Microbiology Infections Quiz

Bacterial Infections

Characteristics:

• Caused by bacteria, single-celled microorganisms
• Can be Gram-positive or Gram-negative
• Can produce toxins, which contribute to disease

Examples of Bacterial Infections:

1. Tuberculosis (Mycobacterium tuberculosis): affects lungs, can spread to other parts of the body
2. Pneumonia (Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, etc.): inflammation of the lungs
3. Meningitis (Neisseria meningitidis, etc.): inflammation of the meninges, can be life-threatening
4. Urinary Tract Infections (Escherichia coli, etc.): infection of the bladder, kidneys, or urethra

Pathogenesis:

• Bacteria enter the body through various routes (e.g., respiratory, gastrointestinal, skin)
• Adhere to and colonize host cells
• Produce toxins, which can cause tissue damage and inflammation
• Evoke an immune response, which can lead to tissue damage and disease

Viral Infections

Characteristics:

• Caused by viruses, small infectious particles made of genetic material and protein
• Can be DNA or RNA viruses
• Replicate inside host cells, using host machinery

Examples of Viral Infections:

1. Influenza (Influenza virus): affects the respiratory system, can cause severe illness and death
2. HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus): attacks the immune system, leading to AIDS
3. Hepatitis (Hepatitis A, B, C viruses): inflammation of the liver, can cause liver failure and cancer
4. Common Cold (Rhinovirus, etc.): affects the upper respiratory system, causes mild illness

Pathogenesis:

• Viruses enter the body through various routes (e.g., respiratory, gastrointestinal, skin)
• Attach to and penetrate host cells
• Replicate inside host cells, producing new viral particles
• Evoke an immune response, which can lead to tissue damage and disease

Fungal Infections

Characteristics:

• Caused by fungi, eukaryotic organisms that obtain nutrients by decomposing organic matter
• Can be opportunistic or primary pathogens
• Can produce toxins, which contribute to disease

Examples of Fungal Infections:

1. Candidiasis (Candida albicans): affects the skin, mucous membranes, and internal organs
2. Aspergillosis (Aspergillus spp.): affects the lungs, can cause allergic reactions and invasive disease
3. Histoplasmosis (Histoplasma capsulatum): affects the lungs, can cause chronic illness and death
4. Ringworm (Trichophyton spp.): affects the skin, hair, and nails

Pathogenesis:

• Fungi enter the body through various routes (e.g., respiratory, gastrointestinal, skin)
• Adhere to and colonize host cells
• Produce toxins, which can cause tissue damage and inflammation
• Evoke an immune response, which can lead to tissue damage and disease

Parasitic Infections

Characteristics:

• Caused by parasites, eukaryotic organisms that obtain nutrients from host cells
• Can be protozoa, helminths, or ectoparasites
• Can produce toxins, which contribute to disease

Examples of Parasitic Infections:

1. Malaria (Plasmodium spp.): affects the blood, liver, and spleen, can cause severe illness and death
2. Giardiasis (Giardia lamblia): affects the small intestine, causes diarrhea and malabsorption
3. Hookworm Infection (Ancylostoma duodenale, Necator americanus): affects the small intestine, causes anemia and malnutrition
4. Scabies (Sarcoptes scabiei): affects the skin, causes intense itching and rash

Pathogenesis:

• Parasites enter the body through various routes (e.g., insect vectors, contaminated food and water, skin contact)
• Adhere to and colonize host cells
• Feed on host tissues, producing toxins and waste products
• Evoke an immune response, which can lead to tissue damage and disease