Neurology and Microbiology Quiz
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Questions and Answers

Which organism is classified as a Gram positive bacillus?

  • Neisseria meningitidis
  • Clostridium botulinum
  • Listeria monocytogenes (correct)
  • Streptococcus pneumoniae

What is the main role of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)?

  • Acts as a barrier to pathogens
  • Provides a cushion for the brain (correct)
  • Transports oxygen to the spinal column
  • Delivers nutrients to the brain

Which of the following is NOT a layer of the meninges?

  • Cerebral cortex (correct)
  • Pia mater
  • Dura mater
  • Arachnoid mater

What do the specialized blood vessels forming the blood-brain barrier primarily do?

<p>Deliver nutrients and oxygen to the CNS (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which bacterium is known to affect the peripheral nervous system and can cause leprosy?

<p>Mycobacterium leprae (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following pathogens is a Gram negative coccobacillus?

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

Which type of bacteria can typically penetrate the blood-brain barrier?

<p>A small subset of pathogens (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which organism is classified as a Gram negative cocci?

<p>Neisseria meningitidis (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a valid route of infection for meningitis?

<p>Hematogenous spread (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following conditions is NOT mentioned as being influenced by altered gut microbiota?

<p>Heart disease (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the inflammation of both the brain and the meninges?

<p>Meningoencephalitis (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which type of sampling technique is used to avoid skin flora during specimen collection for CNS infections?

<p>Aseptic technique (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of collecting multiple tubes during a lumbar puncture?

<p>To obtain various types of analyses (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In which condition is the gut-brain axis particularly noted for influencing brain function?

<p>Parkinson’s Disease (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What happens if lumbar puncture specimens are refrigerated?

<p>It can alter the test results (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is considered abnormal within the CNS and PNS?

<p>Any microbes present (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What laboratory test result is considered critical for bacterial meningitis diagnosis?

<p>Positive bacterial culture (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which common agents are known to cause viral meningitis?

<p>HSV and enteroviruses (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which lab test is specifically recommended if a fungal pathogen is suspected?

<p>Fungal culture and smear (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What symptom is common to both viral and bacterial meningitis?

<p>Stiff neck (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the typical prognosis for viral meningitis?

<p>Good (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which testing method is used for rapid detection of common viral causes in CSF?

<p>NAAT testing (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the normal CSF cell count in a non-infected individual?

<p>Few WBC and no RBC (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How long does it typically take to get results from a bacterial culture and smear?

<p>2-3 days (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Nervous System Infection

Infections affecting the brain and spinal cord (CNS) and nerves (PNS).

Bacterial Meningitis

Inflammation of the meninges, the membrane that surrounds the brain and spinal cord, caused by bacteria.

Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)

Nerves that connect the central nervous system to the rest of the body.

Meninges

Three layers of tissue surrounding the brain and spinal cord.

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Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF)

Fluid produced in the brain that acts as a cushion and helps transport essential elements.

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Blood-Brain Barrier (BBB)

Specialized blood vessels that act as a selective barrier. Controls what enters the brain.

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Gram positive cocci (GPC)

A group of bacteria

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Central Nervous System (CNS)

Brain and spinal cord.

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CNS Microbiota

The Central Nervous System (CNS) does not normally contain any bacteria. Any microbes found in the CNS are considered abnormal.

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Gut-Brain Axis

The connection between the gut microbiota and brain function, influencing mental health and disease.

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Encephalitis

Inflammation of the brain.

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Meningoencephalitis

Inflammation of both the brain and meninges.

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Routes of CNS Infections

Methods of infection reaching the CNS including hematogenous (via blood), contiguous spread (from adjacent sites), trauma, surgery, and shunts.

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Lumbar Puncture

A procedure to collect Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) from the spinal canal.

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CSF Sample Handling

Collected CSF should be handled aseptically, transported immediately, and not refrigerated, to preserve the samples for analysis.

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Common Viral Meningitis Agents

Enteroviruses, HSV, and VZV are common causes of viral meningitis.

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Common Bacterial Meningitis Agents

NEME, SXPN, HAIN, GBS, and LIMO are common bacterial causes of meningitis.

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CSF Analysis: What to check?

