Ch 10 infectious diseases

What causes tuberculosis?

Mycobacterium tuberculosis (bacteria).

How is tuberculosis transmitted?

Through inhalation of infected droplets or consuming milk from an infected cow.

What are the oral signs of tuberculosis?

Painful, crater-like ulcers (rare).

Why is tuberculosis difficult to destroy?

It is resistant to common destruction methods.

What bacterium causes syphilis?

Treponema pallidum (a spirochete).

How is syphilis transmitted?

Through direct contact with sores.

What are the four stages of syphilis?

• Primary: Painless sore (chancre) on lip.

• Secondary: Grayish-white patches (highly contagious).

• Latent: No visible symptoms.

• Tertiary: May appear after 20 years; curable with antibiotics.

What are the dental signs of congenital syphilis?

Hutchinson’s incisors (notched teeth) and mulberry molars (bumpy teeth).

What causes Herpes Simplex I (HSV-1)?

A virus.

What are common symptoms of HSV-1?

Fever, swollen lymph nodes, sore throat.

What are the lesions caused by HSV-1 called?

Cold sores or Herpes labialis (on lips).

Are canker sores caused by HSV-1?

No, canker sores are not caused by HSV-1.

How can you differentiate between herpes sores and syphilitic sores?

Herpes sores are painful with an inflammatory halo, while syphilitic sores are painless.

What causes Candidiasis (Thrush)?

Candida albicans (yeast infection).

Who is at risk for Candidiasis?

People with weakened immune systems.

What are the symptoms of Candidiasis?

White, cottage cheese-like patches.

Is Candidiasis painful?

No, but it can be treated with antifungal medication.

How are different types of hepatitis transmitted?

• Hepatitis A & E: Fecal-oral (contaminated food/water).

• Hepatitis B, C, D, G: Bloodborne (needles, sex, childbirth).

Which types of hepatitis have vaccines available?

Hepatitis A, B, and D.

Which types of hepatitis have no vaccine?

Hepatitis C, E, and G.

Why is Hepatitis B a risk for dental professionals?

Unvaccinated dental workers are 2-5 times more likely to be infected.

How are blood-borne diseases transmitted?

Through blood, saliva, semen, vaginal fluids, tears, and mother’s milk.

What are high-risk behaviors for contracting blood-borne diseases?

• Needle sharing.

• Unprotected sex.

• Sharp injuries (risk for dentists).

What virus causes AIDS?

HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus).

What does HIV do to the body?

It weakens the immune system.

What are common oral signs of HIV/AIDS?

• Candidiasis.

• Leukoplakia.

• Kaposi’s sarcoma.

How is HIV transmitted?

Through blood, sexual contact, or from mother to child.

What is the risk of HIV transmission for dental professionals?

Very low if standard precautions are followed.