Fundamentals of Microbiology: Airborne Bacterial Diseases

Flashcards simulating questions and answers from the lecture notes on airborne bacterial diseases.

What are the components of the upper respiratory tract (URT)?

The URT includes the nose, sinus cavities, pharynx, and larynx.

What defense mechanism traps microbes in the upper respiratory tract?

Mucociliary clearance traps microbes and particulates larger than 2 µm in a layer of mucus.

What types of antimicrobial substances are found in mucus?

Mucus contains substances like interferon, lysozyme, lactoferrin, IgA, IgG, defensins, and cytokines.

What are the primary symptoms of pharyngitis?

Sore throat, fever, headache, swollen lymph nodes, and possible tonsillitis.

What bacterium is commonly associated with streptococcal pharyngitis?

Streptococcus pyogenes.

What are the complications of untreated streptococcal pharyngitis?

Rheumatic fever and acute glomerulonephritis.

What is the causative agent of diphtheria?

Corynebacterium diphtheriae.

What forms as a result of diphtheria toxin production in epithelial cells?

A leathery pseudomembrane that can block the airway.

What is acute rhinosinusitis?

An inflammation of the sinuses often associated with viral infections or allergies.

What antibiotic is commonly used to treat bacterial sinusitis?

Amoxicillin.

What is otitis media?

An inflammation of the middle ear.

What is the typical cause of acute otitis media in children?

Infections that begin with a common cold.

What is a major risk factor for chronic otitis media?

Persistent fluid in the ears of children, leading to hearing impairment.

What are the key symptoms of bacterial meningitis?

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

What pathogen is most commonly associated with pneumococcal meningitis?

Streptococcus pneumoniae.

What are the stages of pertussis (whooping cough)?

Catarrhal stage, paroxysmal stage, and convalescent stage.

What is the causative agent of tuberculosis (TB)?

Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

What signifies a primary TB infection?

Positive tuberculin reaction, negative chest X-ray, and sputum.

What is the main transmission route for Mycobacterium tuberculosis?

Airborne droplets.

What type of pneumonia is caused by Klebsiella pneumoniae?

Hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP).

What are the common symptoms of pneumonia?

Cough, fever, and chest pain.

What distinguishes community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) from healthcare-acquired pneumonia (HAP)?

CAP occurs in the community, while HAP develops in healthcare settings over 48 hours after admission.

What is the treatment for mycoplasma pneumonia?

Erythromycin or azithromycin.

What is a significant characteristic of Legionella pneumophila?

It exists in warm water environments and does not transmit human-to-human.

What is the role of the Chlamydophila genus in respiratory infections?

They are obligate intracellular parasites causing conditions like psittacosis and pneumonia.

What is inhalational anthrax?

A severe pneumonia caused by Bacillus anthracis, often associated with animal handling.

What is the expected outcome of untreated diphtheria?

5 to 10% mortality rate in untreated cases.

What type of vaccine is used to prevent diphtheria?

Diphtheria toxoid vaccine.

What common bacterial species is associated with otitis externa (swimmer's ear)?

Streptococcus, Staphylococcus, or Pseudomonas.

What is the incubation period for pertussis?

9 to 10 days.

What is the most common cause of acute bacterial meningitis in young adults?

Neisseria meningitidis.

What vaccination is recommended for Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib)?

Hib vaccine for infants and at-risk individuals.

What factors contribute to the spread of tuberculosis?

Crowded conditions, poor ventilation, and malnutrition.

What are the symptoms of active TB disease?

Chronic cough, chest pain, high fever, and rust-colored sputum.

What is the importance of the BCG vaccine?

It provides immunization against tuberculosis.

What is the primary treatment for anthrax?

Combination of antibiotics and anthrasil antibodies.

What are the symptoms of Q fever?

Severe headaches, high fever, dry cough, and possible lung lesions.

What are the clinical manifestations of acute bacterial sinusitis?

Nasal pain, tenderness, fever, and possible purulent discharge.

What is the recommended treatment for pneumonia caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae?

Cefotaxime or ceftriaxone due to antibiotic resistance.

What are the unique features of Pseudomonas aeruginosa pneumonia?

It is often resistant to common antibiotics and occurs in immunocompromised individuals.

What is the primary cause of viral rhinosinusitis?

