76 Questions
What is the main characteristic of tetanus?
General rigidity and muscle spasm
What type of bacteria produces the exotoxin responsible for tetanus?
Clostridium tetani
Where can the tetanus bacteria be found?
Feces of animals, soil, and puncture wounds
How is cryptosporidiosis transmitted to humans?
Through contaminated food and water
What is the causative agent of cryptosporidiosis?
Cryptosporidium
How is cryptosporidiosis diagnosed in patients?
Detection of oocysts in the stool
Which medication can be used to treat cryptosporidiosis?
Nitazoxanide
What is resistant to chlorination in the context of cryptosporidiosis?
Oocysts
What protozoan parasite causes toxoplasmosis?
Toxoplasma gondii
What are the most common side effects of food-borne infections?
Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
Which test is NOT mentioned as an important diagnostic test for food-borne illnesses?
Blood culture
What is the causative agent of salmonellosis?
Salmonella typhi
What is the major reservoir of Salmonella?
Turtles
Which bacterium causes shigellosis?
Shigella bacteria
What is a key symptom of severe cases of shigella infection?
Bloody and mucous stools (Dysentery)
Why is it important to avoid anti-diarrheal agents in cases of shigella infection?
They prolong the illness
Which part of the body does shigella most often affect?
Large intestine
What is the primary cause of campylobacteriosis?
Undercooked meat
What are the common sources of exposure to campylobacteriosis?
Undercooked meat and contaminated water
Which bacterium is associated with six different strains that can cause diarrhea?
E-coli
How is E-coli generally spread?
Via ingestion of feces-contaminated food
What is a common mode of transmission for E-coli between humans?
Direct contact with infected individuals
What is a primary source of E-coli infection?
Drinking untreated water
What are the main clinical features of hemolytic uremic syndrome caused by E-coli 0157:H7?
Hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, and acute renal dysfunction
Which toxin is associated with the development of hemolytic uremic syndrome caused by E-coli 0157:H7?
Shigatoxin
What are the characteristic features of E-coli 0157:H7 as a shigatoxin-associated bacterium?
Development of hemolytic uremic syndrome
What is the primary mode of transmission for Trichinellosis?
Consuming undercooked pig or game meat
Which diagnostic method is specifically mentioned for identifying Trichinellosis?
Blood test or muscle biopsy
What is the primary cause of botulism?
Clostridium botulinum
Which type of bacteria is Clostridium botulinum?
Gram-positive rod
What is a common association with infant botulism?
Consumption of honey
What is a common symptom associated with botulism?
Muscle weakness
Which of the following is a common symptom of botulism?
Difficulty breathing
What type of bacteria is Bacillus Cereus?
Gram-positive aerobic rod
Why is Bacillus Cereus commonly called the 'fried rice syndrome'?
It causes symptoms similar to food poisoning from contaminated fried rice
What is the characteristic feature of Bacillus Cereus?
Production of endospores
How is cholera commonly diagnosed?
Rice water stool
What is the main mode of exposure to cholera?
Exposure to contaminated shellfish or travel to endemic regions
What is the causative agent of cholera?
Vibrio cholerae
What is the primary treatment requirement for patients with cholera?
Fluid replacement
What is the primary concern in patients with cholera?
Dehydration
What is the leading cause of food-borne illness according to the CDC?
Norovirus
Which viral illness commonly infects infants and children?
Rotavirus
Where is Norovirus commonly spread?
Cruise ships
What is a common symptom associated with rotavirus infection?
Vomiting and nausea
How is rotavirus primarily transmitted to humans?
Consumption of contaminated food or water
What is a common symptom of Hepatitis A?
Jaundice
What is a potential consequence of untreated Hepatitis A infection?
Liver disease
What is the primary cause of Giardia?
Giardia lamblia
Where does Giardia primarily affect the body?
Upper small intestine
What is another name for Giardia?
Beaver fever
Where are Giardia outbreaks commonly associated?
Day care centers and swimming pools
How can Giardia be identified?
By cysts or trophozoites in feces
What are the diagnostic tests for identifying Giardia?
ELISA and DFA
What disease can be caused by Entamoeba histolytica?
Amoebic dysentery
Which parasite is also known as the 'brain eating amoeba'?
Naegleria fowleri
What type of organism is Entamoeba histolytica?
Parasite
What causes Malaria?
Plasmodium parasite
What is a major danger associated with Malaria?
Possible relapses after recovery
How can Naegleria fowleri infect a person?
Through contaminated water entering the nose
Which stage of malaria is characterized by high fever and shivering?
Hot stage
What is the first stage of malaria characterized by?
Shivering and chills
Which stage of malaria is associated with profuse sweating?
Hot stage
What is the most common mosquito-borne illness in the USA?
West Nile Virus
Who is most at risk for West Nile virus?
People over the age of 50 who spend a lot of time outdoors
How is West Nile Virus diagnosed?
IgM on serum/CSF
What birth defects can Zika infection cause in pregnant individuals?
Severe microcephaly
What is the causative agent of Lyme disease?
Borrelia burgdorferi
Which virus is associated with causing multiple serious birth defects including microcephaly?
