Bacterial Infections

These flashcards summarize key concepts and important details from the lecture notes on diseases affecting the oral cavity, nervous system infections, sexually transmitted diseases, and diseases of the respiratory tract.

What are the main oral microbiomes mentioned in the notes?

Streptococcus mutans, Porphyromonas gingivalis, Staphylococcus, Lactobacillus.

What is the primary causative agent of dental caries?

Streptococcus mutans.

What conditions are required for dental caries formation?

A susceptible tooth surface, dental plaque (biofilm), diet high in fermentable substrates (sugar and carbohydrate), and time.

What is a characteristic of Streptococcus mutans?

It is acidogenic, cariogenic, and produces lactic acid from sucrose.

What is periodontal disease primarily associated with?

Porphyromonas gingivalis and Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans.

How does plaque accumulation affect the gums?

It causes inflammation, irritation, and bleeding due to the change of crevices into anaerobic pockets full of bacteria.

What systemic implications can arise from oral infections?

Bacteremia, systemic inflammation, cardiovascular disease, diabetes complications, and pregnancy complications.

What is the role of microglial cells in the nervous system?

They destroy invaders that reach the brain and spinal cord.

What is bacterial meningitis?

Inflammation of the meninges caused primarily by bacteria like Neisseria meningitidis or Streptococcus pneumoniae.

How can Hib vaccine prevent Haemophilus meningitis?

It protects against Haemophilus influenzae type b, a leading cause of bacterial meningitis.

What is the causative agent of leprosy?

Mycobacterium leprae.

What toxin is produced by Clostridium tetani in cases of tetanus?

Exotoxin that causes muscle stiffness and spasms.

What is a common causative agent of urinary tract infections (UTIs)?

Escherichia coli.

What mechanism leads to the development of bacterial vaginosis?

Overgrowth of opportunistic bacteria when normal vaginal flora (Lactobacillus) is disrupted.

What distinguishes Chancroid from Syphilis?

Chancroid presents as a painful soft chancre, while syphilis presents as a painless hard chancre.

What is the treatment for Gonorrhea?

Commonly treated with antibiotics like sulfonamides or penicillin.

What are the symptoms of Pertussis (Whooping Cough)?

Coughing fits with whoop sound, vomiting, and cyanosis.

What is a prominent feature of pneumonia caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae?

Violent chills, high fever, chest pain, and sputum with blood, mucus, and pus.

How does Helicobacter pylori contribute to peptic ulcers?

It adapts to stomach acid and triggers chronic inflammation that can lead to ulcers.

What are the main defenses of the respiratory tract?

Mucociliary escalator, alveolar macrophages, and mucus production.

What are symptoms of meningitis caused by Neisseria meningitidis?

Rapid onset of fever, headache, and potentially seizures or death if untreated.

What are the main oral microbiomes mentioned in the notes?

Streptococcus mutans, Porphyromonas gingivalis, Staphylococcus, Lactobacillus.

What is the primary causative agent of dental caries?

Streptococcus mutans.

What conditions are required for dental caries formation?

A susceptible tooth surface, dental plaque (biofilm), diet high in fermentable substrates (sugar and carbohydrate), and time.

What is a characteristic of Streptococcus mutans?

It is acidogenic, cariogenic, and produces lactic acid from sucrose.

How does Streptococcus mutans cause dental caries?

It ferments sugars to produce lactic acid, which demineralizes tooth enamel, leading to cavities.

What is periodontal disease primarily associated with?

Porphyromonas gingivalis and Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans.

How does plaque accumulation affect the gums?

It causes inflammation, irritation, and bleeding due to the change of crevices into anaerobic pockets full of bacteria.

What systemic implications can arise from oral infections?

Bacteremia, systemic inflammation, cardiovascular disease, diabetes complications, and pregnancy complications.

What is the role of microglial cells in the nervous system?

They destroy invaders that reach the brain and spinal cord.

What is bacterial meningitis?

Inflammation of the meninges caused primarily by bacteria like Neisseria meningitidis or Streptococcus pneumoniae.

How can Hib vaccine prevent Haemophilus meningitis?

It protects against Haemophilus influenzae type b, a leading cause of bacterial meningitis.

What is the primary method for preventing bacterial meningitis caused by Neisseria meningitidis and Streptococcus pneumoniae?

Vaccination (meningococcal and pneumococcal vaccines, respectively).

What is the causative agent of leprosy?

Mycobacterium leprae.

What toxin is produced by Clostridium tetani in cases of tetanus?

Exotoxin that causes muscle stiffness and spasms.

How is tetanus typically acquired?

Through deep puncture wounds contaminated with Clostridium tetani spores, commonly found in soil or feces.

What is a common causative agent of urinary tract infections (UTIs)?

Escherichia coli.

What mechanism leads to the development of bacterial vaginosis?

Overgrowth of opportunistic bacteria when normal vaginal flora (Lactobacillus) is disrupted.

What distinguishes Chancroid from Syphilis?

Chancroid presents as a painful soft chancre, while syphilis presents as a painless hard chancre.

What is the causative agent of Syphilis?

Treponema pallidum.

What is the causative agent of Chancroid?

Haemophilus ducreyi.

What is the treatment for Gonorrhea?

Commonly treated with antibiotics like sulfonamides or penicillin.

What are common symptoms of Gonorrhea?

In males, painful urination and pus discharge from the urethra; in females, often asymptomatic or mild symptoms like increased vaginal discharge or painful urination.

What are the symptoms of Pertussis (Whooping Cough)?

Coughing fits with whoop sound, vomiting, and cyanosis.

How is Pertussis (Whooping Cough) primarily transmitted?

Through airborne respiratory droplets from an infected person.

What is a prominent feature of pneumonia caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae?

Violent chills, high fever, chest pain, and sputum with blood, mucus, and pus.

How does Helicobacter pylori contribute to peptic ulcers?

It adapts to stomach acid and triggers chronic inflammation that can lead to ulcers.

What are the main defenses of the respiratory tract?

Mucociliary escalator, alveolar macrophages, and mucus production.

What is the function of the mucociliary escalator?

A primary defense mechanism in the respiratory tract that uses cilia and mucus to trap and remove inhaled particles and pathogens.

What are symptoms of meningitis caused by Neisseria meningitidis?

Rapid onset of fever, headache, and potentially seizures or death if untreated.