Microbiology Quiz on Typhus and Rocky Mountain Fever

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary type of vector for Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever?

Ticks (correct)

Fleas

Mosquitoes

Lice

Which type of bacteria is responsible for causing Typhus?

Bartonella henselae

Borrelia burgdorferi

Rickettsia prowazekii (correct)

Ehrlichia chaffeensis

What symptom is NOT characteristic of Typhus?

Headache

Weakness

Fever

Rash on palms (correct)

What is the range of the incubation period for Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever?

3-12 days Signup and view all the answers

Which treatment is effective for both Typhus and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever?

Tetracycline Signup and view all the answers

What is the droplet size associated with airborne pathogens?

10 mm Signup and view all the answers

Which type of streptococcal disease is primarily caused by S.pyogenes?

Scarlet Fever Signup and view all the answers

What is a virulence factor of S.pyogenes that assists in evading the immune response?

Fimbriae Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic distinguishes the pathogenic form of S.pneumoniae?

Encapsulated Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of superantigens produced by group A streptococci (GAS)?

Produce a non-specific, strong immune response Signup and view all the answers

Which disease is NOT caused by S.pyogenes?

Nephritis Signup and view all the answers

How many serotypes of S.pneumoniae are identified?

90 Signup and view all the answers

Which virulence factor produced by S.pyogenes helps dissolve blood clots?

Streptokinase Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary vector responsible for the transmission of the Loa loa worm?

Deer flies Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a type of fungal skin disease?

Candidiasis Signup and view all the answers

What is the mechanism of action of the Clostridium tetani toxin?

Stimulates excessive muscle contraction Signup and view all the answers

Which treatment is recommended to address Lymphatic Filariasis?

Yearly administration of anti-worm drugs Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic symptom of the Primary phase of syphilis?

Chancres on genitals and lips Signup and view all the answers

Which microorganisms serve as the indicator organism for water contamination?

E.coli Signup and view all the answers

Which phase of syphilis can result in permanent damage to the cardiovascular and nervous systems?

Tertiary phase Signup and view all the answers

What is the major concern for individuals with fungal infections?

They can become immunocompromised. Signup and view all the answers

What type of bacteria is Clostridium tetani classified as?

Obligate anaerobic Signup and view all the answers

What unique dental issue is associated with congenital syphilis?

Hutchinson's teeth Signup and view all the answers

Which bacterial STD is characterized by painful lesions that bleed?

Chancroid Signup and view all the answers

Which layer of the body does the treatment for fungal infections primarily target?

Fungal cell wall Signup and view all the answers

What type of virus causes Herpes infections primarily?

HSV Signup and view all the answers

What is the hallmark of AIDS?

Opportunistic infections Signup and view all the answers

What process allows HIV to integrate its genetic material into the host's DNA?

Reverse transcription Signup and view all the answers

In HIV pathogenesis, what is the role of CD4 and CCR5 co-receptors?

They serve as entry points for the virus into T helper cells Signup and view all the answers

Which type of Plasmodium is considered the most common cause of malaria?

P.vivax Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary biological vector responsible for the transmission of malaria?

Anopheles mosquito Signup and view all the answers

What stage of the Plasmodium life cycle occurs first after a human is bitten by an infected mosquito?

Sporozoites travel to the liver Signup and view all the answers

Which drug was the first effective treatment for malaria that specifically targets merozoites?

Quinine Signup and view all the answers

How does sickle cell anemia impact malaria resistance?

Inhibits development of the parasite Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a method of malaria prevention?

Promoting mosquito breeding areas Signup and view all the answers

What notable malaria vaccine was approved by the WHO in 2021?

RTS,S/AS01 Signup and view all the answers

What phase of the Leishmania life cycle involves a sandfly as the biological vector?

Human infection Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of HAART in AIDS treatment?

To reduce viral load and improve health Signup and view all the answers

Which class of drugs works by interacting with the reverse transcriptase protein?

NNRTIs Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of azidothymidine (AZT) in HIV treatment?

To prevent DNA replication Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following types of antiretroviral drugs does NOT include protease inhibitors?

Entry inhibitors Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary mechanism of action for fusion inhibitors?

