Chapter 22 Flashcards
What are the four bacteria that commonly cause meningitis?
- Streptococcus pneumoniae
- Neisseria meningitidis
- Haemophilus influenza type B (Hib)
- Listeria monocytogenes
What are some of the characteristics that these different pathogens have in common?
Capsule formation for protection
Ability to invade the central nervous system (CNS)
Release of cell wall fragments
Association with meningitis and potential neurological damage
Which type of meningitis is more common in college-aged students?
Neisseria meningitidis (meningococcal meningitis)
Which meningitis bacterial type can be transferred from mother to fetus?
Listeria monocytogenes
What is a critical symptom of meningitis?
Symptoms include:
- A bloody and cloudy cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)
- High white blood cell count
- Inflammation of the meninges
How do viral and bacterial meningitis compare?
- Viral meningitis is more common and tends to be milder than bacterial meningitis.
- Bacterial meningitis is often more severe and can be life-threatening.
Is botulism caused by the organism itself or a released toxin?
Botulism is caused by the released toxin produced by Clostridium botulinum.
What type of paralysis is caused by botulism?
Flaccid paralysis
What is the connection with babies, honey, and botulism?
Infants under 1 year old should not be given honey, as it may contain spores of Clostridium botulinum, which can lead to botulism in infants.
What are some major misconceptions of leprosy?
- That it’s highly contagious (it is not)
- That it causes body parts to fall off (it does not)
What is the alternate term for leprosy?
Hansen’s disease
Where does leprosy grow in the human body?
Leprosy grows in the peripheral nervous system (PNS)
How do immune responses contribute to the pathogenesis of leprosy?
The cell-mediated immune response can lead to nerve damage in leprosy.
Is tetanus caused by the organism itself or a released toxin?
Tetanus is caused by the released toxin produced by Clostridium tetani.
What toxin is released from Clostridium tetani?
Tetanospasmin