Microbial Infections and Diseases (unit 4)

These flashcards cover key concepts related to infectious diseases, their causative agents, symptoms, treatments, and transmission methods.

What type of organism causes MRSA skin infections?

Gram-positive coccus.

Which of the following best describes the arrangement of MRSA bacteria?

Grapelike clusters.

Which of the following is a common symptom of MRSA skin infections?

Fever.

How does MRSA usually enter the body to cause skin infections?

Through minor breaks in the skin, such as cuts or abrasions.

Which antibiotic can be used to treat MRSA skin infections?

Vancomycin.

The causative agent of measles belongs to which viral family?

Paramyxoviridae.

What makes the measles virus harmful or virulent?

It weakens the immune system by destroying immune cells.

Which vaccine would be used for rubella and measles?

MMR.

What is a unique feature of measles but not rubella?

Koplik’s spots inside the mouth.

Which of the following is NOT a possible treatment for cellulitis caused by S. Pyogenes?

Topical ointment.

What is the most common way impetigo spreads from person to person?

Through direct contact, contaminated objects (fomites), or mechanical vectors.

After a person recovers from chickenpox, how does the Varicella-zoster virus remain in the body and later cuase shingles?

It persists in sensory ganglia in a latent state and reactivates under certain conditions.

What type of infection is Chickenpox?

Systemic infection.

What is the portal of entry for chickenpox?

Respiratory tract.

What is meningitis?

Infection that causes inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord.

How can meningitis be transmitted?

Sharing drinks and kissing.

Which pathogen’s virulence factor includes an IgA protease?

Streptococcus pneumoniae.

How does someone contract the Zika virus?

Aedes mosquito bite.

If contracted during pregnancy, what might the baby be born with?

Baby is born with microcephaly, a small head.

What is the Zika Virus?

A single stranded RNA virus from the genus flavivirus.

Which population is most vulnerable to developing subacute encephalitis caused by toxoplasma gondii?

Immunocompromised individuals.

What did Louis Pasteur discover regarding rabies?

He developed the first vaccine for rabies before viruses were known.

How is Clostridium tetani most commonly transmitted to humans?

Introduction of spores into the body through deep puncture or contaminated wounds.

Which of the following is a symptom of botulism?

Difficulty swallowing.

Which microorganism is the most common cause of community-acquired pneumonia?

Streptococcus pneumoniae.

What is a common symptom of a gastrointestinal infection?

Diarrhea.

What is a distinguishing feature of Lyme Disease?

Ring rash at the tick bite site with a pale center.

What type of bacteria is most likely to cause symptoms of gastritis?

H.Pylori, a curved gram-negative rod.

What is a common treatment for bacterial meningitis?

Antibiotics and fluid management.

Which of the following best explains how HIV affects lymphocytes?

HIV infects and gradually destroys helper T lymphocytes (CD4⁺ cells), weakening the body’s immune defenses.