Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases Review

Practice flashcards based on lecture notes covering clinical microbiology and infectious diseases, focusing on clinical specimens, infection control, and common infectious diseases.

What are the key components required in patient examination for infectious diseases?

Patient history, physical examination, evaluating patient’s signs and symptoms, and implementing appropriate clinical specimen.

List five types of clinical specimens used for laboratory analysis.

Blood, feces, sputum, wound specimen, urine.

Why is high-quality specimen collection important?

To achieve accurate, clinically relevant laboratory results and to provide information about the patient’s infectious disease.

What can be the effect of improper collection of specimens?

The etiologic agent may not be found, may be destroyed, or overgrowth by indigenous microflora may mask the pathogen.

What precautions should be taken during specimen collection?

Specimens should be properly selected and collected from the suspected pathogen site, obtained prior to anti-microbial therapy, and placed in sterile containers.

Define nosocomial infection.

Infection acquired within the hospital or other healthcare facilities.

What is the purpose of infection control in healthcare settings?

To prevent infection from occurring by eliminating reservoirs of infection, interrupting pathogens' transmission, and protecting individuals from infections.

What are the two types of asepsis?

Medical asepsis (clean technique) and surgical asepsis (surgical technique).

Name two common types of nosocomial infections.

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) and post-surgical wound infections.

What is the incubation period for meningitis caused by Neisseria meningitidis?

2 to 10 days.

What is the primary mode of transmission for poliomyelitis?

Fecal-oral route.

Identify one diagnostic method for tuberculosis.

Sputum examination or tuberculin skin test.

What symptoms characterize dengue fever?

High fever, severe headache, pain behind eyes, and joint pain.

What is the definition of a carrier in the context of communicable diseases?

A person without symptoms of a communicable disease who harbors the specific agent and may serve as a source of infection.

Describe the essential elements of the communicable disease triad.

Agent (microorganism), Host (living body), and Environment (means of transmission).

What type of bacteria causes tuberculosis?

Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

What organism is responsible for scarlet fever?

Group A Beta Hemolytic Streptococcus.

What is the management for hepatitis A?

Good handwashing and personal hygiene, along with passive immunization.

How is malaria primarily diagnosed?

Malaria smear or blood exam.

What are the classic signs associated with leprosy?

Presence of Hansen’s bacilli, localized anesthesia, and peripheral nerve enlargement.