B1 Flashcards

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1
Q

(……) are prokaryotes
(……) are eukaryotes
Viruses and prions are (…..)

A

(Bacteria and Archaea) are prokaryotes
( Fungi , algae , slime moles & Protozoa) are eukaryotes
Viruses and prions are ( neither )

** Virus are not living cells

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2
Q

Viruses consists of either (….) or (……) surrounded by (…….)

Viroids consist only ( ……) and is (……)

A

Viruses consists of either ( DNA )or ( RNA) surrounded by ( protein coat capsid )

Viroids consist only ( RNA ) and is ( not surrounded by protein coat )

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3
Q

Describe the structure and parts of flagella of a bacterium

A
  • organ of locomotion —> moves bacteria towards nutrients & other attracts ( chemotaxis )
  • E for movement provided by ATP
  • 3 parts :
    I) filament
  • longest portion of the flagellum, extends from cell surface to the tip
  • hollow , rigid cylinder made up of a single protein — flagellin

II) Hook
- Short , curved flexible segment that links the filament to the basal body

III) basal body
- portion of the flagellum embedded in the cell

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4
Q

State the function of flagella

A

1) Organ of locomotion for motile bacteria
- Ex : E.coli proteus species , helps propel the bacteria up the urethra into the bladder

2) Flagellar proteins can be used for identification of the bacteria via use of specific antibodies
- ex : Salmonella species

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5
Q

State the types of arrangement & structure of flagella

A

1) No flagellum - Atrichous
2) Single flagellum - Monotrichous
3) Single flagellum at each poles - amphitrichous
4) Tuft of flagella at one pole - Lophotrichous
5) Flagella all over the cell surface - Peritrichous

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6
Q

Describe the structure & function of pili ( fimbriae ) of a bacterium

A
  • fine hair like structure
  • shorter & straighter than flagella & composed of subunits of pilin

Functions :
I) helps the bacteria adhere to surface ( organ of adhesion) —> enhances virulence of a bacteria
II) a specialised pious — sex pilus forms attachments b/w male & female bacteria during conjugation ( gene transfer )

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7
Q

Describe the structure (contents ) & function of bacteria spores

A
  • forms inside the cell
- contains 
I) bacterial DNA 
II) Small amount of cytoplasm 
III) Cell membrane 
IV) Peptidoglycan 
V) small amount of water 
  • functions : to ensure survival of the bacterium during extreme conditions ( no nutrients )
  • remains dormant until conditions improve —> regenerate into bacterium
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8
Q

Bacterial spores are resistant to antibiotics because ( ……..)

A

Bacterial spores are resistant to antibiotics because ( antibiotics target metabolic pathways within the bacterium , but the metabolic pathways are halted in bacterial spore )

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9
Q

Spores are highly resistant to heating and can only be killed at temperature of above ( ……)

A

Spores are highly resistant to heating and can only be killed at temperature of above ( 121 degree Celsius )

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10
Q

Bacteria spores are highly resistant to many chemicals due to its ( ……… )

A

Bacteria spores are highly resistant to many chemicals due to its ( thick keratin like coat )

** hence only chemicals designated as sporicidals can kill bacterial spores

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11
Q

Describe the slime layer / capsule of a bacterium & its function

A
  • glycocalyx is an amorphous , viscid gelatinous materials ( polysaccharide) coating that is secreted by many bacteria
  • slime layer & capsule are the same but capsule —> more organised , not easily washed off.
  • function : mediates adherence of bacteria to surfaces
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12
Q

Which bacterium possesses both slime layer & capsule

A

Streptococcus salivarius

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13
Q

State the function of capsule / slime layer of a bacterium

A

1) Contribute to bacterial virulence
- protect bacterium from phagocytosis
- helps adhere the bacteria to human tissue
- prevents the cells from drying out ( dessication )
- protect the bacterium from the action of lysozymes & bacteriophages
- prevents complement-mediated bacterial,cell lysis

2) Biofilm formation
- contains millions of adherent bacterial cells within the slime layer which are pathogenic
- can adhere to damaged tissue & plastic surface —> disease

3) Source of nutrient and energy
- due to high content of sugar
- ex : Streptococcus mutans ferments sugar in the capsule & form acid byproducts which contribute to caries