They inhibit fusion of the viral envelope to the host cell membrane. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the CCR5 inhibitors in HIV treatment?

They prevent HIV from attaching to CD4 cells. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about rabies is TRUE?

Symptoms of rabies can include hydrophobia and foaming at the mouth. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of virus does rabies belong to?

Rhabdovirus Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Microbiology Final Exam Study Notes

Airborne Pathogens: Droplets of 10mm typically contain 1-2 organisms. A sneeze can produce 10,000-100,000 droplets. Droplets are expelled during talking and coughing in addition to sneezing.

Pathogens in the Air

Gram-positive bacteria and viruses survive best in the air.

Streptococcal Diseases

Two main classes:
- S. pyogenes
- S. pneumoniae
S. pyogenes exhibits beta hemolysis, meaning it fully lyses red blood cells.

S. pyogenes Strains

Over 60 strains exist.

S. pyogenes Diseases

Strep throat, impetigo, rheumatic fever, strep TSS, scarlet fever, and necrotizing fasciitis.

S. pneumoniae

Encapsulated forms are pathogenic.

S. pneumoniae Serotypes

Over 90 serotypes exist.

Group A Streptococci (GAS)

Another name for S. pyogenes.

GAS Virulence Factors

Lancefield group A
Surface M protein
Hyaluronidase
Streptokinase
Streptolysin O and S
Superantigens

Superantigen-Induced Reactions

Systemic reactions
Shock symptoms
Scarlet fever and streptococcal toxic shock syndrome

Strep Throat

Caused by S. pyogenes
Symptoms: Severe sore throat, enlarged tonsils, tonsillar exudate.
Typically treated with antibiotics.

Strep Tests

Rapid ELISA test
Culture on blood agar plate (differential based on color change, not growth)
Hemolysis test

Streptococcus Sequelae

Conditions resulting from previous infection/injury (incomplete/no antibiotic treatment).
Can result in rheumatic fever, scarlet fever, strep TSS, and glomerulonephritis/renal inflammation.
Autoantibodies form

Rheumatic Fever

M antigen is similar to antigens in the heart
Autoantibodies are formed as a result of S. pyogenes infection.

Scarlet Fever

A type of S. pyogenes sequelae.

Erysipelas (St. Anthony's Fire)

Caused by S. pyogenes
Symptoms: Raised, rubbery lesions.

Impetigo

Caused by S. pyogenes or S. aureus.
Skin infection.
Treated with antibiotics.
Can occur in conjunction with otitis media or mastitis.

Necrotizing Fasciitis

Caused by S. pyogenes.
Unique symptoms: Deep tissue infection.
Often requires surgical removal and antibiotics.

Strep Treatments

Penicillin, penicillin derivatives
Erythromycin
Other antibiotics
Vaccine for S. pneumoniae for high-risk patients.

Diptheria

Caused by Corynebacterium diptheriae.
Characterized by pseudomembrane formation, myocarditis.
Treatment involves toxoid vaccines and antibiotics, as well as antitoxins.
Vaccine available

Corynebacterium diptheriae

Gram-positive, club-shaped rods.
Causes pseudomembrane formation.
Associated with myocarditis (inflammation of the heart).
Preventive vaccine is available.

Diphtheria Mechanism

Infected cells lodge in the throat and tonsils.

MMR Vaccine (Measles, Mumps, Rubella)

Contains attenuated viruses for protection.

Chickenpox

Caused by Varicella zoster virus.
Unique symptoms: Systemic rash
Vaccine available.

Varicella Zoster Virus

Herpes virus with latency in nerve cells
Can cause shingles

How Chickenpox Spreads

Airborne droplets and fomites (objects).
Attenuated viruses with reduced virulence

Colds, SARS, and Influenza

Caused by various viruses
Treatable through symptom management and anti-viral treatments where applicable.

SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome)

Epidemic in Asia in 2003.
Spread through close contact.
Treated with antibiotics.

Influenza

Spread through droplets.
Symptoms range from mild, including fever and fatigue to severe.
Most cases are self-limiting (resolve without treatment).
No specific antiviral treatments or vaccines.

Influenza A Virus

Segmented genome allows for reassortment
Causes seasonal outbreaks
Subject to antigenic drift and shift

Spanish Flu

Avian and human strains mixed, causing a high infection rate.

