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Microbiology > Fungal and parasitic CNS infections > Flashcards

Fungal and parasitic CNS infections Flashcards

1
Q

Which agent has terminal, “tennis racket” like spores?

A

Clostridium Tetani

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2
Q

What population is at the largest risk for C. tetani, esp in underdeveloped countries?

A

newborns and IV drug users

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3
Q

What is the key VF in C. Tetani?

A

Tetanospasmin, a potent exotoxin

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4
Q

What does tetanospasmin toxin activity result in?

A

disruption of CNS control, autonomic dysfunction, and NM junction dysfunction

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5
Q

What are the signs of tetanus?

A

Trismus, risus sardonicus, opisthotonos, and flexion of the arms and extension of the lower extremities, pneumonia, hypo/hypertension, tachycardia (death due to resp/cardiac failure)

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6
Q

What is used to neutralize the tetanus exotoxin and for passive immunization?

A

Human Tetanus Immune Globulin (HTIG)

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7
Q

What is the DOC for Tetanus?

A

PCN plus antitoxin (HTIG)

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8
Q

What agent produces the most potent toxin known, has subterminal spores, and is greatly heat resistant?

A

Clostridium botulinum

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9
Q

What is the reason for GI distrubance in food poisoning with c. botulinum? Infant botulism?

A

Neurotoxin; spores and neurotoxin

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10
Q

What antibiotic should be used with C. botulinum?

A

NONE! Use antitoxin only

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11
Q

Cryptococcus neoformans is to ___ as cryptococcus gattii is to___

A

Immunocompromised; immunocompetent (fatal)

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12
Q

What does cryptococcus neoformans result in in immunocompromised hosts?

A

meningoencephalitis, all cases are fatal

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13
Q

Thick capsule that produces creamy, mucoid colonies

A

Cryptococcus neoformans

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14
Q

What medium does cryptococcus neoformans grow on?

A

Saboroud’s dextrose agar or potato dextrose agar

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15
Q

What two serotypes are found in c. neoformans? c. gattii?

A

A/D; B and C

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16
Q

What is the CP of cryptococcosis?

A

Fever, HA, stiff neck, change in mental status, LOW GLUCOSE

17
Q

What stain is used if you suspect C. Neoformans?

A

India Ink

18
Q

How do you differentiate between C. neoformans and C. gattii?

A

C. neoformans will grow on CGB medium

19
Q

What is the DOC for crypto neoformans?

A

ampho B + flucytosine, fluconazole following acute tx in AIDS pts.

20
Q

What does toxoplasma gondii cause?

A

the third leading cause of death in the US due to FBI, most are asymptomatic in immunocompetent hosts

21
Q

Where do we see severe complications of toxoplasma gondii?

A

in immunocompromised hosts and women NEWLY infected in PGN

22
Q

What is the name of the tissue cyst that contains bradyzoites in toxoplasmosis?

A

zoitocyst

23
Q

What is the triad of sx that suggest congenital toxoplasmosis?

A

Chorioretinitis, hydrocephalus, intracranial calcifications

24
Q

What is the CP of postnatal toxoplasmosis?

A

Fever, myalgia, blurred vision

25
Q

How does transmission of toxoplasma gondii usually occur?

A

foodborne (usually zoitocysts), zoonotic (oocysts), and rarely through blood transfusion and organ transplantation

26
Q

What is the test of choice for diagnosing toxoplasmosis?

A

PCR to evaluate DNA or ELISA to evaluate IgG or IgM in amniotic fluid, DIFFICULT TO OBTAIN CSF SAMPLE

27
Q

What is the treatment for toxoplasmosis?

A

pyrimethamine and sulfadiazine (parasite still stays in tissues)

28
Q

What is considered the business end of the naegleria fowleri?

A

amoeboid

29
Q

What is the causitive agent that results in primary acute meningoencephalitis in HEALTHY individuals? How many days post exposure?

A

Naegleria Fowleri, 1-14 days post exposure, death occurs in two days of becoming symptomatic!

30
Q

Why is Naegleria caught so late?

A

Because we treated them for bacterial and fungal meningitis first!

31
Q

Summer months, southern states, freshwater, cannot be contracted from drinking contaminated water, and by using tap water in Neti pots

A

Naegleria fowleri

32
Q

What is the combination therapy for naegleria fowleri?

A

Amphotericin B, rifampin, and miconazole

33
Q

Which protozoan possesses spiked pseudopodia?

A

acanthamoeba

34
Q

Which agent causes pain and blurred vision following trauma to the eye that can resemble corneal herpes?

A

acanthamoeba

35
Q

How can you control infection of acanthamoeba?

A

wear gloves while gardening, properly clean lesions

36
Q

What is the treatment of choice for keratitis?

A

oral itraconazole, topical miconazole + corticosteroid

Microbiology (14 decks)

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