Zika virus
What is the primary treatment for Lyme disease?
Antibiotics (doxy)
How is Lyme disease most commonly transmitted?
Tick bites
What kind of rash is indicative of Lyme disease?
"Bull's eye" rash
What is the initial onset of Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever?
Headache and fever
Which bacterium causes Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever?
Rickettsia rickettsii
What does a rash spreading to the trunk indicate in Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever?
It is a bad sign of a severe disease
What is the first line of treatment for Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever?
Doxycycline
Study Notes
Tetanus
- Main characteristic is muscle stiffness and spasms due to toxin effects.
- Exotoxin produced by Clostridium tetani bacteria.
- Tetanus bacteria can be found in soil, dust, and animal feces.
Cryptosporidiosis
- Transmitted to humans primarily through contaminated water.
- Causative agent is Cryptosporidium spp. (protozoan).
- Diagnosed via microscopy of stool samples or special staining techniques.
- Treatment includes nitazoxanide, though supportive care is essential.
- Oocysts are resistant to chlorination, complicating water treatment efforts.
Toxoplasmosis
- Caused by the protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii.
Food-borne Infections
- Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal cramps.
- Test not mentioned for diagnosing food-borne illnesses: blood cultures.
Salmonellosis
- Causative agent is Salmonella bacteria.
- Major reservoir includes poultry and reptiles.
Shigellosis
- Caused by the bacterium Shigella.
- Key symptom includes severe diarrhea with blood and mucus.
- Anti-diarrheal agents should be avoided to prevent complications such as toxin accumulation.
- Primarily affects the intestinal lining, leading to ulceration.
Campylobacteriosis
- Primary cause linked to Campylobacter jejuni bacteria.
- Common exposure sources include undercooked poultry and contaminated water.
Escherichia coli (E-coli)
- Associated with multiple strains causing diarrhea, particularly E. coli O157:H7.
- Generally spread through contaminated food and water.
- Human transmission can occur via fecal-oral route.
- Primary source of infection is undercooked beef.
- Clinical features of hemolytic uremic syndrome include kidney failure and hemolytic anemia.
- Shiga toxin is linked to E. coli O157:H7 syndrome, affecting blood cells and kidneys.
- Characteristic features include production of Shiga toxin, leading to severe illness.
Trichinellosis
- Primary mode of transmission is through consumption of undercooked meat infected with Trichinella larvae.
- Diagnosis is often made through muscle biopsy or serology testing.
Botulism
- Primary cause is the toxin produced by Clostridium botulinum bacteria.
- Associated with infant botulism is consumption of honey.
- Symptoms include muscle weakness, vision problems, and respiratory difficulties.
Bacillus Cereus
- Gram-positive bacterium, capable of forming spores.
- Commonly called 'fried rice syndrome' due to association with fried rice dishes left unrefrigerated.
- Characteristic feature includes producing toxins that cause food poisoning.
Cholera
- Diagnosed through stool culture and rapid testing methods.
- Common mode of exposure is consumption of contaminated water or food.
- Causative agent is Vibrio cholerae.
- Primary treatment concern is rehydration to prevent severe dehydration.
Food-borne Illnesses & Viral Infections
- Leading cause of food-borne illness according to the CDC includes norovirus.
- Norovirus commonly spreads in crowded environments such as cruise ships.
- Common symptom of rotavirus infection is severe diarrhea, especially in children.
- Rotavirus primarily transmitted via the fecal-oral route.
Hepatitis A
- Common symptom is jaundice, alongside fatigue and abdominal pain.
- Untreated infections can lead to liver failure.
Giardia
- Primary cause is the protozoan Giardia lamblia.
- Primarily affects the intestines, leading to gastrointestinal symptoms.
- Also known as "beaver fever."
- Outbreaks are commonly associated with contaminated water sources.
- Identified through stool examination and specific antigen tests.
Entamoeba histolytica
- Causes amoebic dysentery, a severe gastrointestinal disease.
- Known as the "brain-eating amoeba": Naegleria fowleri can cause fatal infections in the brain.
Malaria
- Caused by Plasmodium spp.; major strains include P. falciparum.
- Major danger is severe anemia and cerebral complications.
- Naegleria fowleri infects through nasal passages, usually from contaminated water.
- Malaria stages: high fever and chills occur during the paroxysmal stage; profuse sweating is typical after fever peaks.
West Nile Virus
- Most common mosquito-borne illness in the USA; affects birds primarily.
- Individuals over 50 years are most at risk.
- Diagnosed through serological tests detecting specific antibodies.
Zika Virus
- Associated with causing serious birth defects like microcephaly.
Lyme Disease
- Causative agent is Borrelia burgdorferi.
- Transmitted primarily by Ixodes ticks.
- An erythema migrans rash is a key indicator of infection.
- Primary treatment involves antibiotics, especially doxycycline.
Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever
- Initial onset is characterized by a sudden fever.
- Caused by Rickettsia rickettsii.
- Rash spreading to the trunk indicates a systemic spread of the infection.
- First-line treatment includes doxycycline.
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