Cytokine Storm

Uncontrolled immune response following exposure to new/pathogenic invaders.

Flu Mitigation Strategies

Surveillance of virus types
Development of polyvalent vaccines

Direct Contact Diseases

Infections spread through direct contact
Examples include staphylococcus and related illnesses

Staphylococcus Aureus Virulence Factors

4 main factors:
- 1. 4 hemolysins beta hemolytic
- 1. coagulase
- 1. leukocidin
- 1. superantigens

Scalded Skin Syndrome

Caused by S. aureus
Symptoms: Toxin-induced skin blistering.

Sty

Caused by S. aureus.
Eyelid folliculitis.
Treated with antibacterial ointments, moist heat, and drainage.

Furuncle (Boil)/Carbuncle

Caused by S. aureus.
Hair follicle inflammation.
Treated with antibacterial ointments, moist heat, and drainage

MRSA (Methicillin-Resistant S. aureus)

Resistant to various antibiotics.
Treated with specialized antibiotics.

Hepatitis

Caused by various viruses.
Range of symptoms, including jaundice and liver inflammation.
Treated with antiviral treatments and potentially lifestyle modifications.

Hep A,B,C

Different types of hepatitis viruses
Different means of transmission
Varying severity, with some requiring long-term care and/or antiviral treatment

Mononucleosis

Caused by Epstein-Barr virus
Symptoms: Sore throat, fatigue, swollen lymph nodes.
Contact sports should be avoided.
Self-limiting

Burkitt's Lymphoma

Rare cancer of lymph tissue, often linked with Epstein-Barr virus infection.

Warts

Caused by human papillomavirus.
Skin lesions, often transmitted through abrasions.
Vaccines available.

Gonorrhea

Caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae.
Symptoms: Discharge of pus.
Treated with antibiotics.

Gonorrhea Complications

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
Infertility

Gonorrhea Transmission

Attaches to cells in the G-U tract

Non-gonococcal urethritis (NGU)

Caused by Chlamydia
Difficult to detect due to its intracellular and asymptomatic nature.
Treated with antibiotics.

Syphilis (The Pox)

Caused by Treponema pallidum.
Symptoms: Chancres (sores), rashes, damage to the heart and nervous system.
Treatable using antibiotics.

Syphilis Spreads

Body fluids including saliva.

Stages of Syphilis

Primary
Secondary
Tertiary

Congenital Syphilis

Transmission from mother to child during pregnancy or childbirth.
Treponema pallidum cross placenta causing the child to contract syphilis.

Other Bacterial STDs

Chancroid, Ureaplasma and mycoplasma urethritis

Genital Herpes

Caused by herpes simplex virus type 1 or 2.
Symptoms: Sores or blisters, typically in the genital area.

Neonatal Herpes

Transmission of herpes during birth - treatable with antiviral medications

AIDS

Caused by the Human immunodeficiency virus.
Symptoms vary, but eventually involve increased susceptibility to opportunistic infections.

HIV Diagnosis

ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) detects antibodies
PCR detects viral RNA viral load

AIDS Treatment

Multiple antiretrovirals (HAART) to slow disease progression
No cure

AZT

Nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor
Prevents DNA reproduction
Anti-metabolites

NNRTIs (Non-Nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors)

Inhibit the reverse transcriptase enzyme.

Protease Inhibitors

Prevent viral protein maturation by binding to HIV protease.

HIV/AIDS Aitiretroviral Drugs

Nucleoside RT Inhibitors
Non-Nucleoside RT Inhibitors
Protease Inhibitors
Fusion Inhibitors
Integrase Inhibitors
Entry Inhibitors

Rabies

Caused by rhabdovirus, typically spread through animal bites.
Symptoms can vary, but typically involve progressive neurological symptoms.

Rabies Reservoir

Primarily animals, such as raccoons, skunks, and bats - in some regions domesticated animals are also reservoirs.

Rabies Virus Type

Minus-sense ssRNA virus

Rabies Virus Mechanism

Replication at the bite site and subsequent travel to the central nervous system, possibly resulting in death without immediate interventions.

