4.1.1: Communicable Diseases: Bacteria

Question 1

What bacterium causes Tuberculosis?

Answer 1

Mycobacterium tuberculosis and M.bovis

Tuberculosis can infect humans and various animals including deer, cows, pigs, and badgers.

Question 2

How does Tuberculosis harm the body?

Answer 2

It damages lung tissue and suppresses the immune system

Tuberculosis can lead to chronic cough with blood-containing mucus in active infections.

Question 3

What is the primary method of preventing Tuberculosis?

Answer 3

Vaccination

Tuberculosis can also be treated with antibiotics.

Question 4

What bacteria causes Bacterial Meningitis?

Answer 4

Streptococcus pneumoniae or Neisseria meningitidis

Bacterial meningitis infects the protective layer of the brain (the meninges).

Question 5

What are the potential consequences of untreated Bacterial Meningitis?

Answer 5

Septicaemia and death

Early diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment with antibiotics.

Question 6

What can be done to prevent some forms of Bacterial Meningitis?

Answer 6

Vaccination

Antibiotics can cure bacterial meningitis if diagnosed early.

Question 7

What bacterium causes Ring Rot?

Answer 7

Clavibacter michiganensis

Ring rot primarily infects potatoes, tomatoes, and aubergines.

Question 8

What type of bacteria is Clavibacter michiganensis?

Answer 8

Gram-positive

This bacterium damages leaves, tubers, and fruit of infected plants.

Question 9

List three central symptoms of Meningitis.

Answer 9

• Headache
• Altered mental status
• Stiffness of neck

Meningitis can present with systemic symptoms like high fever and petechiae in cases of meningococcal infection.

Question 10

What is an acellular infectious agent?

Answer 10

A virus or prion that does not have a cellular structure

Examples include bacteriophages, which infect bacteria.

Question 11

True or False: Tuberculosis can be cured with antibiotics.

Answer 11

True

Vaccination is also a method for preventing tuberculosis.