Bacterial Diseases of the Respiratory System

What are the common causes of laryngitis and tonsillitis?

Streptococcus pneumoniae, Streptococcus pyogenes, and viruses.

What are the symptoms of sinusitis?

Nasal congestion, pressure, facial pain.

What is the causative agent of epiglottitis?

Haemophilus influenzae.

What symptoms characterize epiglottitis?

Swelling of the epiglottis that can obstruct the airway.

What causes scarlet fever?

Group A Streptococcus (Streptococcus pyogenes) producing erythrogenic toxin.

At what age group is scarlet fever most common?

Children aged 2–8.

What are the key symptoms of scarlet fever?

Fever, sore throat, red rash, strawberry tongue, flushed cheeks.

What complications can arise from untreated scarlet fever?

Ear infections, sinusitis, abscesses, septicaemia, meningitis.

What new strain of scarlet fever was mentioned and its significance?

emm1 (M1UK) strain with increased SpeA toxin production and greater invasive potential.

What bacterium causes diphtheria?

Corynebacterium diphtheriae.

What is a major pathology associated with diphtheria?

Thick grey membrane in throat composed of fibrin, dead cells, and bacteria.

What vaccine is used to prevent diphtheria?

Diphtheria toxoid vaccine (part of DTaP).

What is the causative agent of pertussis?

Bordetella pertussis.

What are the virulence factors of Bordetella pertussis?

Tracheal cytotoxin and pertussis toxin.

What are the stages of pertussis infection?

Catarrhal, paroxysmal, and convalescent stages.

Who are the at-risk groups for pertussis?

Infants and pregnant women.

What happens to vaccine immunity against pertussis over time?

It wanes, which can lead to re-infections.

What is the causative agent of tuberculosis?

Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

How is tuberculosis primarily transmitted?

Airborne droplets (human to human).

What are the two types of tuberculosis?

Pulmonary TB and miliary TB.

What is the first-line treatment for tuberculosis?

Isoniazid, Rifampicin, Pyrazinamide, and Ethambutol.

What does MDR and XDR stand for in tuberculosis?

Multi-drug resistant and Extensively drug resistant.

What has contributed to the resurgence of tuberculosis?

Immigration from high-incidence countries and HIV co-infection.

What is pneumonia?

Inflammation of lung tissues where alveoli fill with fluid.

Which group is at higher risk for pneumonia?

Infants, elderly, smokers, or immunocompromised individuals.

What bacterium causes pneumococcal pneumonia?

Streptococcus pneumoniae.

What is a notable feature of mycoplasmal pneumonia?

It's often referred to as 'walking pneumonia' and is mild.

What unique treatment is used for Legionella infection?

Erythromycin.

What is the cause of psittacosis?

Chlamydophila psittaci.

Which patients are primarily affected by fungal pneumonias?

Immunocompromised individuals.

What are some examples of fungal pneumonias?

Histoplasmosis, Pneumocystis, Coccidioidomycosis, and Blastomycosis.

What infection is linked to bird droppings?

Psittacosis.

What treatment is indicated for psittacosis?

Tetracycline.