Exotic Pulm Pathogens

Question 1

Characteristics of Bacillus anthracis

Answer 1

1. GP rod in chains
2. encapsulated
3. Spore forming
4. Facultative intracellular pathogen
5. produces anthrax toxin

Question 2

Transmission of Bacillus anthracis

Answer 2

1. GI
2. Cutaneous
3. Inhaled*

*more serious form of disease and results in death

Question 3

Clinical manifestations and Dx of Bacillus anthracis infection (Anthrax)

Answer 3

1. Disease onset begins 4-6 day after inhalation but can take up to 6 weeks
   - persists within macrophages for long periods
2. CXR and CT: widened mediastinum w/ pleural effusions
3. Antibody titers in the serum (Blood or resp. secretion) tested directly for toxins

Question 4

How does anthrax cause death?

Answer 4

1. Blockage of pneumonic lymph vessels => progressive pulm edema
2. Macrophages responding to infection release cytokines that cause septic shock and death

Question 5

Tx of Bacillus anthracis

Answer 5

60 days Ciprofloxacin

• Severe cases: IV cipro with additional antibiotic

Question 6

Characteristics of Brucellosis spp. (Brucellosis or Malta fever)

Answer 6

1. Small GN coccobaccilus
2. intracellular
3. endemic in domesticated livestock
   - infection results from exposure of working with animals or consuming unpasteurized dairy products obtained from them