Viral infections, commonly rhinoviruses and coronaviruses.

What symptom is a hallmark of allergic rhinitis?

Sneezing and itchy, watery eyes.

What is the most common complication of otitis media in children?

Hearing loss.

What is the significance of nasopharyngeal swabs?

They are used to identify viral pathogens in respiratory infections.

What is a key characteristic of non-typable strains of Haemophilus influenzae?

They lack a polysaccharide capsule.

What condition involves the accumulation of pus in the middle ear?

Acute suppurative otitis media.

What role do adenoids play in respiratory health?

They help trap pathogens entering through the nose.

What can cause chronic rhinosinusitis?

Allergies, nasal polyps, or anatomical blockages.

What is a common viral cause of croup in children?

Parainfluenza virus.

What distinguishes bacterial from viral pneumonia?

Bacterial pneumonia often presents with a high fever and productive cough.

How does smoking affect respiratory health?

It damages the cilia and increases mucus production, leading to respiratory infections.

What is cystic fibrosis?

A genetic disorder that causes thick, sticky mucus to build up in the lungs.

What organisms are responsible for the majority of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP)?

Streptococcus pneumoniae and Mycoplasma pneumoniae.

What is the treatment for viral bronchitis?

Symptomatic care, as antibiotics are not effective.

What is the cause of allergic fungal sinusitis?

An allergic response to fungal elements in the environment.

What condition is characterized by loss of the sense of smell?

Anosmia.

What is the main function of the epiglottis?

To prevent food and liquids from entering the trachea during swallowing.

What differentiates interstitial lung disease from other respiratory conditions?

It involves inflammation and scarring of the lung tissue.

What is the main treatment for anaphylaxis?

Administering epinephrine.

What condition involves difficulty breathing and wheezing often triggered by allergens?

Asthma.

What is the role of the pleura in the respiratory system?

To facilitate smooth movement of the lungs during respiration.

What causes a tension pneumothorax?

Air entering the pleural space and creating pressure that collapses the lung.

What does a peak flow meter measure?

The maximum speed of expiration.

What is the primary purpose of pulmonary function tests?

To assess lung function and diagnose respiratory conditions.

What are typical signs of hypoxia?

Cyanosis, confusion, and shortness of breath.

What is the pathophysiology of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)?

Airflow limitation due to bronchial inflammation and emphysema.

What is the leading cause of lung cancer?

Cigarette smoking.

What effect does high altitude have on respiratory function?

Decreased oxygen availability, potentially leading to altitude sickness.

What is the main component of surfactant produced in the lungs?

Phospholipids.

What are the characteristics of emphysema?

Destruction of alveoli and loss of elasticity.

What condition is characterized by the inability to fully exhale air from the lungs?

Obstructive lung disease.

What is the primary screening test for tuberculosis (TB)?

The Tuberculin skin test (PPD test).

What are the common symptoms of sleep apnea?

Loud snoring, gasping for air during sleep, and daytime sleepiness.

What role do alveoli play in respiration?

They are the site of gas exchange in the lungs.

What type of cells line the respiratory tract?

Ciliated epithelial cells.

What are the primary causes of acute bronchitis?

Viral infections or exposure to irritants.

What is the effect of asthma on airway responsiveness?

Increased sensitivity leading to bronchoconstriction.

What diagnostic tool is essential for evaluating suspected lung cancer?

Chest X-ray or CT scan.

What is the first-line treatment for allergic rhinitis?

Intranasal corticosteroids.

What condition can lead to pulmonary embolism?

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT).

What are the primary risk factors for lung cancer?

Smoking, secondhand smoke, and environmental pollutants.

What is the major pathogen associated with hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP)?

Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

What is the significance of Chronic cough lasting more than eight weeks?

It may indicate an underlying condition that needs evaluation.

What is the role of bronchodilators in asthma management?

To relax and open the airways.

What type of respiratory failure is characterized by an inability to oxygenate blood?

Hypoxemic respiratory failure.

What factors can exacerbate asthma symptoms?

Allergens, respiratory infections, exercise, and cold air.

What is the typical treatment approach for pneumothorax?

Observation, needle decompression, or chest tube insertion.

What common vaccine prevents serious respiratory infections in young children?

Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV).

What is the purpose of a nebulizer in respiratory therapy?

To deliver medication directly to the lungs in aerosol form.