Rabies Symptoms

Initial symptoms are often vague, such as fever, headache, malaise and progressive to more significant signs and symptoms, eventually resulting in hydrophobia.

Rabies Incubation Period

Varies; in animals 10–14 days, in humans may take months

Rabies Diagnosis

Primarily conducted post-mortem through tissue or fluid examination

Rabies Treatment

Anti-rabies antibodies (passive immunity) and vaccine administration (active immunity).

Rabies Prevention

Vaccination of domestic animals.
Vaccination of wild animals, where appropriate.
Protecting individuals from animal bites.

Viral Hemorrhagic Fevers

Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS)
Hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS)
Ebola
Marburg

Hantavirus Syndromes

Acute respiratory and cardiac issues

Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS)

Caused by various strains
- Symptoms: sudden onset fever, muscle pain, thrombocytopenia, leukocytosis, pulmonary capillary leakage.
- Self-limiting in most cases, though it may lead to fatal outcomes.

Hemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome (HFRS)

Caused by a different strains
- Symptoms include shock and kidney failure.
- Result of rodent exposure (rodent droppings in areas)

Hantavirus Transmission

Exposure to aerosols from rodent droppings, urine, or feces. Virus persists in these areas over long periods, therefore individuals engaging with these areas must exercise preventative measures.

Hantavirus Type

Enveloped - minus ss RNA strand

Hantavirus Host

Humans are accidental hosts

Hantavirus HPS Test

ELISA for antibody presence, PCR for viral presence.

Marburg Hemorrhagic Fever Transmission

Transmission through contact with virus infected primates (monkeys)
No treatment or vaccine.

Marburg Hemorrhagic Fever Symptoms

Can lead to fever, chills, rash, sore throat, headache, and/or nausea.

Ebola Virus Type

Minus-sense RNA virus, filamentous (thread-like) structure.

Ebola Hemorrhagic Fever Symptoms

Fever, diarrhea, vomiting, bleeding, and internal/external fluid loss.

Ebola Treatments

Blood plasma from recovered individuals

Ebola Reservoir

Unknown at present but currently believed to be fruit bats

Arthropod Transmitted Bacterial Diseases

Rickettsia
Lyme disease
Plague
Vector: various insects

Rickettsial Diseases Categories

Typhus
Spotted fever
Ehrlichiosis
All three categories are bacterial diseases transmitted through various arthropod vectors.

Rickettsial Bacteria

Small, gram-negative.
Intracellular bacteria, typically in phagocytes (immunity cells).

Growing Rickettsial Bacteria

Very difficult to culture in laboratory settings.

Mitochondria

Rocky mountain spotted fever bacteria

Rickettsia rickettsii

Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever Vector

Bites from infected ticks - especially those from contaminated areas by feces.

Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever Incubation

3–12 days

Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever Symptoms

Fever, headache, and rash.
Fever, severe headache, and rash across the entire body.

Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever Treatment

Tetracycline and/or chloramphenicol
Both antibiotics.

Plague Bacteria

Yersinia pestis.
Gram-negative bacteria.
Causes the plague

Plague Effect

Lymph nodes -eventually systemic.

Plague Hosts

Rodents and other mammals.
Accidentally affects humans.

Plague Vector

Fleas

Plague Prevalence

Endemic to wildlife populations in some regions of the southwest U.S

6 Types of Arthropod Transmitted Viral Diseases

West Nile
Yellow fever
Equine encephalitis.
Dengue fever
Chikungunya
Zika.

West Nile Virus Type

Positive-sense ssRNA virus

West Nile Vector

Mosquitoes

West Nile Hosts

Humans, horses, and other avian birds.

West Nile Presence

Seasonal prevalence.

West Nile Symptoms

Mild diseases are often seen, though occasionally severe complications can occur.
Mild cases typically include a fever, headache, nausea.
More severe cases may result in complications such as encephalitis.

West Nile Test

ELISA for antibody presence, PCR for viral presence

West Nile Treatments

NO treatment.

Yellow Fever Virus

Positive-sense ssRNA virus

Yellow Fever Vector

Aedes species mosquitoes

Yellow Fever Reservoir

Monkeys

Yellow Fever Symptoms

Fever, nausea, vomiting (black vomit), jaundice, and hemorrhagic fever.

