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Questions and Answers
What is the difference between bacteremia and septicemia?
What is the difference between bacteremia and septicemia?
Bacteremia is the presence of bacteria in the blood that do not multiply during transit, while septicemia occurs when the bacteria begin to multiply in the bloodstream.
Why would treatment with antibiotics bring on cases of septic shock?
Why would treatment with antibiotics bring on cases of septic shock?
Antibiotics can worsen septic shock by killing bacteria, which releases endotoxins that damage blood vessels and lower blood pressure.
Why is it important to seek early treatment for Lyme disease?
Why is it important to seek early treatment for Lyme disease?
Early treatment with antibiotics prevents chronic arthritis associated with Lyme disease and is more effective when administered early.
What is the life cycle of the vector for Lyme disease?
What is the life cycle of the vector for Lyme disease?
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Who is at risk for toxoplasmosis?
Who is at risk for toxoplasmosis?
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What is the parasite life cycle?
What is the parasite life cycle?
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Study Notes
Bacteremia vs. Septicemia
- Bacteremia refers to the presence of bacteria in the bloodstream without multiplication.
- Septicemia occurs when bacteria in the blood multiply, leading to blood poisoning.
Antibiotics and Septic Shock
- Staph and strep were historically primary causes of septic shock; now, approximately one-third of cases are caused by gram-negative organisms.
- Endotoxins released by dying bacteria can exacerbate the host's condition, leading to further drops in blood pressure and worsening septic shock after antibiotic treatment.
Importance of Early Treatment for Lyme Disease
- Early antibiotic treatment, typically within the first couple of weeks, can prevent chronic arthritis associated with Lyme disease.
- Commonly used antibiotics are doxycycline and amoxicillin, which are more effective when administered early in the infection.
Life Cycle of the Lyme Disease Vector
- The blacklegged tick's life cycle progresses from egg to larvae (in spring/summer) to nymph (in fall) and then to adult (in summer/winter).
- The nymph stage is particularly dangerous due to its small size (similar to a poppy seed), making it hard to detect while still capable of transmitting the Lyme disease spirochete.
Risk Factors for Toxoplasmosis
- Toxoplasma gondii, a protozoan, infects many warm-blooded animals; transmission to humans often occurs through contact with cat feces or consumption of undercooked meat.
- Typically causes mild, self-limiting lymph node inflammation, but can lead to serious health issues in developing fetuses and newborns, including congenital defects, cerebral fluid abnormalities, and mental retardation.
- Approximately 50% of individuals with schizophrenia and their mothers test positive for toxoplasmosis.
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Description
This quiz covers key concepts from Chapter 23 in microbiology, focusing on the differences between bacteremia and septicemia. It also explores the implications of antibiotic treatment in septic shock cases and the types of bacteria involved. Test your knowledge and understanding of these critical microbiological concepts.