4) Vaccine manufacture
- capsular vaccines available for bacteria such as pneumococcus , meningococcus , & Haemophilus influenza serotypes-B

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14
Q

The cell envelope of bacterium is composed of :

A

In gram + bacteria :
I) cell membrane - phospholipid bilayer
II) Cell wall - containing thick peptidoglycan layer & teichoic acid
III) Glycocalyx layer - slime layer / capsule

In gram negative bacteria :
I) cell membrane - phospholipid bilayer
II) Periplasmic space - containing enzymes ( B-lactamases ) which degrades penicillin and other B- lactam drugs
III) Cell wall - containing thin peptidoglycan layer & lipoprotein & outer membrane containing lipopolysaccharides ( endotoxin) & pore protein ( porin )
IV) Glycocalyx layer

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15
Q

The endotoxin / lipopolysaccharide of the outer membrane of Gram negative bacteria is responsible for many of the features of disease such as ( ……..)

A

The endotoxin / lipopolysaccharide of the outer membrane of Gram negative bacteria is responsible for many of the features of disease such as ( fever & septic shock , diarrhea )

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16
Q

The slime layer / capsule consists of polysaccharide , except in the ( …….. ) which is contains polypeptides

A

The slime layer / capsule consists of polysaccharide , except in the ( bacillus anthracis ) which is contains polypeptides

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17
Q

State some general features of fungi

A

1) Eukaryotic organisms
2) Avascular
3) Reproduces via spores ( asexual or sexual ) which are usually wind disseminated
4) Typically not motile although a few ( eg Chytrids ) have a mobile phase
5) Have an alternation of generation like plants ( has n & 2n at diff life stages )
6) If unicellular —> yeasts if multicellular —> molds
7) Cell wall like chitin instead of cellulose ( like in plants )
8) Heterotrophic
9) Digest then ingest w/ help of exozyme

10] Food storage is in the form of glycogen

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18
Q

Classify the fungi based on morphology with examples

A

1) Yeast ( unicellular)
- grows as round to oval cells that reproduce asexually by budding in which cells form protuberance which enlarge & eventually separate
- ex : Crytococcus neoformans

2) Yeast like fungi
- in some yeast , the bud remains attached to the mother cell , elongates and undergoes repeated budding to form chains of elongated cells known as pseudohyphae
- differentiate from true hyphae as they have constriction at the septa
- ex : Candida albicans

3) Mold
- grow as long branching filament known as hyphae —> can grow to form a branching tangled mass of growth called mycelium
- ex : Trichophyton rubrum —> cause athlete foot ( Penicillum spp )

4) Dimorphic fungi
- can exists as either mold ( 25 C ) or yeast in human tissue at body temperature ( 37 C ) in different life stages
- ex : Talaromyces marneffei—> cause of opportunistic infection in HIV / AIDS related immunodeficiency, Blastomyces dermatitis

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19
Q

In dimorphic fungi , the fungi turn into yeast form at (…….) and are (……)
At (……) the fungi turns into mycelium (mass of mold / hyphae) and are (……)

A

In dimorphic fungi , the fungi turn into yeast form at ( 37 C ) and are ( parasitic / pathogenic )
At ( 25 C ) the fungi turns into mycelium (mass of mold / hyphae) and are ( saphrophytic)

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20
Q

Fungi are heterotrophic and can either be (…..)

A

Fungi are heterotrophic and can either be ( saprophytics , parasitic or mutualists ( symbionts) )

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21
Q

List the reagents used in Gram Staining & Their functions

A

1) Crystal violet - primary stain : stains cell purple or blue
2) Lugol’s iodine - mordant makes dye less soluble so it adheres to cell walls
3) Alcohol : decolorizer washes away the stain from the Gram negative cell walls : Gram negative will become colourless
4) Safranin : counterstain allows dye adherence to gram negative cells : Gram negative cells appear pink or red

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22
Q

State the definition of mycosis

A

Disease cause by fungal infection

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23
Q

Classify the different types of mycoses & give examples

A

1) Superficial / cutaneous mycosis
- present in skin , hair , nails & tissue
- rarely invade deeper tissues
- example : dermatophytes cause jock itch , athletes foot , ringworm ; Malassezia furfur causes dandruff