Yellow Fever Treatments

Typically self-limiting
Vaccine available.

Viral Encephalitis

Inflammation of the brain, typically caused by a range of different viruses.

Viral Encephalitis Vector

Mosquitoes

Viral Encephalitis Hosts

Various mammals; including horses

Viral Encephalitis Carriers

Some diseases can be carried by additional animals to humans, as in the case of horses and birds.

Dengue Fever Symptoms

High fever, headache, muscle and joint pain, and/or rash.

Dengue Fever Virus

Positive sense ssRNA virus

Dengue Fever Resolution

Self-limiting

Dengue Fever Re-infection

Second infection may cause more severe complications, including hemorrhagic fever.

Dengue Fever Vector

Mosquitoes

Dengue Fever Reservoirs

Unknown, though birds and monkeys are known vectors in the case of some other viral diseases, for instance, Zika.

Dengue Fever Test

ELISA for antibody presence

Chikungunya Virus 5 symptoms

Fever, joint pain, rash, muscle pain, and swelling

Chikungunya Treatment

Mostly self-limiting; antibiotic treatments and possibly other supplemental medications are often used for symptom management.

Zika Virus Symptoms

Symptoms are often mild; including Zika-like symptoms of fever, and or rashes that are often mild.

Zika Virus Spread

Mosquito bite
Sexual transmission
Pregnancy and transmission in the fetus

Zika Carrier

Infected mosquitoes, infected individuals, in some cases pregnancies, which may impact the resulting development and/or outcome for the fetus.

Zika Vector

Aedes species mosquitoes.

4 Types of Arthropods

Mosquitoes
Flies
Lice
Mites

Malaria Etiology

Parasites of the genus Plasmodium. - spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. Protozoa.

Malaria Diagnosis

Identification of Plasmodium in blood smear

Malaria Treatment

Quinine (chloroquine), primaquine, artemisinin.

Malaria Prevention

Reduce mosquito habitat, use mosquito nets and/or repellents, prophylactic medications during travel to impacted areas.

Ancient Malaria Treatment

Traditional methods, including using botanicals of the Chichona tree for instance.
At the time, no widely accepted treatments for malaria.

Malaria and Sickle Cell

The sickle cell's abnormality in red blood cells leads to difficulty in the parasite's ability to reproduce because it cannot attach to the abnormal red blood cells.

Malaria and G6PD

People deficient in Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (a type of RBC enzyme involved in immune function) typically do not develop malaria, though, for example, people living in the western African region have been noted to have less risk of contracting malaria in comparison with other areas worldwide.

Malaria and MHC

Some individuals have specific MHC (major histocompatibility complex) combinations causing difficulty for the parasite to invade

Leishmaniasis Name

Caused by the protozoa, Leishmania.

Leishmaniasis Symptoms

Lesions, often on the skin, and may affect the body as a whole.

Leishmaniasis Vector

Sand flies

Leishmaniasis Treatment

Medication

African Sleeping Sickness Cause

Caused by Trypanosoma brucei.

African Sleeping Sickness Vector

Tse-tse fly

African Sleeping Sickness Treatment

Medication

African Sleeping Sickness Cycle

Tsetse fly injects metacyclic trypomastigotes during blood meal
Trypomastigotes transform and reproduce inside the fly.
Transmitted through blood meal to second host or to another fly
Reproduction of trypomastigotes occur in the blood stream, after which, they are transported to various parts of the host body (including the central nervous system)
The trypomastigotes evolve into an infective stage in the saliva glands of the fly

Chagas Disease Cause

Trypanosoma cruzi.

Chagas Disease Vector

Reduviid bugs (kissing bugs)

Chagas Disease Symptoms

Initially mild, later potentially fatal
- progressive inflammation of the heart, and/or digestive tract.

Chagas Disease Treatment

Effective drugs available for early treatment

Chagas Disease and Autoimmunity

Autoimmune response related to trypanosoma antigen.
Characterized by chronic lesions in the heart

Lymphatic Filariasis (Elephantiasis)

Parasitic worms. Transmitted by mosquitos/blackflies.

