Brainscape's Knowledge GenomeTM

Browse over 1 million classes created by top students, professors, publishers, and experts.


See full index

Microbiology > Exam #6: Other Bacterial GU Infections > Flashcards

Exam #6: Other Bacterial GU Infections Flashcards

You may prefer our related Brainscape-certified flashcards:
Biology 101 flashcards
1
Q

Describe the normal microbiota of the vagina. How does the normal flora change throughout life?

A

Hormonal influences throughout life causes variation in the normal flora

  • Childbearing years= Lactobacillus
  • Young girls & post-menopausal= lower prevalence of Lactobacilli
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

List the characteristics of Lactobacillus. What is unique about Lactobacillus?

A
  • Gram (+) rod
  • Mircoaerophilic or anaerobic

*Note that Lactobacilli CANNOT grow in the presence of urine i.e. does NOT cause UTI

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

What is the pH of the vagina? Why?

A

pH is 4-5

- Glycogen is metabolized to lactic acid by lactobacilli

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

What is the outcome of the relatively low pH of the vagina?

A

Optimal growth of Lactobacilli & inhibition of growth of other bacteria

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

How does hysterectomy or removal of the cervix change the normal microbiota of the vagina?

A

Hysterectomy leads to an increase in Bacteroides fragilis
- E.coli & Enterococcus species are also found in culture from women who develop pelvic infections status post hysterectomy

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

What is bacterial vaginosis?

A

A complex & poorly understood syndrome that causes an overgrowth of anaerobic species & reduction of Lactobacillus

Anaerobic species include: Gardnerella vaginalis, Ureaplasma urealyticum, Mobiluncus species, Mycoplasma hominis, and Prevotella species

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

What are the symptoms of BV?

A 
Discharge 
Odor 
Pain 
Itching 
Burning
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

What are the risk factors for BV?

A 
Oral sex 
Douche 
Smoking 
IUD 
Sex during menses 
New or multiple sex partners 
WSW

Note that despite its association with intercourse, Bacterial Vaginosis is NOT an STD.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

What is the typical discharge of BV?

A

White or grey with a “milk-like” appearance

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

What are the four amsel criteria for the diagnosis of BV? How many must be met for the diagnosis?

A

1) Discharge
2) Clue cells
3) Whiff Test
4) pH greater than 4.5 (lactobacilli absent)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

What is a clue cell?

A

Vaginal epithelial cell that appears granular & is coated with coccobacillary organisms

*Seen in Bacterial Vaginosis

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

What is the whiff test?

A
  • KOH addition to sample of vaginal discharge

- Smells fishy b/c of the release of volatile amines

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

What is the Nugent score?

A

Numerical score based on semi-quantization of:

1) large gram(+) rods
2) small Gram-variable rods
3) curved Gram-variable rods

0-3 is normal
4-6 indicates mixed morphotypes
7-10 demonstrates an absence of lactobacilli

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

What are the complications of BV?

A

1) Increased susceptibility to STDs including HIV
2) Passage of HIV to partner
3) Increased development of infection following surgical procedures
4) Increased risk of pregnancy complications e.g. preterm delivery, miscarriage, & infection after delivery

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

How is BV treated?

A

Oral metronidazole

Clindamycin

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

What is vulvovaginal candidiasis?

A

“Yeast infection”

I.e. common fungal infection (Candida albicans overgrowth)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
17
Q

Describe the discharge of a yeast infection.

A

Thick
Odorless
White vaginal discharge

“Cottage cheese”

18
Q

What is complicated VVC?

A
  • Recurrent (>4 per year) or severe VVC
  • Non-albicans candidiasis

Or, patient who has:

  • Uncontrolled DM
  • Debilitation
  • Immunosuppression
19
Q

Describe the morphological features of candida albicans.

A
  • Oval yeast forms

- Buds, pseudohyphae, & hyphae

20
Q

What is a positive germ tube test indicative of?

A

Candida albicans

21
Q

When is VVC infection most common? What are other risk factors for VVC development?

A

Post-antibiotic administration

  • Oral contraceptives
  • Pregnancy
  • DM
  • Systemic corticosteroids
  • HIV infection
22
Q

What else can candida albicans cause?

A

Diaper rash
Oral thrush
Esophagitis
Dissemination

23
Q

How is candidia albicans diagnosed?

A
  • Microscopic examination with 10% KOH
  • “Nickerson medium”
  • Germ tube test
24
Q

How is VVC treated?

A

Topical azole (uncomplicated)

Topical + oral fluconazole (complicated)

25
Q

What is Trichomoniasis?

A

The most common curable STD causing vaginitis

26
Q

What are the symptoms of Trichomoniasis?

A

Vaginitis
Itching
Burning
Dysuria

“Yellow-green, frothy, foul-smelling, discharge”

27
Q

Can men get Trichomoniasis?

A

Yes but they are asymptomatic; men serve as carriers of the disease

28
Q

What causes Trichomoniasis?

A

Trichomonas vaginalis

29
Q

What is Trichomonas vaginalis? List the characteristics of Trichomonas vaginalis.

A

Small, pear-shaped protozoa

  • 4 anterior flagella & undulating membrane that make it mobile
  • Anaerobic
  • Contains a rigid axostyle involved in attachment
  • Exists ONLY as a TROPHOZOITE
30
Q

Describe the pathogenesis of Trichomonas vaginalis.

A

Trichomonas vaginalis causes destruction of epithelial cells in the GU tract, leading to neutrophil influx & petechial hemorrhages

“Strawberry cervix”

Note that one does NOT develop immunity

31
Q

How is Trichomonas vaginalis diagnosed?

A

Detection of swimming T.vaginalis in discharge

Pap smear

32
Q

How is Trichomonas vaginalis treated?

A

Metronidazole (treat BOTH partners)

33
Q

What causes TSS?

A

TSST-1 producing strains of S. aureus that multiply rapidly in hyperabsorbant tampons

34
Q

List the characteristics of S. aureus.

A

Gram (+) cocci
Catalase +
Coagulase +

35
Q

How are the clinical manifestations of TSS categorized?

A

Toxin mediated (intoxication)

36
Q

Describe the mechanism of action of TSST-1.

A

TSST-1 penetrates the mucosal barrier & is responsible for systemic effects of TSS

  • Superantigen that stimulates T-cell activation & release of cytokines
  • Links MHC-II to TCR indiscriminately
  • Massive cytokine release= symyptoms
37
Q

What cytokines mediate TSS?

A

TNF-a (shock & hypotension)

IL-2 (further proliferation of T-cells)

38
Q

What are the presenting symptoms of TSS?

A 
Malaise 
Fever 
Diarrhea 
Nausea 
Vomiting

*Characteristic rash that looks like a sunburn & sloughing off of skin called “erythroderma”

39
Q

How is TSS diagnosed?

A 
Hypotension 
Orthostatic syncope 
Systolic BP less than 90
Erythroderma 
Fever
Skin desqumation

Note that TSST will be detected in the vagina but NOT blood

40
Q

How is TSS treated?

A

Remove tampon
Supportive therapy
Administer B-lactamase resistant PCN or vancomycin

41
Q

What should be remembered in regards to women that has had a prior TSS?

A

Recurrence is common; they should avoid tampon use*****

*Cannot make an antibody to TSST-1

Microbiology (49 decks)

Brainscape helps you reach your goals faster, through stronger study habits.
© 2024 Bold Learning Solutions. Terms and Conditions