2) Subcutenous mycosis
- confined to subcutaneous tissue
- rarely spreads systematically
- fungi are found in soils & introduced to the body via trauma ( cuts , puncture wounds )
- ex : mucormycosis , mycetoma

3) Systemic mycoses
- involve skin & deep viscera
- may become widely disseminated
- has predilection for specific organs
- infection occurs via inhalation of spores
- fungi causing systemic are mostly dimorphism - ex : histoplasmosis cause by histoplasma spp ; blastomycosis , talaromycosis

4) Opportunistic mycoses - caused by fungi of low virulence in immunocompromised people
- ex : Candidiasis

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24
Q

Which part of the lipopolysaccharide / endotoxin in the outer membrane of a Gram negative bacteria is responsible for toxicity

A

Lipid A

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25
Q

Classify bacteria based on morphology ( shape & arrangement ) & give example

A

1) Cocci (spherical )
- ex : staphylococci spp, Streptococci spp. , Neiserria spp

2) Bacili ( rod shaped )
Ex : Bacillus spp , Escherichia spp , Salmonella spp , Clostridium spp

3) Spirochaetes ( hellical )
Ex : Campylobacter spp , Helicobactee spp , Leptospira spp , Treponema pallidum

26
Q

Classify bacteria based on their temperature requirement

A

1) Psychrophiles
- Bacteria that can grow at 0C or below
- Optimum temperature between -5 ->15C found in Arctic & Antarctic regions
- Ex : Arthrobacter spp.

2) Psychrotrops
- Bacteria that can grow at 0C but optimum temperature is 20-30 C
- Ex : Pseudomonas spp , Staphylococcus spp , Bacillus spp , Clostridium spp

3) Mesophiles
- Bacteria that can grow between 25- 40 C but optimum is 37C
- Most pathogenic bacteria are mesophiles
- exam Escherichia coli , Salmonella spp

4) Thermophiles
- Bacteria that best growth above 45C
- Ex : Thermus aquaticus , Geobacilus stearothermiphilus

5) Hyperthermophiles
- Bacteria that have optimum growth temperature above 80C
- ex: Pyrococcus furiosus

27
Q

Classify medically - important bacteria based on O2 requirement with examples

A

1) Obligate aerobes
- require O2 to grow
- Ex: Pseudomonas , common nosocomial pathogens , Mycobacterium tuberculosis , Bacillus , Brucella

2) Facultative bacteria
- can use O2 but can grow in its absence
- ex: E.coli , Staphylococcus , Streptococcus mutans

3) Obligate anaerobes
- Cannot use O2 & are harmed by the presence of toxic forms of O2
- ex: Clostridium tetani

4) Aerotolerant
- cannot use O2 but can tolerate its presence as it can break down toxic forms of O2
- ex : Lactobacillus

5) Microaerophillic
- Requires O2 but at low concentration
- Sensitive to toxic forms of O2
- Ex: Campylobacter

28
Q

Describe the phase of the bacterial growth curve

A

1) Lag phase
- rate of growth is zero
- last a few minutes to few hours as bacteria are not dividing immediately but undergo a period of adaptation with various metabolic activity
- enzymes & intermediate are being formed

2) Log phase
- rapid cell division & mass increase in an exponential manner
- ideal stage for Gram staining

3) Stationary phase
- Rate of growth is zero due to depletion of nutrients & toxic byproduct accumulation causes rate of new cell formation to be equal to rate of cell death
- culture now at maximal cell density or yield

4) Death phase
- marked by a decline on the number of live bacteria

29
Q

Describe the structure of virion

A

1) Central genome : consists of either DNA / RNA which can be ss or ds , circular or linear , segmented or singular
2) Capsid : a protective protein shell surrounding the nuclei acid genome , made up of capsomers . It protects the genome and helps in attachment with host cell
3) Matrix protein : protein in between the envelope and capsid , it mediates the interaction b/w capsid & envelope and helps in lab diagnosis
4) Envelope : Made of lipoprotein outside the capsid l It mediates attachment with host cell & contains antigenic proteins

30
Q

Naked virus are ( …………….. ) They are (…………… ) to heat , drying , acids , proteases and detergents

Enveloped viruses are (…………………. ) . They are ( ………… ) to heat , drying , detergent and lipid solvent like alcohol , ether