Lymphatic Filariasis Development

Mosquito bite transmits larval forms.
Larvae develop into adult worms in lymphatic system.

Lymphatic Filariasis Treatment

Anti-parasitic medications.

Loa Loa

Caused by loa loa which is a worm.

Loaisis Symptoms

Adult worms can migrate through the eye, skin and other tissues

River Blindness

Caused by a worm transmitted through the bite of blackflies.

Soil-Borne Diseases Types

yeast, molds/fungi

Soil-Borne Diseases Types of Fungal Diseases

Hypersensitivity
Mycotoxins
Mycosis

Fungal Skin Diseases

Candida albicans (thrush, vaginitis)
Madura foot
Related fungi

Other Fungal Infections

Athlete's Foot
Fungal eye infection (onchomycosis)
Ringworm

Fungal Disease Treatments

Topical and systemic anti-fungals

Fungal Cell Types

Eukaryotic cells

Fungal Targets

Unique sterol-ergesterol-azoles
Bacterial cell wall and chitin
Specific fungal structures

Tetanus Bacteria

Clostridium tetani.
Gram-positive bacterium.
Forms endospores.

Tetanus Mechanism

Enters the body through wound or puncture.
Toxin blocks nerves that relax muscles
Affects the central nervous system

Tetanus Prevention

Vaccination

Tetanus treatment

Antibiotics, and antitoxin

Most Common Source of Water Infection

Potable water is not the cause of water infection as it is fit for consumption/drinking

Water Contamination causes

Fecal contamination of water is a primary contributing source

Coliform Bacteria Qualities

Facultative aerobic, gram-negative.
Non-spore forming Rods.
Ferment lactose with gas

Coliform Test

Diagnostic test for water and/or food sources

Bacterial Traveler's Diarrhea

Different causes including: E. coli, Salmonella, Staphylococcus, Clostridium, or Botulinom.
Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea

Cholera Cause

Vibrio cholerae, a gram-negative, curved rod bacteria.

Cholera Mechanism

Fecal contamination of water (drinking) leads to contamination and subsequent infection.

Cholera Treatment

Fluid replacement therapy and antibiotics are sometimes used if severe.

Cholera Prevention

Avoidance of potentially contaminated water/food sources.

Legionnaires Disease

Caused by Legionella pneumophila.
Symptoms typically mild (fever, headache, muscle aching) to more severe, leading to pneumonia.

Legionnaires' Disease Spread

Water aerosols from cooling towers/high-rise buildings.

Legionnaire's Disease Treatment

antibiotics, supportive care (hydration, etc)

Typhoid Fever Bacteria

Salmonella Typhi. Bacteria
Contaminated Water

Typhoid Fever Mechanisms

Bacteria multiplies in macrophages, invades intestinal mucosa.

Typhoid Fever Duration

4 weeks

Typhoid Fever Treatment

Antibiotics, often IV, and vaccines

Giardiasis Cause

Giardia intestinalis, protozoan.

Giardiasis Transmission

Fecal-oral (via contaminated water)

Giardia Location

Lakes, ponds, and streams, particularly in the U.S.

Giardia Size

Trophozoite stage: 1.5 mm
Cyst stage: 10-15 mm (microns)

Giardiasis Symptoms

diarrhea, cramping

Giardiasis Mechanism

Cysts attach to the intestinal wall

Giardiasis Treatment

Medications

Cryptosporidiosis

Caused by protozoan Cryptosporidium parvum.

Cryptosporidiosis Appearance

Small cysts resistant to chlorine/UV - resistant.

Cryptosporidiosis Symptoms

Diarrhea, abdominal cramps, vomiting

Amoebiasis Cause

Entamoeba histolytica

Amoebiasis Spread

Fecal-oral transmission of cysts.

Amoebiasis Location

Primarily tropical areas.
Transmitted through contaminated water.

Amoebiasis Treatment

Medications

Naegleria Fowleri

Brain-eating amoeba, found in warm water.

Naegleria Fowleri Mechanism

Enters the nose, traverses the brain

Naegleria Fowleri Outbreaks

Summer months when people are swimming in warm, shallow freshwater.

Schistosomiasis Cause

Schistosoma - parasitic worm.

