Oral Infections and Pathogens Quiz

Oral Infections

• Common pathogens include Candida albicans and Streptococcus pyogenes.
• Candida albicans causes "Thrush" and presents in three forms: pseudomembranous, erythematous, and hyperplastic.
• Pseudomembranous thrush presents as a gray to white membrane that is easily scraped off, revealing an erythematous base.
• Antibiotic use increases the risk of thrush by killing beneficial oral bacteria.
• Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV), typically HSV-1, can lead to recurrent stomatitis; initial infections in children are usually asymptomatic but may cause vesicular lesions, fever, and lymphadenopathy.
• Streptococcus pyogenes is the main causative agent of Strep Pharyngitis, presenting with strawberry tongue and potential complications like rheumatic fever and toxic shock syndrome.
• Infectious Mononucleosis, often linked to Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV), manifests as fever, sore throat, and severe fatigue.

Periodontal Diseases

• Gingivitis: mild form characterized by gum inflammation, often reversible with good hygiene.
• Periodontitis: more severe gum disease, leads to loss of tooth-supporting structures and can result in tooth loss.
• Other inflammatory conditions affect oral tissues, but clear differentiation in a clinical setting is essential.

Glaucoma

• Open-Angle Glaucoma: chronic, progressive optic neuropathy often linked to elevated intraocular pressure; peripheral vision loss is a hallmark.
• Risk factors include older age, family history, black race, and systemic steroid use.
• Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD): encompasses dry (gradual vision loss) and wet (sudden vision distortion) forms, with wet AMD being associated with abnormal blood vessel growth.

Retinoblastoma

• Resulting from mutational inactivation of both alleles of the RB1 gene on chromosome 13.
• Clinical signs include leukocoria (white pupil reflection) and strabismus (misaligned eyes).
• Symptoms may also involve eye discomfort or diminished vision if the tumor impedes normal eye function.

Retinal Arteriosclerosis

• Caused by chronic hypertension, leading to thickened retinal arterioles, resulting in reduced blood flow.
• Clinical findings include narrowed vessels seen on ophthalmoscopy and cotton-wool spots indicating nerve fiber layer ischemia.

Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy

• Associated with diabetes mellitus, characterized by neovascularization - growth of fragile blood vessels prone to bleeding.
• Risks include vitreous hemorrhage leading to vision loss and potential retinal detachment.

Anterior Blepharitis and Chalazion

• Anterior Blepharitis: caused by staphylococcal infection or seborrhea; presents with red, swollen eyelids, crusted lashes, and excessive tearing.
• Chalazion: a cyst resulting from blocked oil glands in the eyelid, typically not painful.
• Differentiation includes eyelid inflammation versus a localized cystic lesion.

Fibrous Proliferative Lesions

• Irritation Fibroma: submucosal nodular mass due to trauma, occurring frequently on buccal mucosa or gingiva.
• Pyogenic Granuloma: exophytic mass that can regress or become fibrous; commonly found in young adults and pregnant women.
• Peripheral Ossifying Fibroma: reactive growth from periodontal ligament cells; requires surgical excision due to recurrence risk.

Leukoplakia vs. Erythroplakia

• Leukoplakia: white patches that may be precursors to cancer but less frequent malignant transformation.
• Erythroplakia: red lesions with a significantly higher risk of malignant transformation compared to leukoplakia.

Test your knowledge on common oral infections and their associated pathogens, such as Candida albicans and Strep pharyngitis. Explore their presentations and understand the differences in symptoms that may arise from various pathogens involved in oral infections.