A

Naked virus are ( non enveloped viruses ) They are ( resistant ) to heat , drying , acids , proteases and detergents

Enveloped viruses are ( enveloped viruses ) . They are ( sensitive ) to heat , drying , detergent and lipid solvent like alcohol , ether

31
Q

State the different types of viral symmetry with example

A

1) Icosahedral
- viral capsomeres are arranged in 20 triangles to form a sphere-like outline
- ex: adenovirus , all positive stranded RNA virus except coronavirus ( retrovirus , Hepevirus , picornavirus )

2) Helical
- viral capsomeres are arranged in a hollow coil that appears rod shaped
- ex: influenzavirus , tobacco mosaic virus , coronavirus , all negative strand RNA virus except deltavirus

3) Complex
- neither helical nor icosahedral
- ex: polyvirus

32
Q

Give an example of a :

1) Gram positive cocci ( ………………)
2) Gram negative cocci ( …………..)
3) Gram positive bacilli ( ……………. )
4) Gram negative bacilli (……………… )

A

Give an example of a :

1) Gram positive cocci ( Staphyloccocus aureus , Streptococcus mutans , Streptococcus pneumonia)
2) Gram negative cocci ( Neisseria gonorrhoeas , N. meningitis )
3) Gram positive bacilli ( Clostridium spp , Bacillus anthracis )
4) Gram negative bacilli ( E. Coli , Pseudomonas Aeruginosa , Salmonella spp.)

33
Q

Viruses can be classified based on :

A
A) Genome : 
I) DNA or RNA 
II) Single stranded or Double stranded 
III) Circular or linear 
IV) Segmented or singular 
V) Positive or negative 

B) Symmetry
I) Icosahedral
II) Helical
III) Complex

C) Presence of envelope
I) Naked virus
II) Enveloped virus

34
Q

Most RNA viruses are single stranded except ( ………………….)

A

Most RNA viruses are single stranded except ( reoviruses )

35
Q

Describe the stages of viral replication

A

1) Adsorption / attachment : Involves receptor interaction
- viruses have attachment sites on their envelope / capsid protein that bind complementarily to receptor sites present on the host membrane - Ex: HIV surface glycoprotein gp120 binds to a CD4 molecule on the host cell
2) Penetration - viruses penetrate the host cell by membrane fusion or injection of nucleic acid
I) Membrane fusion - membrane fusion occurs in enveloped viruses
- the envelope merges with the cell membrane of the host cell , resulting in the entry in the nucleocapsid into the cytoplasm
- envelope remains attached to cell membrane
II) Injection of nucleic acid - occurs in bacteriophages
- Nucleic acid is injected while capsid remain attached to cell wall

3) Uncoating
- process by which capsid is removed ( hence absent for bacteriophages )
- occurs via viral enzymes or host cell enzyme or by simple disassociation
- viral nucleic acid become free to act as a template for viral mRNA synthesis

4) Biosynthesis - viral components are synthesised ( nucleocapsid , enzymes of viral replication , regulatory proteins to shut down host cell metabolism )

5) Assembly
- viral nucleic acid & capsid proteins are packaged to form progeny viruses
- assembly can either be in nucleus ( DNA virus ) or cytoplasm ( RNA virus )
- maturation of the progeny take place either in nucleus , cytoplasm or membrane ( Golgi , ER or cell membrane )

6) Release
- either by lysis of host cell or budding off
I) lysis - as shown by non- enveloped viruses and bacteriophages
- released when cell dies & ruptured
II) Budding
- as shown by enveloped viruses
- via exocytosis
- Nucleocapsid binds to cell membrane which pinches off & sheds the virus gradually
- part of the cell membrane become the virus’s envelope
- host cell is not immediately destroyed

36
Q

State the cytopathogenic effects of viral infection

A

1) Cell lysis ( in non enveloped virus & bacteriophages )
2) Cell rounding ( in enveloped virus)
3) Cell syncytium
4) Inclusion bodies - ex : Owl’s eyes inclusion in CMV virus , Negri bodies in Rabies virus

