Exam 2 - (1) Chlamydiae, Rickettsiae, Ehrlichia Flashcards
What are some general features of Chlamydiae?
- Small (.25 - .8 um, just at light microscope limit)
- Gram negative (LPS outer membrane and cytoplasmic membrane
- No peptidoglycan (murein) in cell walls, has structure analogous to murein
- small genome (1-1.2 megabases)
Describe the class and defining features of Chlamydiae:
- obl. intracellular pathogens which only grow inside cells or on live tissues (animals, insects, protozoa)
- Energy parasites that depend on the host for ATP and certain amino acids
- complex developmental cycle
Formerly there were four species of Chlamydia recognized, what are they?
1- C. trachomatis (3 biovariants, multiple strains in each)
2- C. pneumoniae
3- C. psittaci
4- C. pecorum
Which Chlamydia species are primarily human pathogens?
- C. trachomatis
- C. pneumoniae
Which Chlamydia species are primarily animal pathogens but some are capable of causing disease in humans?
- C. psittaci
- C. pecorum
Chlamydial infections are the leading cause of preventable blindness world wide, T or F?
True
Chlamydia spp. are the second most common agents of sexually transmitted bacterial infections, T or F?
False, they are the MOST common
It is speculated that every living adult has had pneumonia caused by C. pneumoniae, what is the term for this?
Walking pneumoniae
What is the common route, initial target, and localization of a chlamydial infection?
- droplet or direct contact
- mucosal epithelial cells
- usually localized (eyes, lungs, genitalia; LGV is invasive, however)
How is chlamydial infections spread?
4 F’s: Fingers, Flies, Fomites, Fornication
What are the results of a C. trachomatis genital tract infection in males?
Prostatitis, epididymitis
What are the results of a C. trachomatis genital tract infection in females?
Cervicitis, PID, premature birth, pelvic pain, newborn eye/lung infections
What are the results of a C. trachomatis genital tract infection in both males and females?
Urethritis, infertility, proctitis, arthritis
C. trachomatis genital tract infections are usually ________ in females. Chronic and repeat infections can cause ______ and/or ______ pregnancy.
- asymptomatic
- sterility
- ectopic
C. trachomatis infections can be _____ or chronic. They involve a _____ ______ in which the organisms location is unknown.
- acute
- silent period
C. trachomatis asymptomatic carriage has no apparent adverse effects and is of little concern, T or F?
False: asymptomatic carriage results in the MOST damage and scarring
During birth, infants can contract a C. trachomatis infection which leads to:
- conjunctivitis
- pneumonia
What is the transit form of Chlamydia spp.?
Elementary bodies (EBs) which exist extracellularly.
How can EB’s enter into host cells?
they masquerade as nutrients, growth factors, and hormones which bind to specific receptors on the cells surface. They then are internalized by receptor mediated endocytosis.
EBs modify the endocytic vesicle which contains them in ways which ensure their survival while inside, describe them:
- maintain a favorable pH of above 6.2 which prevents vesicle’s fusion with lysosomes
- modify vesicles surface with host components (glycolipids) for camouflage
Infectious EBs transform into larger intracellular active organisms called ____. This form has the ability to ______ ______ using the host metabolites and ______ by binary fission.
- RBs
- synthesize molecules
- divide
The Chlamydial organisms (EB, RB) develop ____ within the host cells. There are usually ____ per cycle of division. Once ______ organisms are present, the ______ can be observed.
- slowly
- 2-3 days
- 200-1000
- inclusions