diseases.

• Treatment options vary, with medications such as antiviral drugs like ribavirin used to help shorten the course of some infections and prevent complications.

• Prevention measures include practicing safe sex, getting vaccinated, and avoiding mosquito bites by using insect repellent and wearing protective clothing.

• It's important to seek medical attention if experiencing symptoms of any of these viral infections, as early diagnosis and treatment can improve outcomes.

Comparison of Bacterial and Viral Infections: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention

Bacterial Infections:

• Rickettsia is a collection of intracellular Gram-negative bacteria found in ticks, lice, fleas, mites, chiggers, and mammals.
• Rickettsial pox is caused by R. akari and is transmitted by house mouse mites.
• Rickettsia and Orientia species are transmitted by the bite of infected ticks or mites or by the feces of infected lice or fleas.
• Symptoms of rickettsial infections include high fever, chills, severe headache, muscle aches, and rash.
• Diagnosis of rickettsial infections is often difficult, but early treatment with antibiotics is important.
• Doxycycline is the most effective treatment for Rocky Mountain spotted fever, but it's not a good choice if you're pregnant.

Viral Infections:

• HIV is a virus that damages the immune system and makes a person more vulnerable to other infections and diseases.
• HIV is spread only in certain body fluids from a person who has HIV, such as blood, semen, pre-seminal fluids, rectal fluids, vaginal fluids, and breast milk.
• Symptoms of acute HIV infection include fever, chills, rash, night sweats, muscle aches, sore throat, fatigue, swollen lymph nodes, and mouth ulcers.
• Diagnosis of HIV and AIDS involves tests such as ELISA and Western blot.
• The main treatment for HIV is antiretroviral therapy, a combination of daily medications that stop the virus from reproducing.
• Hepatitis B is an infection of the liver caused by Hepatitis B virus (HBV), a double-stranded DNA virus.
• Hepatitis B is spread through blood, open sores, or body fluids of someone who has the virus.
• Symptoms of hepatitis B include jaundice, light-colored poop, fever, fatigue, stomach trouble, and belly pain.
• Hepatitis B vaccine is available to prevent newborns from becoming infected.
• Treatment for hepatitis B includes drugs such as Entecavir, Tenofovir, Lamivudine, Adefovir dipivoxil, and Interferon alfa.