Chapter 23: Microbial diseases of the cardiovascular system

Vocabulary flashcards covering Bacillus anthracis, Lyme disease (Borrelia burgdorferi), and schistosomiasis, including forms, transmission, symptoms, and treatments from Chapter 23.

Bacillus anthracis

Bacterium that produces endospores; causative agent of anthrax; endospores are highly resistant and can survive for decades.

Endospore

Dormant, highly resistant bacterial form that allows survival in harsh conditions for long periods.

Non-communicable disease

Illness that cannot be transmitted person-to-person; infection occurs from environmental exposure to spores (e.g., in animal hides).

Cutaneous anthrax

Most common form; itchy raised bump → blister → black necrotic center; about 20% fatality due to secondary infections.

Inhalation anthrax

Most severe and least common form; rapid progression; early cold-like symptoms; often fatal; treated with antibiotics (e.g., ciprofloxacin).

Gastrointestinal anthrax

Infection from ingestion of contaminated meat; symptoms include nausea/vomiting and abdominal distress; death 25–60% due to fluid loss.

Ciprofloxacin (Cipro)

Antibiotic used to treat anthrax outbreaks; effective against Bacillus anthracis.

Anthrax vaccine

Vaccine available for high-risk individuals (e.g., military); associated with adverse reactions in some people.

Borrelia burgdorferi

Causative agent of Lyme disease; a spirochete transmitted by ticks (primarily deer ticks).

Lyme disease

Infection by Borrelia burgdorferi; symptoms include rash, fever, chills, body aches; can progress to chronic arthritis and neurological problems if untreated.

Spirochete

Spiral-shaped bacterium with corkscrew morphology (e.g., Borrelia burgdorferi).

Lyme disease rash

Characteristic rash at the site of the tick bite; not present in all cases, making diagnosis harder.

Chronic Lyme disease

Long-term symptoms such as arthritis, memory problems, and tingling when untreated.

Schistosomiasis

Helminthic disease caused by Schistosoma species; life cycle requires freshwater exposure and snail vectors; larvae penetrate skin.

Snail vector

Freshwater snails that host Schistosoma larvae and release them into water, enabling human infection.

Cercariae

Free-swimming larval forms released by snails that penetrate human skin to begin infection.

Incubation period

Time between exposure and symptom onset; schistosomiasis incubation ~3 weeks.

Praziquantel

Anthelmintic drug commonly used to treat schistosomiasis; typically given for 1–2 days.

Boiling water

Method to kill schistosome larvae and eggs in contaminated water prior to drinking.

Distended abdomen

Common late-stage symptom in schistosomiasis due to organ damage and fluid buildup.