Lecture Notes on Infectious Diseases of the Respiratory System

This set of flashcards covers key terms and concepts from the lecture on infectious diseases of the respiratory system, particularly focusing on ear infections, influenza, whooping cough, and tuberculosis.

Acute Otitis Media

An ear infection often following viral infections of the upper respiratory tract, causing inflammation of the eustachian tubes and fluid buildup in the middle ear.

Streptococcus pneumoniae

A primary causative agent of bacterial ear infections.

Influenza

A viral infection that exhibits a cyclical increase during the winter months and can lead to worldwide pandemics.

Antigenic drift

Gradual mutations in the influenza virus’s glycoproteins, leading to changes in the virus that reduce immune recognition.

Antigenic shift

A more abrupt process of exchanging RNA segments between different influenza viruses, resulting in new viral strains.

RT-PCR

Reverse transcriptase PCR, the best standard for detecting influenza viral RNA.

Bordetella pertussis

The bacterium that causes whooping cough.

Pertussis toxin

An exotoxin produced by Bordetella pertussis that contributes to its virulence.

Tuberculosis (TB)

An infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, characterized by the presence of mycolic acid in the cell walls.

Granulomas

Structures formed in response to tuberculosis infection that contain bacteria but may also cause tissue destruction.

Directly Observed Therapy (DOT)

A treatment strategy for TB where healthcare providers observe patients taking their medication to improve adherence.

Multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB)

A strain of tuberculosis that resists isoniazid and rifampin, requiring prolonged multidrug therapy.

Acute Otitis Media

An ear infection often following viral infections of the upper respiratory tract, causing inflammation of the eustachian tubes and fluid buildup in the middle ear.

Streptococcus pneumoniae

A primary causative agent of bacterial ear infections.

Influenza

A viral infection that exhibits a cyclical increase during the winter months and can lead to worldwide pandemics.

Antigenic drift

Gradual mutations in the influenza virus’s glycoproteins, leading to changes in the virus that reduce immune recognition.

Antigenic shift

A more abrupt process of exchanging RNA segments between different influenza viruses, resulting in new viral strains.

RT-PCR

Reverse transcriptase PCR, the best standard for detecting influenza viral RNA.

Bordetella pertussis

The bacterium that causes whooping cough.

Pertussis toxin

An exotoxin produced by Bordetella pertussis that contributes to its virulence.

Tuberculosis (TB)

An infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, characterized by the presence of mycolic acid in the cell walls.

Granulomas

Structures formed in response to tuberculosis infection that contain bacteria but may also cause tissue destruction.

Directly Observed Therapy (DOT)

A treatment strategy for TB where healthcare providers observe patients taking their medication to improve adherence.

Multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB)

A strain of tuberculosis that resists isoniazid and rifampin, requiring prolonged multidrug therapy.

What are common symptoms of Acute Otitis Media?

Ear pain, fever, irritability, and fluid drainage from the ear.

How is Tuberculosis typically transmitted?

Through airborne droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or speaks.

What are the three stages of whooping cough?

The catarrhal stage (cold-like symptoms), paroxysmal stage (severe coughing fits followed by a 'whoop'), and convalescent stage (gradual recovery).

What are the main types of influenza viruses that infect humans?

Influenza A and B are seasonal epidemics, while Influenza C causes mild respiratory illness.

Which vaccine protects against whooping cough?

The DTaP vaccine for children and Tdap vaccine for adolescents and adults.

Acute Otitis Media

An ear infection often following viral infections of the upper respiratory tract, causing inflammation of the eustachian tubes and fluid buildup in the middle ear.

Streptococcus pneumoniae

A primary causative agent of bacterial ear infections.

Influenza

A viral infection that exhibits a cyclical increase during the winter months and can lead to worldwide pandemics.

Antigenic drift

Gradual mutations in the influenza virus’s glycoproteins, leading to changes in the virus that reduce immune recognition.

Antigenic shift

A more abrupt process of exchanging RNA segments between different influenza viruses, resulting in new viral strains.

RT-PCR

Reverse transcriptase PCR, the best standard for detecting influenza viral RNA.

Bordetella pertussis

The bacterium that causes whooping cough.

Pertussis toxin

An exotoxin produced by Bordetella pertussis that contributes to its virulence.

Tuberculosis (TB)

An infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, characterized by the presence of mycolic acid in the cell walls.

Granulomas

Structures formed in response to tuberculosis infection that contain bacteria but may also cause tissue destruction.

Directly Observed Therapy (DOT)

A treatment strategy for TB where healthcare providers observe patients taking their medication to improve adherence.

Multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB)

A strain of tuberculosis that resists isoniazid and rifampin, requiring prolonged multidrug therapy.

What are common symptoms of Acute Otitis Media?

Ear pain, fever, irritability, and fluid drainage from the ear.

How is Tuberculosis typically transmitted?

Through airborne droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or speaks.

What are the three stages of whooping cough?

The catarrhal stage (cold-like symptoms), paroxysmal stage (severe coughing fits followed by a 'whoop'), and convalescent stage (gradual recovery).

What are the main types of influenza viruses that infect humans?

Influenza A and B are seasonal epidemics, while Influenza C causes mild respiratory illness.

Which vaccine protects against whooping cough?

The DTaP vaccine for children and Tdap vaccine for adolescents and adults.

What is the primary cause of fluid accumulation in the middle ear during Acute Otitis Media?

Inflammation and swelling of the Eustachian tubes, preventing proper drainage and leading to fluid buildup.

How does antigenic drift impact influenza vaccine effectiveness?

Gradual mutations in the virus's surface proteins (hemagglutinin and neuraminidase) reduce the effectiveness of existing vaccines, necessitating annual vaccine updates.

In what stage of pertussis is the characteristic 'whoop' sound most prominent?

The paroxysmal stage, characterized by severe, uncontrolled coughing fits followed by a gasp for air that produces the 'whooping' sound.

What is the role of mycolic acid in the cell wall of Mycobacterium tuberculosis?

Mycolic acid provides a waxy, hydrophobic barrier that contributes to the bacterium's virulence, resistance to host defenses, and resistance to many antibiotics and disinfectants.

What is the key distinction between latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) and active TB disease?

In LTBI, the bacteria are present but inactive, causing no symptoms and not spreadable, while in active TB disease, the bacteria are multiplying, causing symptoms, and are contagious.