Respiratory Viral Diseases and Mycoses

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Questions and Answers

What is the estimated ranking of metapneumovirus as a cause of viral respiratory disease?

Second (correct)

First

Fourth

Third

In which region is Coccidioidomycosis almost exclusively found?

Northeastern U.S.

Southeastern U.S.

Southwestern U.S. and northern Mexico (correct)

Northwestern U.S.

What is the typical mode of entry for Arthroconidia into the body?

Ingestion

Vector transmission

Skin contact

Inhalation (correct)

What is the typical treatment for Coccidioidomycosis?

Amphotericin B Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the pathogen that causes Coccidioidomycosis?

Coccidioides immitis Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the structures formed by Coccidioides immitis at human body temperature?

Spherules Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary mode of transmission for coronaviruses?

Respiratory droplets Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary symptom of Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) infection in older children and adults?

Mild cold-like symptoms Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) triggered fusion of infected and uninfected cells?

Multinucleated syncytium Signup and view all the answers

What is the diagnostic method for confirming coronavirus infection?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary organ affected by coronavirus infection?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

What is the goal of treatment for coronavirus infection?

To alleviate symptoms Signup and view all the answers

What is a major complication of influenza infection?

Susceptibility to secondary bacterial infections Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary method of transmission for influenza?

Through inhalation of viruses or by self-inoculation Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of oseltamivir and zanamivir in influenza treatment?

To be administered early in infection to reduce the severity of the disease Signup and view all the answers

What are the two recently emerging diseases caused by coronaviruses?

Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary cause of respiratory syndromes such as SARS and MERS?

Coronaviruses Signup and view all the answers

What is the most effective way to prevent influenza?

Immunization with a multivalent vaccine Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Viral Diseases of the Lower Respiratory System

Other viruses affecting respiratory health include Cytomegalovirus and Metapneumovirus, particularly in vulnerable populations like children, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals.
Parainfluenza viruses, with three notable strains, are significant causes of croup and viral pneumonia, especially among young children.

Mycoses of the Lower Respiratory System

Coccidioidomycosis

Symptoms may mimic pneumonia or tuberculosis and can spread systemically in immunocompromised patients.
Caused by the pathogen Coccidioides immitis, which transforms into a yeast form at human body temperature.
Pathogenesis involves inhalation of arthroconidia from soil.
Primarily found in the southwestern U.S. and northern Mexico.
Diagnosis relies on the presence of spherules in clinical specimens; treatment typically involves amphotericin B, with protective masks recommended to prevent inhalation of spores.

Coronavirus Respiratory Syndromes

Coronaviruses propagate through respiratory droplets, with potential systemic spread affecting the lungs, heart, and kidneys.
Diagnosis is based on clinical signs, confirmed via viral isolation or antibody detection; supportive treatment is the primary method of management.

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Infection

Most common cause of respiratory disease in children, presenting with fever, runny nose, and cough in young patients, while older children and adults experience milder cold-like symptoms.
RSV leads to the formation of syncytia (multinucleated cells) in the lungs, exacerbated by an immune response that further damages lung tissue.

Influenza

Symptoms result from the immune response to infection, with a notable risk of secondary bacterial infections due to lung epithelial damage.
Transmission occurs through inhalation of virus particles or self-inoculation.
Complications are particularly prevalent in the elderly, children, and those with chronic diseases.
Diagnosis is often straightforward during outbreaks; supportive care is critical, with antiviral medications like oseltamivir and zanamivir being effective when administered early.
Preventive measures include vaccination with a multivalent influenza vaccine.

Emerging Coronavirus Respiratory Syndromes

Notable emerging diseases include Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS).
Symptoms include high fever, shortness of breath, and pneumonia, with coronaviruses identified as the causative agents.
While most coronavirus infections are mild, SARS and MERS can lead to higher mortality rates.

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Description

This quiz covers viral diseases of the lower respiratory system, including cytomegalovirus, metapneumovirus, and parainfluenza viruses, as well as mycoses of the lower respiratory system, such as coccidioidomycosis. Learn about the causes, signs, and symptoms of these diseases. Ideal for medical students and healthcare professionals.