Airborne Bacterial Diseases - Microbiology Review

Flashcards covering key concepts from the lecture notes on airborne bacterial diseases.

What does the upper respiratory tract (URT) consist of?

The URT consists of the nose, sinus cavities, pharynx, and larynx.

What is the primary function of mucociliary clearance in the respiratory system?

Mucociliary clearance traps microbes and particulates larger than 2 µm in mucus, which are then swallowed or expectorated.

What are mucins?

Charged glycoproteins found in mucus that help trap microbes.

What types of substances are found in mucus that help with antimicrobial defense?

Antimicrobial substances include interferon, lysozyme, lactoferrin, IgA, IgG, defensins, and cytokines.

What is a resident microbiome?

The collective microbes and their genomes that inhabit various sites in and on the human body.

What role does microbial antagonism play in defense against pathogens?

Resident microbes outcompete invading pathogens for space and nutrients.

What can happen when dysbiosis occurs in the respiratory tract?

A resident bacterial species can act as an opportunist and outgrow, leading to infection.

What is pharyngitis?

An inflammation of the pharynx, often referred to as a sore throat.

Which bacterium is primarily responsible for streptococcal pharyngitis?

Streptococcus pyogenes.

What are the main symptoms of streptococcal pharyngitis (strep throat)?

Sore throat, fever, headache, swollen lymph nodes, tonsils, and a beefy red appearance of pharyngeal tissues.

What can untreated streptococcal pharyngitis lead to?

Complications such as rheumatic fever and acute glomerulonephritis.

What is the causative agent of diphtheria?

Corynebacterium diphtheriae.

What are the initial symptoms of diphtheria?

Sore throat and low-grade fever.

What serious complication can occur if diphtheria spreads to the bloodstream?

Heart damage and destruction of the fatty sheath around nerves.

What is the treatment for diphtheria?

Antibiotics such as penicillin or erythromycin and antitoxins.

What is bacterial sinusitis?

An inflammation of the sinuses, often following a viral infection.

Which bacteria are commonly involved in acute rhinosinusitis?

Streptococcus, Staphylococcus, Haemophilus, and Moraxella.

What symptoms may indicate bacterial sinusitis?

Pain, tenderness, swelling, yellow or green pus discharge, fever, and chills.

What is the clinical significance of ear infections in children?

Ear infections are common illnesses in early childhood.

What is acute otitis media (AOM)?

A short-term infection of the middle ear, usually caused by S. pneumoniae or H. influenzae.

What is chronic otitis media (COM)?

Long-term infection and inflammation of the middle ear, leading to hearing impairment.

What is the causative agent of bacterial meningitis?

Neisseria meningitidis, among others.

What are common symptoms of acute bacterial meningitis?

Fever, stiff neck, headache, nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light.

What role does the lumbar puncture play in diagnosing meningitis?

It tests cerebrospinal fluid for infection.

What is pneumococcal meningitis?

A form of bacterial meningitis caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae.

What are the main characteristics of Legionnaires' disease?

A severe pneumonia caused by Legionella pneumophila, often acquired from contaminated water sources.

Which bacterial species is a common cause of atypical pneumonia in young people?

Mycoplasma pneumoniae.

What does the term 'walking pneumonia' refer to?

A mild form of pneumonia caused by Mycoplasma pneumoniae, where individuals do not feel severely ill.

What is Q fever?

An infection caused by Coxiella burnetii, prevalent among livestock and transmitted to humans primarily by inhalation.

What are common treatments for bacterial pneumonia?

Antibiotics, specifically tailored to the causative agent.

What can complicate the treatment of pneumonia in healthcare settings?

Increased antibiotic resistance.

What immune response can occur due to inhalational anthrax?

Initial cold-like symptoms followed by severe respiratory issues.

What is the significance of the BCG vaccine?

It provides immunization against tuberculosis by using an attenuated strain of M. bovis.

What is the leading cause of death in AIDS patients related to bacterial diseases?

Tuberculosis (TB).

What is the unique feature of Mycobacterium tuberculosis?

It has a waxy cell wall that makes it resistant to harsh conditions.

How is TB typically diagnosed?

Through tuberculin tests and chest X-rays.

What kind of environment contributes to the spread of tuberculosis?

Crowded conditions and poor ventilation.

What is recommended treatment duration for TB?

Six to nine months or more.

What is the treatment for multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB)?

Second-line drugs, such as fluoroquinolones and kanamycin.

What is the importance of direct observation treatment (DOT) in managing TB?

It ensures that patients take their medication properly.

What happens during the primary TB infection stage?

Bacilli enter the alveoli, and macrophages try to wall off the infection.

What complication may arise from untreated streptococcal pharyngitis?

Rheumatic fever, affecting the heart and joints.

How are bacterial pathogens transmitted in the respiratory system?

Through aerosols and respiratory droplets.

What are some common bacterial pathogens associated with pneumonia in children?

Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae.

What contributes to the risk of developing lung infections?

Age, chronic conditions, and weakened immune systems.

What is the significance of the Eustachian tube in middle ear infections?

It connects the middle ear to the nasopharynx, allowing infections to spread.

What can lead to chronic bronchitis?

Persistent cough and mucus production lasting more than 3 months.

What are the primary causes of healthcare-acquired pneumonia (HAP)?

