VM midterm pt3.

Transmissible Cancer

A cancer that spreads between animals through direct transmission of cancerous cells.

Canine Transmissible Venereal Tumor (CTVT)

A transmissible tumor in dogs spread mainly through coitus.

CTVT Origin

A single clone of CTVT has colonized dogs worldwide, existing for over 11,000 years.

CTVT Immune Evasion

Tumor cells downregulate MHC molecules and create an immunosuppressive environment.

Vincristine

A chemotherapy drug effective in treating CTVT.

Spontaneous Regression

A natural decrease or disappearance of a tumor without treatment.

Devil Facial Tumor Disease (DFTD)

A fatal transmissible cancer in Tasmanian devils spread through bite wounds.

DFTD Impact

Estimated 80% of wild Tasmanian devils have died from DFTD.

DFTD Immune Evasion

DFTD cells do not express MHC molecules, preventing immune detection.

Natural Resistance (DFTD)

Some Tasmanian devils show resistance to DFTD due to genetic evolution.

Anthrax

A zoonotic disease caused by Bacillus anthracis, characterized by sudden death and hemorrhagic discharge.

Anthrax Transmission

Can occur through ingestion, inhalation, cutaneous exposure, or mechanical vectors.

Anthrax Pathogenesis

Spores survive in soil and activate inside a host, leading to vascular collapse and shock.

Tetanus

A non-contagious intoxication caused by Clostridium tetani, leading to rigid paralysis.

Tetanus Pathogenesis

Neurotoxin blocks neurotransmitter release, causing constant muscle contraction.

Tetanus Clinical Signs

Signs include stiffness, lockjaw, recumbency, and respiratory failure.

Botulism

A neuroparalytic intoxication caused by Clostridium botulinum, leading to flaccid paralysis.

Botulism Pathogenesis

Toxin prevents nerve synapse function, leading to progressive paralysis and death.

Aerobe

Bacteria that require oxygen to survive.

Anaerobe

Bacteria that thrive without oxygen.

Facultative Anaerobe

Bacteria that can switch between aerobic and anaerobic respiration.

Obligate Intracellular Pathogens

Bacteria that can only survive inside host cells (e.g., Rickettsia, Chlamydia).

Virulence

A pathogen's disease-causing potential.

Exotoxin

A toxin secreted by bacteria that affects host cells.

Endotoxin

A toxin within bacterial cell walls, released upon bacterial death.

Bacterial Structure

Composed of capsule, cell wall, pili, flagella, and plasmids.

Abscess

A localized collection of pus within tissues.

Benign

Non-malignant and not spreading.

Comatose

Unconscious due to severe illness.

Edema

Excess fluid accumulation in body tissues.

Granuloma

A nodular inflammation where the immune system walls off foreign material.

Pathogenesis

The biological process leading to disease.

Morbidity Rate

The ratio of sick individuals to the population at risk.

Mortality Rate

The ratio of deaths to the total population at risk.

Necropsy vs. Autopsy

Necropsy is for animals; autopsy is for humans.

Zoonotic Disease

A disease that transmits between animals and humans.

Transmissible Tumor Diseases

A category of cancers that can be spread between individuals of the same or different species.

Cancer Cell Transmission

The process by which cancer cells transfer from one animal to another.

CTVT Histology

Microscopic examination of CTVT cells to understand their nature.

DFTD Pathology

Study of the cause and effects of Devil Facial Tumor Disease in Tasmanian devils.

Vaccination Against Anthrax

Prevention method to decrease the incidence of anthrax in susceptible hosts.

Tetanus Vaccine

A preventive measure against the toxin produced by Clostridium tetani.

Flaccid Paralysis

A type of paralysis characterized by loss of muscle tone.

Rigid Paralysis

A type of paralysis where muscles are unable to relax.

Immunosuppressive Environment

A condition under which immune response is reduced or inhibited.

Bacterial Capsule

A protective outer layer that can help bacteria evade immune response.

Bacterial Pili

Hair-like structures on bacteria that aid in adhesion.

Washed-out Edema

Swelling due to excessive fluid often seen in severe inflammations.

MHC Molecules

Major histocompatibility complex molecules vital for immune recognition.

Veterinary Bacteriology

The study of bacteria in relation to animal health and diseases.

Immunogenicity

The ability of a substance to provoke an immune response.

Bacterial Endotoxin

Component of the outer membrane of gram-negative bacteria that can induce severe inflammatory responses.

Dichelobacter nodosus

Fusiform bacteria causing footrot in sheep, representing unique bacterial-pathogen interactions.

Zoonotic Pathogens

Pathogens that can be transmitted from animals to humans.

Transmissible Venereal Tumor vs. DFTD

CTVT primarily affects dogs, DFTD affects Tasmanian devils.

Chemotherapy

Treatment of cancer with drugs that inhibit growth of cancer cells.

Genetic Evolution in Tasmanian Devils

Natural selection leading to possible resistance against DFTD.

Inhalational Anthrax

Anthrax infection acquired through inhaling spores.