Diseases of the Digestive System Flashcards
Chapter 25
How do microbes enter the digestive system?
fecal-oral route
What are examples of the fecal-oral route?
contaminated food & water (microbes + toxins)
How can we prevent microbes from entering
humans via the fecal-oral route? (3)
- good sewage treatment
- disinfection of drinking water
- proper food handling & cooking
Describe the microbes found in the mouth:
over 400 species of normal flora
Describe the microbes and pH of the stomach and small intestines (2):
- low pH
- few microbes
The lower the pH….. (the < or > the microbes)
the less (<) microbes
Describe the microbes in the large intestine (3):
- large # of bacteria
- anaerobes
- facultative anaerobes
What are the Bacterial Diseases of the Lower GI Tract? (4)
- Staphylococcal Food Poisoning
- Typhoid Fever
- Cholera
- Traveler’s Diarrhea (E. coli gastroenteritis)
What are the Viral Diseases of the Lower GI Tract? (2)
- Hepatitis
- Viral Gastroenteritis
Define Food Infection:
pathogen enters GI tract & multiplies
What happens if a microbe remains in the GI Tract?
infection becomes systemic
Define Food Intoxication:
ingestion of an exotoxin
What is another name for food intoxication?
food poisoning
What is another name for food poisoning?
food intoxication
Are symptoms in food intoxication caused by the microbe or by the toxin?
the toxin
What causes the symptoms of food poisoning?
the toxin
Define Gastroenteritis:
inflammation of stomach & intestinal mucosa
What are the common symptoms of microbes in the GI tract? (3)
- diarrhea or dysentery (diarrhea with blood & mucus)
- abdominal cramps
- nausea, vomiting
Which Bacteria causes Staphylococcal Food Poisoning?
Staphylococcus aureus
What is Staphylococcus aureus relatively resistant to?
drying
Describe Staphylococcus aureus (3):
- found in nasal passages & skin lesions
- tolerate high salt, organic compounds, & higher temps
- grows in custards, creamy salad dressing, sauces, ham
What is the incubation time for Staphylococcal Food Poisoning?
~2-6 hours
What are the Symptoms of Staphylococcal Food Poisoning? (3)
- diarrhea
- stomach cramps
- vomiting
How long does Staphylococcal Food Poisoning last in a healthy person?
24 hours
What does Staphylococcus aureus secrete?
an exotoxin that is an enterotoxin
What is an enterotoxin?
a toxin that affects the intestines
How are enterotoxins inactivated?
heat stabile: boil food 30 minutes
What Bacteria causes Salmonellosis?
Salmonella sp.
Describe Salmonella sp. (2):
- gram (-)
- rod
Where is Salmonella sp. found? (4)
- intestines of many animals
- eggs + egg products
- poultry
- pet reptiles (turtles & iguanas)
What does Salmonella enteritica cause?
salmonellosis
What does S. typhi cause?
typhoid fever
What bacteria causes Typhoid Fever?
S. typhi
How do we differentiate between different species of bacteria?
cell surface antigens
What is Vi Ag?
Capsule Ag
What is H Ag?
Flagella
What is the incubation period for a Food Infection?
12-36 hours
What are the steps of a Food Infection? (3)
- microbe enters GI and epithelial cells lining intestines
- multiplies within cells + enters lymphatics
- moves to blood + other organs
What are the symptoms of Food Infection? (4)
- fever
- nausea
- abdominal cramps
- diarrhea
How long do Food Infections typically last?
a few days
What bacteria causes Typhoid Fever?
Salmonella typhi
Where is Salmonella typhi found?
In humans only (no animals)
What are the Virulence Factors of Salmonella typhi? (3)
- endotoxins
- can replicate within macrophages
- can enter intestinal epithelial cells
How is Typhoid Fever spread? (2)
- ingested
- fecal-oral route
What is the incubation period for Typhoid Fever?
~2 weeks
What is the path that Typhoid Fever takes in the body? (4)
- microbe enters intestines + penetrates intestinal lining
- enters lymphatic
- re-enters intestines + pierces intestinal wall leading to bleeding
- microbe shed in feces
What are the Symptoms of Typhoid Fever? (4)
- fever
- weakness
- “rose spots” on trunk
- diarrhea (appears weeks later)
How long does Typhoid Fever last for?
2-3 weeks
Is Typhoid Fever fatal?
It can be because of internal bleeding (intestinal wall)
Who are the typical carriers of Typhoid Fever?
food handlers
Where is Typhoid Fever found in the human body?
Gallbladder (1-3%)
Who is an example of a Typhoid Fever Outbreak?
Typhoid Mary: asymptomatic food handler that caused various outbreaks
What are the Four F’s of Typhoid Fever?
- Feces
- Flies
- Fingers
- Food
How is Typhoid Fever Prevented? (3)
- proper sewage treatment
- proper water treatment
- proper food handling
What Vaccines are available for Typhoid Fever? (2)
- subunit vaccine
- live oral vaccine
What bacteria causes Cholera?
Vibrio cholera
Describe Vibrio cholera (3):
- gram (-)
- rod (comma shaped)
- high pH