37
Q

Compare prokaryotic & eukaryotic chromosome

A
38
Q

State the types of plasmids

A

R -factors : 2 components ( RTF & r-determinant )
- RTF responsible for conjungation transfer ; r-determinant responsible for antibiotic resistance
- R factors are known to have resistance to up to 8 or more drugs
- commonly occurs among Gram -negative bacteria
F- factor - contains genetic info for formation of sex pilus & self transfer
- does not carry drug resistance markers
- when integrated with host cell chromosome —> episome

39
Q

Describe transposons ( jumping gene)

A
  • sequences of DNA that can move / transpose themselves from one position to another within the genome of a single cell ( eg : from plasmid DNA -> chromosome DNA)
  • occurs via cut and paste method or copy and paste method
  • may contain a number of genes coding for antibiotics resistance or other traits -> contribute to transmission of antibiotics resistance among a population of bacteria
40
Q

State a mechanism of bacterial gene transfer

A

1) Vertical gene transfer
I) mutations ( inversion , deletion , translocation etc )

2) Horizontal gene transfer
I) transformation
II) transduction
III) conjugation

41
Q

Describe the transformation in bacterial gene transfer

A
  • the bacteria acquired new DNA fragments from the environment
  • DNA fragments may be obtained from naturally dying / lysine bacterium in the environment
  • DNA fragment as naked DNA or plasmid ) gets incorporate into chromosomal DNA of the live bacterium
42
Q

Describe transduction in bacterial gene transfer

A
  • Bacteriophages carry DNA from a donor bacteria to a recipient bacteria
  • Bacteriophage injects viral nucleic acid into bacteria which get incorporated into bacterial chromosomal DNA
  • viral genome + bacterial chromosomal DNA is known as prophase which can be replicated & get passed on to daughter cell via cell division
  • prophase gives special traits / characteristics to the bacterium ( eg toxin production in Corynebacterium diphtheriae )
  • when the prophase is induced ( eg by UV lights ) —> parts of bacterial DNA & viral DNA may be improperly excised
  • new virion assembly occurs , incorporating both bacterial & viral DNA
  • cell lysis occurs —> virion containing bacterial + viral DNA released —> infects other cell &can confer special traits to infected bacterial cells
43
Q

Describe conjugation in bacterial gene transfer

A
  • involves F + ( donor ) and F- bacteria ( recipient )
  • F+ bacteria contains F factor plasmid which contains genes coding for formation of the sex pilus
  • The plasmid DNA replicated & a copy of it is passed onto the F- bacteria ( recipient )
  • F- bacteria becomes F + and gains the ability to form a sex pilus
  • Multi drug resistance can also be transferred via R factor plasmid
44
Q

State an example of a spore forming bacteria

A

1j Clostridium spp

2) Bacillus spp”

45
Q

Define sterilization

A

A process by which all living microorganism including viable spores are either destroyed or removed from an articles surface of medium.

46
Q

Classify the types of sterilization ( physical , chemical )

A
47
Q

Describe the autoclave ( working principle , holding time & temperature, articles sterilised , controls )

A
  • a type of moist heating
  • consists of :
    I) pressure chamber : large cylinder + steam jacket
    II) Lid
    III) Electric heater
  • Holding time & temperature : 121C at 15 mins at 15psi
  • Uses :
    I) surgical instrument
    II) aesthetic equipment
    III) dental equipment
    IV) Implanted medical devices
    V) Surgical drapes & linens

Sterilisation controls : spores of Geobacillus stearothermophilus

Working principles : high pressure increase boiling point of water

  • in autoclave there is high pressure -> higher temperature / more heat requires to cause water to boil & make steam
  • extremely hot steam —> kill off bacteria & bacterial spores by causing protein denaturation & nucleic acid degradation
48
Q

Describe the hot air oven ( working principles , uses , holding time & temperature , sterilisation control )

A
  • used for materials that might be damaged by / impenetrable to moist heat
    Uses :
    1) glasswares ( Petri dishes , flasks , pipettes , test tubes )
    2) Powders ( starch , zinc oxides , sulfadizine )
    3) Petroleum products
    4 ) Sharp instruments

Holding time & temperature : 160C for 120 min / 2 hours
Sterilisation control : spores of Bacillus atrophaeus
Working principe - via conduction —> the outer surface is sterilised first , then the heat is conducted to the inner layers of the item , eventually reaching the temp required for sterilization to occur — dry heating causes oxidation of molecules —> destroy cell constituents

