Brucellosis, Melioidosis, Whooping Cough

Question 1

What is Brucellosis, and what are the main sources of human infection?

Answer 1

Brucellosis is a bacterial disease primarily transmitted to humans through direct contact with infected animals, ingestion of contaminated animal products, or inhalation of airborne agents.

Question 2

Describe the populations at risk for Brucellosis.

Answer 2

Populations at risk for Brucellosis include occupational groups such as cattle ranchers, veterinarians, abattoir workers, hunters, travelers, and consumers of unpasteurized dairy products.

Question 3

What are the characteristics of Brucella spp. bacteria?

Answer 3

Brucella spp. are Gram-negative coccobacilli that are facultative intracellular organisms with environmental persistence.

Question 4

Explain the clinical presentation of Brucellosis in humans.

Answer 4

Clinical presentation of Brucellosis includes fever, sweats, malaise, anorexia, headache, and muscle/joint/back pain.

Question 5

How is Brucellosis diagnosed in humans?

Answer 5

Brucellosis in humans is diagnosed through isolation of the organism from blood, bone marrow, or other tissues, serum agglutination tests, immunofluorescence, or PCR.

Question 6

What is the treatment of choice for Brucellosis?

Answer 6

Combination therapy with doxycycline and streptomycin or rifampicin is the treatment of choice for Brucellosis.

Question 7

What is the prognosis for Brucellosis patients?

Answer 7

The prognosis for Brucellosis is generally good with antibiotics, but untreated cases can lead to complications such as endocarditis or meningitis.

Question 8

What are the prevention and control measures for Brucellosis?

Answer 8

Prevention and control of Brucellosis involve education about transmission risks, proper attire when dealing with infected animals, and avoiding consumption of raw dairy products.

Question 9

What is the causative organism of Melioidosis?

Answer 9

Melioidosis is caused by Burkholderia pseudomallei.

Question 10

Where is Melioidosis prevalent?

Answer 10

Melioidosis is prevalent in Southeast Asia, particularly in regions with soil and water contamination.

Question 11

Describe the epidemiology of Melioidosis in Africa.

Answer 11

Melioidosis cases in Africa are under-recognized and under-reported, despite isolated reports of B. pseudomallei presence in soil and animals.

Question 12

How is Melioidosis diagnosed in the laboratory?

Answer 12

Laboratory diagnosis of Melioidosis involves identifying oxidase-positive, Gram-negative bacteria with specific colony morphology and biochemical characteristics.

Question 13

What are the modes of transmission of Pertussis?

Answer 13

Pertussis is transmitted via aerosolized droplets from cough or sneeze and direct contact with respiratory secretions of infectious individuals.

Question 14

What are the clinical features of Pertussis?

Answer 14

Clinical features of Pertussis include catarrhal symptoms, severe cough with characteristic “whoop,” vomiting, and apnea in infants.

Question 15

Describe the stages of Pertussis infection.

Answer 15

Pertussis infection has catarrhal, paroxysmal, and convalescent stages, lasting 1-2 weeks each, with a cough persisting for 6-10 weeks.

Question 16

What are the laboratory testing methods for Pertussis?

Answer 16

Laboratory testing for Pertussis includes culture, PCR, and DFA from nasopharyngeal swabs or aspirates, as well as serology.

Question 17

What are the complications of Pertussis?

Answer 17

Complications of Pertussis include syncope, sleep disturbance, rib fractures, pneumonia, seizures, encephalopathy, and death, especially in infants.

Question 18

What is the aim of Pertussis treatment?

Answer 18

The aim of Pertussis treatment is to eradicate nasopharyngeal carriage with antibiotics like erythromycin or azithromycin.

Question 19

What types of vaccines are available for Pertussis?

Answer 19

Two types of Pertussis vaccines are available: whole-cell (wP) and acellular (aP) vaccines, administered in a primary series followed by boosters.

Question 20

What are the WHO recommendations regarding Pertussis vaccination?

Answer 20

WHO recommends a 3-dose primary series for Pertussis vaccination, with subsequent doses given at 4-8 week intervals and a booster dose for children aged 1-6 years.

Question 21

Describe Legionella pneumophila, the causative agent of Legionnaires’ disease.

Answer 21

Legionnaires’ disease is caused by Legionella pneumophila, a gram-negative bacillus commonly found in water sources.

Question 22

How is Legionnaires’ disease transmitted?

Answer 22

Legionnaires’ disease is transmitted through inhalation of contaminated aerosols, particularly from water sprays or mists.

Question 23

What are the key facts about Legionnaires’ disease according to WHO?

Answer 23

Key facts about Legionnaires’ disease include its incubation period, mode of transmission, and demographic distribution.

Question 24

What are the risk factors for Legionnaires’ disease?

Answer 24

Risk factors for Legionnaires’ disease include smoking, heavy drinking, pulmonary-related illnesses, and immunosuppression.

Question 25

What are the symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease?

Answer 25

Symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease range from mild flu-like illness to severe pneumonia with respiratory failure and multi-organ dysfunction.

Question 26

How is Legionnaires’ disease diagnosed in the laboratory?

Answer 26

Laboratory diagnosis of Legionnaires’ disease involves culture of respiratory secretions or urinary antigen testing.

Question 27

What are the methods for preventing Legionnaires’ disease?

Answer 27

Preventive measures for Legionnaires’ disease include implementing water safety plans, proper maintenance of water systems, and surveillance for outbreaks.

Question 28

Explain the characteristics of Atypical Pneumonia caused by Legionella pneumophila.

Answer 28

Atypical pneumonia caused by Legionella pneumophila presents with flu-like symptoms and may progress to severe pneumonia.

Question 29

What are the symptoms of Pontiac disease?

Answer 29

Pontiac disease is a mild, self-limiting influenza-like illness caused by Legionella pneumophila.

Question 30

Describe the laboratory diagnosis of Legionnaires’ disease.

Answer 30

Laboratory diagnosis of Legionnaires’ disease includes culture of respiratory secretions and urinary antigen testing.

Question 31

What preventive measures can be taken to avoid Legionnaires’ disease?

Answer 31

Preventive measures for Legionnaires’ disease involve maintaining clean water systems and identifying and mitigating risk factors for exposure.