Micro W11: infections of the Nervous System
17 Questions
0 Views

Choose a study mode

Play Quiz
Study Flashcards
Spaced Repetition

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

Which of the following conditions is characterized by inflammation of both the brain and the meninges?

  • Aseptic meningitis
  • Encephalitis
  • Meningoencephalitis (correct)
  • Bacterial meningitis

    • What is a significant difference between septic meningitis and aseptic meningitis in terms of CSF appearance?

  • Aseptic meningitis has turbid CSF.
  • Aseptic meningitis has clear CSF. (correct)
  • Septic meningitis has clear CSF.
  • Septic meningitis has practically no CSF

    • Which organism is associated with causing meningococcal meningitis?

  • Streptococcus pneumoniae
  • Listeria monocytogenes
  • Neisseria meningitides (correct)
  • Haemophilus influenzae

    • What is the primary transmission method for Neisseria meningitides?

    <p>Person-to-person contact or respiratory droplets</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following bacteria is known to commonly present in the normal flora of the throat and can cause bacterial meningitis?

    <p>Streptococcus pneumoniae</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a critical factor in the pathogenesis of bacterial meningitis that differentiates it from viral meningitis?

    <p>Production of bacterial toxins</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following complications can occur as a result of untreated bacterial meningitis?

    <p>Potential permanent neurological damage</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which bacterial strain is primarily responsible for approximately 5% to 10% of bacterial meningitis cases in adults?

    <p>Haemophilus influenzae</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a common symptom of Listeria meningitis?

    <p>Personality change</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which bacterium is responsible for causing tetanus?

    <p>Clostridium tetani</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is true about polio infection?

    <p>95% of cases are asymptomatic.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of meningitis is caused by a virus and is usually less severe than bacterial meningitis?

    <p>Viral meningitis</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following statements about botulism is correct?

    <p>There are four types of botulism, including foodborne and wound.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which symptom is NOT associated with rabies infection?

    <p>Loss of coordination</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary method of transmission of arboviral encephalitis?

    <p>Mosquito bites</p> Signup and view all the answers

    For which type of viral meningitis are mosquitoes considered potential vectors?

    <p>Viral meningitis</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which type of encephalitis is characterized by a high mortality rate ranging from 3% to 30%?

    <p>St. Louis encephalitis</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Nervous System Infections

    • Infections can cross the blood-brain barrier during inflammation.
    • Meningitis is inflammation of the meninges (the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord).
      • Aseptic meningitis has clear cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and is usually caused by viruses.
      • Septic meningitis has turbid CSF and is usually caused by bacteria.
    • Encephalitis is inflammation of the brain.
    • Meningoencephalitis is inflammation of both the brain and the meninges.
    • Neuromuscular junctions can also be targets for microbial infections or toxins.

    Bacterial Infections

    • Bacterial meningitis presents with nausea, vomiting, fever, headache, stiff neck, progressing to confusion, sleepiness, light sensitivity, potential convulsion, and coma.
      • Early treatment is crucial to prevent neurological damage.
    • Meningococcal meningitis is caused by Neisseria meningitides (gram-negative diplococcus).
      • Asymptomatic carriers are common (20%).
      • Transmission is person-to-person via respiratory droplets.
      • Antibiotic therapy significantly reduces mortality (9-12% reduction).
    • Haemophilus influenzae meningitis is caused by Haemophilus influenzae (gram-negative coccobacillus).
      • Commonly a normal throat inhabitant.
      • Vaccination has decreased incidence significantly in children.
      • Causes 5-10% of bacterial meningitis in adults.
      • Transmission is similar to N. meningitidis.
      • Intravenous antibiotics are necessary.
    • Pneumococcal meningitis is caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae (gram-positive diplococcus).
      • Commonly carried in the throats of healthy individuals.
      • A significant cause of otitis media and pneumonia.
      • A conjugate vaccine exists.
    • Listeria meningitis is caused by Listeria monocytogenes.
      • Foodborne illness; can spread to the CNS.
      • Affects the elderly and immunocompromised.
      • Symptoms include fever, personality change, tremors, seizures.
    • Tetanus is caused by Clostridium tetani neurotoxin (exotoxin).
      • Characterized by prolonged muscle contractions and spasms.
      • Spores are found in soil and animal feces.
      • Infection occurs through wounds.
    • Botulism is caused by Clostridium botulinum.
      • Produces a potent neurotoxin (serotypes A-H).
      • Occurs in various forms (foodborne, infant, wound, inhalation).
      • Incidence is low, but mortality is high if not treated promptly.

    Viral Infections

    • Viral meningitis (aseptic meningitis) is relatively common and usually less severe than bacterial meningitis.
      • It is spread via direct contact with infected feces or secretions. Mosquitoes can also transmit some viral meningitis.
      • Symptoms include fever, headache, stiff neck, tiredness, rash, sore throat, vomiting.
      • Resolves spontaneously due to immune response antibody production.
    • Poliomyelitis is caused by the poliovirus.
      • The virus replicates in the GI tract and sheds in feces.
      • Person-to-person transmission through the oral-fecal route.
      • Most infections are asymptomatic.
      • In the United States, only inactivated polio vaccine (IPV) is routinely used.
    • Rabies is a preventable zoonotic disease caused by the rabies virus.
      • Typically causes acute encephalitis.
      • Reservoirs include raccoons, skunks, foxes, coyotes and other animals and domesticated animals.
      • Transmission occurs via saliva from an infected animal.
      • Symptoms begin with fatigue, insomnia, muscle aches, headache, anxiety, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain progressing to agitation.
      • Pre- and post-exposure vaccination are key.
    • Arboviral encephalitis is transmitted by vectors like mosquitoes and ticks.
      • Multiple types exist (Eastern equine, Western equine, St. Louis, La Crosse, West Nile).
      • Symptoms vary in severity.
      • No readily available treatment or vaccines are available for most types.

    Studying That Suits You

    Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

    Quiz Team

    More Like This

    Use Quizgecko on...
    Browser
    Open
    Browser
    Browser