Bacterial infections, often associated with invasive medical devices.

What is a defining feature of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP)?

It occurs in individuals with no recent hospitalization.

Which organisms commonly cause streptococcal infections?

Streptococcus pyogenes, among others.

What can lead to a secondary bacterial infection after a viral respiratory infection?

Increased mucus production and inflammation in the respiratory tract.

What preventative measures are effective against respiratory bacterial infections?

Good hygiene and vaccination.

What is the incubation period for diphtheria?

2 to 4 days.

What differentiates atypical pneumonia from typical pneumonia?

Atypical pneumonia has milder symptoms and requires different antibiotics.

What type of bacteria are Chlamydophila species?

Obligate intracellular parasites.

What symptoms indicate the presence of meningococcal meningitis?

Fever, stiff neck, headache, and vomiting.

How can bacteria cause ear infections in children?

By traveling from the nasopharynx through the Eustachian tube.

What is a common diagnostic method for identifying tuberculosis infection?

The Mantoux test.

What are the common causes of infectious bronchitis?

Bacterial infections that follow viral respiratory infections.

What is DTaP vaccine?

A combination vaccine for diphtheria, tetanus, and acellular pertussis.

What are the potential complications from untreated sinusitis?

Spread of infection to the eyes or brain.

Which bacterial species can contribute to chronic infections in the lungs of cystic fibrosis patients?

Mycobacterium abscessus.

What is the role of the immune system in the respiratory tract?

To capture and destroy pathogens before they can cause disease.

How can scarlet fever develop from streptococcal pharyngitis?

Certain strains of S. pyogenes release erythrogenic toxins.

What can chronic infections in the middle ear lead to?

Hearing impairment and balance issues.

What is the treatment protocol for otitis media?

Observation or antibiotics, depending on severity.

What are common signs and symptoms of pneumonia?

Cough, fever, chest pain, and difficulty breathing.

What happens during the paroxysmal stage of pertussis?

Severe, labored breathing with cough fits, leading to exhaustion.

What is the significance of the age factor in pneumococcal infections?

Infants and older adults are at increased risk for severe disease.

What health risks are associated with contact with livestock?

Potential infections such as Q fever and anthrax.

What is the significance of a pseudomembrane in diphtheria?

It can cause respiratory blockage.

What role do macrophages play in the body's response to tuberculosis?

They attempt to engulf and destroy the bacilli.

Which antibiotic is commonly used to treat bacterial meningitis?

Large intravenous doses of penicillin.

How can bacterial pathogens be transmitted in healthcare settings?

Through contaminated hands and surfaces.

What characterizes classic symptoms of whooping cough?

Intense coughing spells followed by a whooping sound.

Which bacteria are commonly responsible for community-acquired pneumonia?

Streptococcus pneumoniae and Mycoplasma pneumoniae.

What environmental factors contribute to the spread of tuberculosis?

Crowded living conditions and poor ventilation.

What is the common treatment regimen for multi-drug resistant tuberculosis?

Extended antibiotic therapy with second-line drugs.

What is the importance of vaccination against streptococcal infections?

It helps prevent severe complications such as rheumatic fever.

What are the unique features of Biofilms in chronic infections?

They provide a defensive barrier for bacteria against antibiotics.

What preventive measure is recommended for viral infections that can lead to secondary bacterial infections?

Annual influenza vaccination.

What is recommended for patients with acute bronchitis of bacterial origin?

Antibiotics may be prescribed depending on the severity.

How is childhood pneumonia commonly diagnosed?

Through clinical examination and chest X-rays.

What is the main mode of transmission for pertussis?

Airborne droplets from coughs or sneezes.

What does a positive Mantoux test indicate?

It indicates exposure to the tuberculosis bacterium, but not necessarily active disease.

What is the significance of infections in the Eustachian tube?

They can lead to middle ear infections and complications.

What are the benefits of antibiotic therapy in treating pneumonia?

Reduction of symptoms and prevention of complications.

What is a key feature of brachial pneumonia?

It presents as scattered patches of infection throughout the lung.

What is the consequence of intense airborne pathogen exposure?

High chances of infection in susceptible individuals.

What can Bacillus anthracis cause when transmitted to humans?

Inhalational anthrax, potentially leading to severe pneumonia.

What are common features of typical pneumonia?

Fever, cough, and chest pain.

What prevention strategies exist for healthcare-associated infections?

Good hygiene practices and vaccination.

What are the roles of direct observation treatment (DOT) and patient compliance in TB management?

They ensure patients adhere to lengthy treatment regimens to reduce resistance.

What effect does crowding have on respiratory disease spread?

It increases the likelihood of person-to-person transmission.

What is a classic symptom of bacterial meningitis that requires immediate attention?

Stiff neck.

What is the recommended treatment for Streptococcus pneumoniae pneumonia in children?

Broad-spectrum antibiotics, often cephalosporins.

What are the characteristics of the cough associated with whooping cough?

A severely persistent cough often followed by a whooping sound.

What features differentiate viral and bacterial pneumonia?

Bacterial pneumonia usually presents with more severe symptoms and requires antibiotics.

What is the primary treatment for diphtheria?

Antibiotics along with antitoxins.

What should be done if a patient shows signs of TB?

Immediate isolation and further testing.