MICROBIOLOGY

Upper Respiratory System

Includes the nose, pharynx, middle ear, Eustachian tube, and nasolacrimal duct.

Lower Respiratory System

Consists of the larynx, trachea, and bronchial tubes.

Ciliated Mucous

Cilia in the trachea and bronchial tubes that prevents microorganisms from reaching the lungs by moving them up to the throat.

Alveoli

One-cell thick sacs where gases are exchanged.

Alveolar Macrophages

Cells that phagocytize microorganisms that reach the lungs.

Pleura

A double-layered membrane that surrounds the lungs.

Sore Throat

Commonly caused by Streptococcal pyogenes, resulting in local inflammation, fever, and throat pain.

Scarlet Fever

Occurs when erythrogenic toxin from certain strains of S. pyogenes causes rash and red coloration of the tongue.

Diphtheria

Caused by Corynebacterium diphtheriae; characterized by a grayish membrane in the throat.

Otitis Media

An infection of the middle ear, often caused by S. pyogenes, leading to ear pain.

Common Cold

Most commonly caused by rhinovirus, symptoms include sneezing, runny nose, and congestion.

Pertussis (Whooping Cough)

Caused by Bordetella pertussis, features severe coughing episodes and gasping between coughs.

Tuberculosis

Caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, it is characterized by lung damage and can remain latent.

Pneumonia

Inflammation of the lung, most commonly caused by bacteria, symptoms include cough and fever.

Pneumococcal Pneumonia

Caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae, characterized by high fever and rust-colored sputum.

Legionnaires' Disease

Caused by Legionella pneumophila, primarily affects older men, transmitted via contaminated water.

Psittacosis

Caused by Chlamydophila psittaci, transmitted from infected birds to humans, often results in respiratory issues.

Viral Pneumonia

Can occur as a complication of influenza or other viral infections.

Influenza Virus

Composed of 8 RNA strands, features hemagglutinin and neuraminidase spikes that aid in infection.

Histoplasmosis

Caused by Histoplasma capsulatum, common in areas along the Ohio and Mississippi rivers.

Coccidioidomycosis

Also known as Valley Fever, caused by Coccidioides immitis, often asymptomatic.

Pneumocystis Penumonia

Affects the alveoli, particularly in immunocompromised individuals.

Blastomycosis

Caused by Blastomyces dermatitidis, begins in the lungs and can lead to systemic symptoms.