Bacterial Infections of Childhood

Question 1

Corynebacterium diptheriae

Answer 1

Diptheria- humans only reservoir
aerobic, gram + rod
necrotizing URT infection-thick grey, leathery membranes
exotoxin from bacteriophage–> cardiac, neurologic complications

Question 2

Bordetella pertusis

Answer 2

Whooping cough URT- humans only reservoir
Gram (-) coccobacillus
Cytotoxin that kills ciliated cells
Pertussis toxin–>lymphocytosis
Loss of mucocilliary blanket increased risk of pneumonia

Question 3

Haemophilus influenzae

type a

Answer 3

major pediatric pathogen
Gram (-) coccobacillus- NOT encapsulated
Resides in nasopharynx- URT infection & Otitis media when immnunocompromised

Question 4

Haemophilus influenzae

type b

Answer 4

major pediatric pathogen *Bacterial meningitis

Gram (-) coccobacillus- encapsulated (capable of tissue invasion)

Question 5

Neisseria meningitidis (meningococcus)

Answer 5

Gram (-) paired cocci
attaches to non-ciliated epithelium via pili
Systemic effects due to endotoxin (LPS)
Meninfococcal septicemia characterized- wide spread petechiae and purpura in the skin and viscera
** Associated with Waterhouse- Friderichsen Syndrome (hemorrhagic necrosis of both adrenals)