49
Q

List the controls of sterilization with examples

A

1) Physical indicators - digital displays of the sterilizer equipment showing these parameters : temperature , time , pressure
2) Chemical indicators - uses heat / chemical sensitive materials which undergo colour change when sterilization parameter is achieved - eg : autoclave tale , internal pack control indicator
3) Biological indicator - bacterial spores which are thermophilic - eg : Geobacillus stearothermophilus , Bacillus atropheus

50
Q

List the methods of sterilization by filtration & radiation

A

Filtration
I) filtration of air - eg high efficiency particulate air (HEPA ) ) filters , N95 respirator , 3 ply mask
II) filtration of liquids - bacteriological examination of water in hospital settings , dialysis water - remove bacteria from heat lability liquids, sera , toxins , sugars , vaccine , antibiotics solutions

Radiation m
I) Ionizing - eg cobalt 60 gamma rays
II) Non-ionizing eg UV , infrared

51
Q

Define the term of disinfectant

A

A chemical used to destroy / remove most pathogenic organism but may or may not destroy bacterial spores
** normally used on inaminate object , not body surface

52
Q

Classify disinfectant based on their efficacy

A

High level disinfectant ( HLD )
I) Aldehydes - glutaraldehyde , ortho-phthaladehydes ( OPA )
II) Pericetic acid
III) H2O2 ( 4-5% = sporoidal )

Intermediate levels disinfectant( ILD)
I) Alcohols ( 60-80%) - ethyl alcohol , isopropyl alcohol
II) Phenol ( carbolic acid ) - creosol , Lysol
III) Halogens - iodine , chlorine ( free chlorine , sodium hypochlorite
IV) UV radiation

Low level disinfectant ( LLD )
I) Quadternary ammonium compounds - benzyl ammonium chloride ( QAC) , ceptylpyridium chloride
II) Chlorhexidine glauconate ( CHG)

53
Q

Hydrogen peroxide is sporocidal at concentration of (…………… )
- Sodium hypochlorite is sporocidal at only concentration of (………………)

A

Hydrogen peroxide is sporocidal at concentration of ( 4-5% )
- Sodium hypochlorite is sporocidal at only concentration of ( >0.5% )

54
Q

As a disinfectant , glutaraldehyde has to be activated by ( ……………………. ) before use & remains active only for 14 days once activated . Ortho-phthaladehydes however ( …………….. ) . But , they ( ……………….. )

A

As a disinfectant , glutaraldehyde has to be activated by ( alkalisation ) before use & remains active only for 14 days once activated . Ortho-phthaladehydes however ( do not require alkalisation ) . But , they ( don’t kill spores & stains the skin gray )

55
Q

( …………………. ) is used as a skin antiseptic

A

( Spirit (70% alcohol) ) is used as a skin antiseptic

56
Q

Describe the stages of infectious disease

A

Incubation period - interval between the entrance of pathogen into the body and the appearance of first symptoms

Prodromal stage - interval from the onset of nonspecific signs & symptoms - during this time , microorganism grow & multiply & the patients may be more capable of spreading disease to others

Illness stage - interval when the patient manifests signs & symptoms specific to the type of infection
-ex : common cold is manifest by sore throat , sinus congestion : mumps is manifests by earache , high fever , parotid & salivary gland swellings

Convalescence - interval when the acute symptoms of infectious disappear & the body tries to replenish its resources and return to a state of homeostasis
- length of recovery dependent on patient general health & severity of the infection

57
Q

Describe the significance in antigenic variation with example

A
  • infectious agents are able to express alternate versions of antigens on their cell surface
  • alters the carbohydrates / proteins on the cell surface -> avoids host immune response -> antigenic escape
    2 types : I) antigenic drift - mutations in the genes for the surface proteins Neuraminidase & hemagluttinin result in small antigenic changes or over time
    II) antigenic shift : Simultineous infections of a cell with 2 different influenza viruses results in mixing of the genes -> resultant virus possesses a mixture of the proteins of the original virus
  • can cause influenza pandemics
58
Q

