Infectious Diseases Overview

A collection of flashcards covering key concepts and vocabulary related to various infectious diseases, their causes, symptoms, and prevention measures.

Group A Streptococcal Diseases (GAS)

Infections generally caused by the bacteria Streptococcus pyogenes.

Mild illnesses associated with GAS

Include conditions like pharyngitis, scarlet fever, and impetigo.

Severe illnesses associated with GAS

Include conditions like necrotizing fasciitis and streptococcal toxic shock syndrome.

Gonorrhea

An STI caused by the bacteria Neisseria gonorrhoeae.

Slang term for gonorrhea

Derived from an old term 'clap,' which has unclear origins related to how the infection was treated.

Symptoms of gonorrhea in men

Can include painful urination and discharge from the penis.

Symptoms of gonorrhea in women

Can include increased vaginal discharge and painful urination, often asymptomatic.

Major problem for women with gonorrhea

It can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) and infertility.

Newborns and gonorrhea

Newborns can acquire gonococcal ophthalmia, a serious eye infection during birth.

Prevention for gonorrhea

Involves safe sexual practices, such as condom use.

Syphilis

An STI caused by the bacteria Treponema pallidum.

Three schools of thought on the origin of syphilis

Include the Columbian hypothesis, pre-Columbian hypothesis, and the multiple origins theory.

Causative agent of syphilis

Treponema pallidum, a spirochete bacterium.

Four stages of syphilis

Include primary, secondary, latent, and tertiary stages.

Medical ethics associated with syphilis

Includes considerations of consent and disclosure in sexual health.

Tuberculosis (TB)

An infectious disease caused by the bacteria Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

Features of the causative agent for TB

Tubercle bacillus, characterized by a waxy cell wall making it resistant to destruction.

Two forms of TB

Include primary TB and secondary (reactivation) TB.

Diagnosis of TB

Typically done through skin tests, blood tests, and chest X-rays.

Emerging Infectious Disease

Refers to newly identified diseases or those re-emerging due to changes in behavior or environment.

Anthrax

An infectious disease caused by the bacterium Bacillus anthracis.

Three forms of anthrax

Include cutaneous, inhalational, and gastrointestinal anthrax.

Organism characteristics of anthrax

Bacillus anthracis is a spore-forming, gram-positive bacterium.

Vaccination and bioterrorism for anthrax

Vaccination is available and anthrax spores have been used in bioterrorism to spread the disease.