Brucellosis, Melioidosis, Whooping Cough Flashcards
What is Brucellosis, and what are the main sources of human infection?
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.
Describe the populations at risk for Brucellosis.
Populations at risk for Brucellosis include occupational groups such as cattle ranchers, veterinarians, abattoir workers, hunters, travelers, and consumers of unpasteurized dairy products.
What are the characteristics of Brucella spp. bacteria?
Brucella spp. are Gram-negative coccobacilli that are facultative intracellular organisms with environmental persistence.
Explain the clinical presentation of Brucellosis in humans.
Clinical presentation of Brucellosis includes fever, sweats, malaise, anorexia, headache, and muscle/joint/back pain.
How is Brucellosis diagnosed in humans?
Brucellosis in humans is diagnosed through isolation of the organism from blood, bone marrow, or other tissues, serum agglutination tests, immunofluorescence, or PCR.
What is the treatment of choice for Brucellosis?
Combination therapy with doxycycline and streptomycin or rifampicin is the treatment of choice for Brucellosis.
What is the prognosis for Brucellosis patients?
The prognosis for Brucellosis is generally good with antibiotics, but untreated cases can lead to complications such as endocarditis or meningitis.
What are the prevention and control measures for Brucellosis?
Prevention and control of Brucellosis involve education about transmission risks, proper attire when dealing with infected animals, and avoiding consumption of raw dairy products.
What is the causative organism of Melioidosis?
Melioidosis is caused by Burkholderia pseudomallei.
Where is Melioidosis prevalent?
Melioidosis is prevalent in Southeast Asia, particularly in regions with soil and water contamination.
Describe the epidemiology of Melioidosis in Africa.
Melioidosis cases in Africa are under-recognized and under-reported, despite isolated reports of B. pseudomallei presence in soil and animals.
How is Melioidosis diagnosed in the laboratory?
Laboratory diagnosis of Melioidosis involves identifying oxidase-positive, Gram-negative bacteria with specific colony morphology and biochemical characteristics.
What are the modes of transmission of Pertussis?
Pertussis is transmitted via aerosolized droplets from cough or sneeze and direct contact with respiratory secretions of infectious individuals.
What are the clinical features of Pertussis?
Clinical features of Pertussis include catarrhal symptoms, severe cough with characteristic “whoop,” vomiting, and apnea in infants.
Describe the stages of Pertussis infection.
Pertussis infection has catarrhal, paroxysmal, and convalescent stages, lasting 1-2 weeks each, with a cough persisting for 6-10 weeks.
What are the laboratory testing methods for Pertussis?
Laboratory testing for Pertussis includes culture, PCR, and DFA from nasopharyngeal swabs or aspirates, as well as serology.
What are the complications of Pertussis?
Complications of Pertussis include syncope, sleep disturbance, rib fractures, pneumonia, seizures, encephalopathy, and death, especially in infants.
What is the aim of Pertussis treatment?
The aim of Pertussis treatment is to eradicate nasopharyngeal carriage with antibiotics like erythromycin or azithromycin.
What types of vaccines are available for Pertussis?
Two types of Pertussis vaccines are available: whole-cell (wP) and acellular (aP) vaccines, administered in a primary series followed by boosters.
What are the WHO recommendations regarding Pertussis vaccination?
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.
Describe Legionella pneumophila, the causative agent of Legionnaires’ disease.
Legionnaires’ disease is caused by Legionella pneumophila, a gram-negative bacillus commonly found in water sources.
How is Legionnaires’ disease transmitted?
Legionnaires’ disease is transmitted through inhalation of contaminated aerosols, particularly from water sprays or mists.
What are the key facts about Legionnaires’ disease according to WHO?
Key facts about Legionnaires’ disease include its incubation period, mode of transmission, and demographic distribution.
What are the risk factors for Legionnaires’ disease?
Risk factors for Legionnaires’ disease include smoking, heavy drinking, pulmonary-related illnesses, and immunosuppression.
What are the symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease?
Symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease range from mild flu-like illness to severe pneumonia with respiratory failure and multi-organ dysfunction.
How is Legionnaires’ disease diagnosed in the laboratory?
Laboratory diagnosis of Legionnaires’ disease involves culture of respiratory secretions or urinary antigen testing.
What are the methods for preventing Legionnaires’ disease?
Preventive measures for Legionnaires’ disease include implementing water safety plans, proper maintenance of water systems, and surveillance for outbreaks.
Explain the characteristics of Atypical Pneumonia caused by Legionella pneumophila.
Atypical pneumonia caused by Legionella pneumophila presents with flu-like symptoms and may progress to severe pneumonia.
What are the symptoms of Pontiac disease?
Pontiac disease is a mild, self-limiting influenza-like illness caused by Legionella pneumophila.
Describe the laboratory diagnosis of Legionnaires’ disease.
Laboratory diagnosis of Legionnaires’ disease includes culture of respiratory secretions and urinary antigen testing.
What preventive measures can be taken to avoid Legionnaires’ disease?
Preventive measures for Legionnaires’ disease involve maintaining clean water systems and identifying and mitigating risk factors for exposure.