Describe the methods of transmission of pathogens

A

A) Contact :
I) Direct contact : with skin , mucosa of an uninfected person via kissing , unclean hands , sexual contact
- ex: agents of common cold , skin and eye infections ( Haemophillus - pink eye ) , agnpengs of STi such as HIV , N . Gonorrhea , Chlamydia trachomatis , Treponema pallidum ( syphilis )
II) Indirect contact - through the agents of fomites ( clothes , toys , and towels )

2) Inhalation - agents causing the respiratory infections are acquired via inhalation route
- shed into environment via secretions from nose or throat during sneezing , coughing , speaking

3) Air-borne transmission
I) droplets ( dust ) transmission - larger droplets ( >5um size ) travel for a shorter distance - only infect persons who come into close contact with source - ex: respiratory viruses ( influenza , parainfluenza , adenovirus , respiratory syncytial virus ) and Bordetella pertussis -> pertussis ( whooping cough )
II) droplets ( < 5um) can travel a larger distance —> infect people along its way - ex : tuberculosis , chicken pox , measles

4) Ingestion - intestinal infections & parasitic infections are acquired by ingestion of contiminated food or water - ex : cholera , dysentery , food poisoning , poliomyelitis
5) Inoculation- pathogen directly inoculated into the skin or tissue of the host - ex: animal bite -> rabies
6) Blood borne transmission - via contaminated blood transfusion , contaminated needles , cut on skin with infected instruments Ex: hepatitis , HIV

7) Vector borne ( mechanical or biological ) -occurs by arthropod vectors ( mosquitoes , lice , ticks , fleas ,mite , flies
- 2 types of vector : mechanical & biological
Mechanical vector :carry the microorganism but they do not multiply in the vector & transmit them to eatables
Biological factor : pathogen multiplies in the vector ( female Anopheles mosquito in malaria ; Culex mosquito in filariasis , JEV n Aedes aegypti , A. Albopticus in dengue virus

8) Vertical transmission - from mother to fetus
- transmission maybe transplancental ( TORCH ) infection or via the birth canal ( Hep B , Hep C, HIV)

59
Q

What is TORCH infection

A

Infection that can transmit through placental barrier
T - Toxoplasma gonodii
O- other ( Treponema pallidum ( syphilis )
R - Rubella virus
C - cytomegalovirus
H - Herpes Simplex Virus

60
Q

Describe the factor upon which bacterial pathogenicity is dependent upon :

A

1) Route of transmission - different bacteria have different optimal routes of transmission - ex : V. Cholerae are infective orally but cannot cause infection when introduced subcutaneously , Streptococci can initiate infection whatever be the route of entry

2) Adhesion - mediated by special molecules called adhesin which bind to the specific host cell receptors
- functions : prevents the bacteria from being washed away , facilitate bacteria invasion into the host cells
- ex: pili / fimbriae , non-pilus adhesions ( M protein on S. pyogenes , Lipoteichoic acid ; adhesin P1 on S. mutans ), biofilm formation

3) Pathogenicity islands - large genomic island located in the chromosomal regions of some bacteria containing sets on genes encoding for virulence factors , such as adhesins , secretion systems , toxins , invasions , iron uptake systems etc . - can transfer to other bacteria via horizontal gene transfer - detected in Shigella , Salmonella , V. Chlolerae , S , aureus , Helicobacter

4) Infective dose of the organism - minimum inoculum size that is capable of initiating an infection
- pathogens with low inoculum size : Shigella
- pathogen with high inoculum size : E.coli

5) Invasion - some microorganism are highly invasive ( produce & spread generalized lesions -> streptococcal infections ) , some are less invasive ( produce localised lesions -> streptococcal abscess ) , some lack of invasiveness but are confined to site of entry & produce potent toxins

6 ) Intracellular survival - pathogens that develop strategies to inhibit phagocytosis

7) Toxins - endotoxins cause fever , hypotension shock — example sepsis by gram negative rods
8) Bacterial secretion system - protein complexes present on the surface of a cell involved in the translocation of effector molecules ( proteins , enzyme , toxins ) across the cell membrane from the cytoplasm to the exterior - 6 specialised systems ( type 1-> 6 )

61
Q

State the name of adhesin protein of Streptococcus mutans

A

Adhesin P1

62
Q

Explain the role of microbial enzymes in enhancing their pathogenicity with examples

A
  • enzymes help to overcome body defences & establish themselves in the host
  • ex :hyaluronidase , collaginase , coagulase