Schistomiasis Symptoms

Inflammation, bloody urine.
Bloody diarrhea after ingestion

Schistosomiasis Spread

Humans wading or swimming in water with the parasites

Guinea Worm

Caused by a parasitic worm.

Copepod Size

1-2 mm.

Copepods

Often found in water; also known as water fleas

Food Preservation Methods

Cold preservation
Pickling/acidic pH and high salt
Drying
Heating
Ionizing radiation

Microbial Growth in Food

Bacteria follow the exponential growth pattern
Temperatures/conditions greatly influence bacterial growth rates

Food Poisoning

Contamination from a range of microbial sources
Symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, cramping.

Microbial Sampling Methods

Immunoassays
PCR
Molecular biology-related tests

5 Most Common Food Borne Illnesses

Escherichia coli O157:H7
Salmonella
Staphylococcus aureus
Clostridium Perfringes
Bacillus cereus

Stomacher

Used to blend and mix foods and/or tissues together for microbial sampling.

Staphylococcal Food Poisoning Cause

Staphylococcus aureus toxins
Heat stable compounds.

Staphylococcus Food Poisoning Prevention

Refrigeration

Staphylococcus Food Poisoning Symptoms

Nausea
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Cramps

Staphylococcus Food Poisoning Treatment

Self-resolving; supportive care.

Clostridium Food Poisoning

C. perfringes, C. botulinum - food intoxication

C. Perfringen vs. C. botulinum

C. perfringes causes diarrhea and cramping
C. botulinum causes vomiting, nausea, and neurological symptoms.

Clostridium Botulinum

Gram-positive, anaerobic, spore-forming bacterium.
Often associated with rare but severe foodborne illness - often fatal.
Food linked outbreaks

Botulism Symptoms

Progressive neurological symptoms
- Vomiting/diarrhea, muscle paralysis (flaccid paralysis

Botulism Treatment

Antitoxin (pre-formed antibodies from horses)

Salmonellosis

Foodborne infection caused by Salmonella Typhimurium or other similar bacteria.
- Symptoms: fever, vomiting, diarrhea.
- Treatment: Antibiotic if severe.
- Contamination: associated with handling or consuming undercooked food, livestock exposure.

Campylobacter jejuni

food borne bacterial infection common in birds

Campylobacter jejuni Symptoms

Symptoms: fever, diarrhea.

Campylobacter jejuni Treatment

Antibiotics

E. coli Food Infection

E.coli
Symptoms: bloody diarrhea.

E. coli O157:H7 Discovery

1982 outbreak associated with undercooked meat

E. coli Treatment

Treatment typically focuses on replenishing lost fluids.

Listeria

Cold cuts
Unpasteurized foods - contaminated food
Symptoms: fever, diarrhea, muscle aches

Listeria Treatment

Antibiotic treatment

Shigellosis (Bacillary Dysentery)

Caused by Shigella species.
Symptoms: bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramps.

Shigellosis Spread

Person-to-person contact, food contamination

Shigellosis Outbreaks

Common in crowded living conditions.

Shigellosis Treatment

Antibiotic, fluids and electrolytes to aid in rehydration

Norovirus

Virus causing foodborne infection.
Symptoms: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea.

Toxoplasmosis

Parasite Toxoplasma gondii, often acquired from cats or via undercooked meat (specifically pork)

Toxoplasmosis Spread

Typically involves ingesting contaminated food.
Cat feces are a primary source (handling or gardening)

Toxoplasmosis Symptoms

Often mild to self-limiting, though in certain circumstances, the infection can be severe

Toxoplasmosis and Pregnancy

Can lead to complications in pregnant women..

Tapeworms

Caused by parasitic worms
Symptoms: malnutrition, intestinal blockage

Roundworms

Common parasitic roundworm often associated with foodborne illness that can affect the intestinal tract

Trichinosis

Foodborne illness caused by consuming undercooked meat containing encysted worms.

Industrial Microbiology

Microbes used in various commercial processes

Biofuels

Substances produced from biomass that can be used as fuel (substitutes).

Biomedicine

Using naturally occurring or genetically engineered microbes to create substances that address potentially harmful substances in the environment or in medicine.