microbio unit 15F: microbial diseases of the nervous + cardiovascular systems

I: microbial diseases of the nervous system (CRYPTOCOCCUS NEOFORMANS, TRYPANOSOMA SP.)

cryptococcosis is caused by what microbe?

cryptococcus neformans

cryptococcus neoformans causes what disease?

cryptococcosis

cryptococcosis is ______, meaning it is a mold in the environment and a yeast in the body

dimorphic

where is cryptococcus neformans found?

found in soil contaminated with pigeon feces

where do the most cases of cryptococcosis occur?

urban areas

what is the mortality rate of cryptococcosis?

30%

what are the symptoms of cryptococcosis

infection in the lungs (subclinical)

fungal meningitis

cutaneous lesions

what disease is the most common cause of fungal death in the U.S.?

cryptococcosis

is cryptococcus neformans virulent?

yes → it has a capsule, allowing it to resist host defenses

trypanosomiasis/african sleeping sickness is caused by what microbe?

trypanosoma sp.

trypanosoma sp. causes what disease?

trypanosomiasis/african sleeping sickness

african trypanosomiasis occurs most frequently in what region?

central + east africa

what is the biological vector of african trypanosomiasis?

tsetse fly

what is the mode of infection of african trypanosomiasis?

bite of an infected tsetse fly

trypanosoma sp. chooses what hosts to infect?

humans

domestic + wild animals

what are the symptoms of african trypanosomiasis?

cns involvement
fever
headache

decreased activity,
uncontrollable sleep

coma

what is the treatment for african trypanomiasis?

suramin

pentamidine

______ and _______ are used to treat african trypanomiasis

suramin and pentamidine

what happens if african trypanomiasis is left untreated?

death