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis helps diagnose meningitis. Test for cell count, glucose/protein levels, and for viral/bacterial agents.

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CSF: What is 'Normal'?

Normal CSF has a few white blood cells (WBCs) and rare (or no) red blood cells (RBCs).

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Viral Meningitis: Prognosis

Viral meningitis typically has a good prognosis, meaning a positive outcome.

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Bacterial Meningitis: Prognosis

Bacterial meningitis has a poorer prognosis than viral meningitis, meaning a more serious outcome.

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Bacterial Meningitis: What to look for?

Bacterial meningitis often presents with purpura (purple spots) and/or petechiae (small red spots).

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Smear: Critical Result?

A positive smear for bacteria in CSF is considered a critical result and needs immediate communication to the clinician.

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Study Notes

Nervous System Infections Overview

  • Nervous system infections often affect the brain, spinal column, and peripheral nervous system (PNS)
  • Meninges are the three layers of tissue surrounding the brain and spinal cord
  • Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is produced within the brain and acts as a cushion
  • The blood-brain barrier is a specialized system of blood vessels that deliver nutrients to the CNS. It selectively allows passage of specific nutrients and molecules, limiting many pathogens from entering the nervous system
  • The nervous system does not have its own resident microbiota
  • Any microbes present in CNS or PNS suggest infection

Bacterial Meningitis

  • Bacterial meningitis is inflammation of the meninges
  • Common causative agents include:
    • Neisseria meningitidis (GNC)
      • AKA meningococcus
      • Common serotypes include A, B, C, W, X and Y, with B most common in <1 year olds
    • Streptococcus pneumoniae (GPC)
      • AKA pneumococcus, potentially most common bacterial meningitis
    • Haemophilus influenzae (GNCB)
  • Transmission typically occurs through respiratory droplets and/or close contact with carriers.
  • Symptoms frequently include fever, headache, stiff neck, nausea, vomiting, and potentially purpura and/or petechiae

Bacterial Infections Affecting PNS

  • Bacterial infections affecting the peripheral nervous system can be caused by:

    • Mycobacterium leprae: Infects nerves directly, causes Hansen's disease (leprosy)

  • Clostridium botulinum: Produces botulinum toxin, a neurotoxin that causes flaccid paralysis.

  • Clostridium tetani: Produces tetanus toxin, a neurotoxin that causes spastic paralysis

Listeria Meningitis (Listeriosis)

  • Listeria monocytogenes (GPB) is the causative agent
  • Grows at low temperatures, which can present a foodborne risk
  • Foodborne transmission is common via dairy products, deli meats, fruits, and vegetables.
  • Symptoms in healthy adults may resemble a mild cold, but more serious infections may lead to neurological issues in vulnerable populations (e.g., pregnant women, neonates, immunocompromised).

Tetanus ("Lockjaw")

  • Caused by Clostridium tetani (GPB/anaerobe, endospore-former)
  • Endospores enter through deep wounds.
  • Production of the neurotoxin, tetanospasmin, causes spastic paralysis.
  • Vaccine and antitoxin are available but recurring booster doses are necessary for long-term immunity.

Botulism

  • Caused by Clostridium botulinum (GPB, anaerobe, endospore-former)
  • Toxin (botulinum) prevents muscle contraction, resulting in flaccid paralysis.
  • Foodborne botulism, wound botulism, and infant botulism are common types
  • The toxin is highly potent; small amounts (e.g., 1 ng) can be lethal.
  • The toxin can be used therapeutically in certain medical situations (e.g., excessive sweating, muscle spasms, etc.)

Laboratory Diagnosis and Treatment

  • Diagnosis frequently involves lumbar punctures to collect CSF
  • Appropriate lab tests include cell counts/differentials, protein/glucose levels, NAAT tests, bacterial cultures, and fungal cultures.
  • Treatment varies by agent, with antibiotics and supportive care used for bacterial infections.

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Nervous System Infections Lecture Notes 2024 PDF

Description

Test your knowledge on critical topics related to neurology and microbiology. This quiz covers the classification of bacteria, the functions of cerebrospinal fluid, and the mechanisms behind CNS infections. Dive into the intricate relationship between the nervous system and microbiota.

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