Bio 205 - Diseases of the Respiratory System

Flashcards covering diseases of the respiratory system, focusing on causative agents, symptoms, and transmission.

Pharyngitis

Sore throat, can be bacterial or viral. Transmission is through inhalation of droplet nuclei.

S. pyogenes

A bacterial cause of pharyngitis, less than 10% of cases. If carrying a phage, it can cause Scarlet Fever.

Sinusitis

Inflammation of the lining of the sinus cavities, commonly caused by S. pneumoniae or H. influenza. Chronic conditions can lead to the formation of polyps.

Diphtheria

Caused by Corynebacterium diphtheriae infected with an exotoxin-producing phage. Damaged epithelial cells and ruptured red blood cells may block airways and cause suffocation.

Common Cold

Viral infection with a 2-4 day incubation period, caused by 200+ different viruses. Interferon can be used as a treatment.

Pertussis

Whooping cough, caused by Bordetella pertussis. Transmission is through inhalation of droplets. Organism colonizes on cilia in respiratory tract.

Pneumonia

Inflammation of lung tissue - can be bacterial, viral, fungal, or helminth. Also caused by chemicals, radiation, and allergies.

Mycoplasma pneumoniae

"Walking pneumonia" - usually milder form of pneumonia with a 12-14 day incubation period.

Legionnaire's Disease

Caused by Legionella pneumophilia, found in soil and water and becomes airborne. Symptoms can cause shock or kidney failure and can lead to death. No person-to-person transmission.

Tuberculosis

Caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Multiplies inside WBCs of lungs. Hypersensitivity to skin tests indicates a + TB exposure.

Influenza

Orthomyxovirus virus - RNA virus. Enters through inhalation - symptoms appear 36-48 hours after infection.

Hanta Virus

Carried by rodents - shed in their feces/urine - becomes airborne in dust.

Coccidioidomycosis

Causative agent is a soil-borne fungus Coccidioides immitis. Transmission is through inhalation of dust particles containing fungal spores.

Pneumocystis

Causative agent is Pneumocystis carinii-fungus. Thickens the alveoli - makes air exchange difficult. Causes more damage in compromised patients.